Question:
Anyone have surgery right before Christmas?
My surgery is tentatively scheduled for December 12th. Any suggestions on how to cope with all of the activities that are centered around food during the holidays? Also, how to deal with questions from rarely seen relatives? — asumamma1 (posted on October 5, 2002)
October 5, 2002
I had my surgery on December 6th last year. As far as the food goes...you
won't want it anyway. You'll most likely still be in the soft foods stage
of your postop diet. As far as relatives go.... You'll only have lost a
little bit by then, not enough to really notice. You may want to see how
it goes in regards to RSVPing to parties and stuff like that, because
you'll still be getting tired easily. Good Luck!
— Monica H.
October 5, 2002
My DH had his surgery on Dec 11 last year. The previous poster is right,
you won't feel like eating a lot of goodies. I pureed some ham from those
little cans with some mustard and served it with cheesey mashed potatoes.
I then drove him around the county to see some of the big light displays.
That was about all he could handle. He watched football too. Take it easy
and let others do the work.
— Janis D.
October 5, 2002
Hi, I had my surgery Dec 18th, which not only was close to xmas but my bday
as well, my bday being dec 21rst luckily i was doing good and the dr
released me the day before my bday. I had my surgery out of town so didnt
have to be around food, and really didnt matter either. But when I came
home back to vegas that is, my family made a news years dinner and I didnt
care much for it. So you probably wont even have to worry about the
temptations since its so close to surgery. GOod luck with ur surgery my
thoughts and prayers are with you...
— Deanna Wise
October 5, 2002
My surgery was 6 days before Thanksgiving last year and my mother who was
staying with us made the big spread for my family and my sister and her
room-mates...yes, the smells drove me crazy...I actually licked my mother's
fingers after she was done carving the turkey (I was desperate man!!) But
I survived it...I just excused myself to the living room with my water
bottle (I wasn't even on purees yet). If you don't think you can handle
the holiday parties, don't go. By Christmas I was on regular foods, but
very little. I dealt with being with out of town relatives by just helping
out in the kitchen while everyone was eating and helping out at the kids
table. I was able to "pick" a little bit and no one made a big
deal about it.
Good luck
~CAE~
— Mustang
October 5, 2002
Well, I had my surgey on Nov. 30th. I felt like things were pretty easy, I
really was not inserted in eating that much and the family was very
supportive. I also had done all my shopping and wrapping and the hubby and
kids did all the decorating, But I did help, I was feeling pretty well by
Christmas. I think if you go into this knowing what to expect you will be
fine.. Enjoy your holidays!
— Kathryn C.
October 5, 2002
I am having my tummytuck surgery and hopefully my breast reduction/lift on
December 2nd. the tt is approved already and I will know about the breast
lift/reduction next week, hope it will be approved too, but I was wondering
the same thing about how I am going to feel, anybody who has had a
panniculectomy ,I could use some advice on how the pain is and so on..
— bikerchic
October 5, 2002
I see a lot people say that you won't want to eat, but I went throught
this, because I had my surgery close to Easter and even though I couldn't
physically handle the food, there was still the mental desire to eat and
the feelings of loss. I actually became very depressed hearing others
discuss their plans for Easter dinner. I think later I went home and
cried. I would imagine Christmas would be harder. All I can say is be
prepared for possible feelings of loss and depression. If you can find a
way to not be around all the food, that may be help. It might help if you
eat separetely and not watch others while they eat. Keep yourself busy.
Also, know that the feelings will pass.
— Lisa N M.
October 5, 2002
Just wanted to let you know you aren't alone. My surgery will be December
16. Good luck to you.
— Toni C.
October 5, 2002
My two year anniversary will be Dec 12.. I didnt have any problem right
after surgery with food issues.. I had a list of things I was allowed, and
my relatives were very cooperative at that time.. I also was honest with
any and all questions about my surgery.. I had weight loss surgery to
become healthier and have a quality of life..and yes, I would do this over
and over again.. even on Christmas Day to feel as good as I now do. No, it
hasnt been easy for me.. I have had some problems along the way, but
nothing that wasnt fixable.. You are about to embark on a journey that will
change your life and make you healthier, feel better , etc.. dont let
something as trivial as holidays get into the way.. I think we , as
Americans, are way too focused on food as a way of celebrating everything
anyways..
Good luck to you.
Hugs,
— Gina Landers
October 6, 2002
Just thought I would let you know you are not alone. My surgery is
scheduled Dec. 17. I fly out of town on the 15 which is my B-day, my
itenerary says I will be flown back on Dec. 23. I have been scared to death
about how to deal with Christmas and even thought of postponing. But, I am
ready for this now and not later. So good luck to you and I am sure we can
both deal with this. Just look at all the bad we deal with from being
overweight.
— Lisa B.
October 6, 2002
I totally know the feeling. I had surgery last November 19th. I was IN
the hospital on Thanksgiving! It was a challenge let me tell you. I felt
like *%$# but still it was tough when they took me out for walks past the
nurses station and there were cookies, pies, turkey...you get the drift.
Even the nurse's aides came in the room chowing down on cookies. It was
hard, but at the same time rewarding. I kept telling myself that I was
better off eating my jello at the time. By the time Christmas came around
I was eating soft foods. I was good and didn't even try to sneak anything,
I kept telling myself 'that is why they are still heavy and I will be
skinny'. It is a lot of psychology and self control. When I wanted
something I drank water, lots of water. Now I simply say no thanks, and
eat a protein bar (my chocolate fix!). I have also found some no sugar
cookies that are good and I plan on having one on Christmas this year so I
don't feel deprived. But the catch is, only having one! Good luck, you
will do fine! You will feel pretty crummy on Christmas this year, it is
next year you will want to be careful! AMY
— purdue_1993
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