Low-Stress Thanksgiving for Bariatric Surgery Patients

Here are 10 Tips for a Low-Stress Thanksgiving, by Cathy Wilson, ACC,CLC, Director of ObesityHelp Support Group Leader Program

As weight loss surgery patients, some of our stress comes from all the food choices that we aren't faced with normally. Here are a few tips to help lower stress and make this Thanksgiving holiday one that you will not see reflected on the scale.

1. Plan ahead. If you are hosting the Thanksgiving get-together, include some healthy dishes that you will be able to enjoy. If you are a guest, bring your own weight loss surgery friendly dish. You'll know there will be a dish and a protein that will be available for you to enjoy.

2. Rally the troops. Make this year's Thanksgiving get-together a potluck and let each guest bring a dish of their own. The guests can bring the traditional meal items.

3. Move it or lose it. Take part in some type of physical activity before and after the meal.

4. Clean it up. Offer to help clear the table and clean up the kitchen. No bites during the clean up process. Burn some calories.

5. Just say NO to leftovers. Don't accept any of the leftovers that will have survived the Thanksgiving meal. Resist temptation!

6. Don't fall back into old family patterns. If a family member can push your buttons, be aware of this probability and think in advance how to deal with it so it doesn't impact your holiday. Promise yourself you will not indulge in emotional eating to cope with stressful situations.

7. Lower your expectations. The "perfect" Thanksgiving doesn't exist. Keep your expectations in check so you don't set yourself up for disappointment in striving for perfection.

8. Dine out for Thanksgiving. Go out to a restaurant for your Thanksgiving meal. For many people, it is preferable - no leftovers, no fuss, no preparations or cleanup. All you have to do is make reservations.

9. Volunteer. If you're alone this Thanksgiving or want to spend your holiday in a different way, volunteer. Sharing time with those in need can be a meaningful way to celebrate Thanksgiving. Give the gift of yourself this Thanksgiving.

10. Gratitude. The reason for Thanksgiving is to be grateful. Focus on what you're grateful for in your life.

2-year surgiversary 10 2009

October 2009 marks my 2 year re-birth date! I’m still learning to be a Bariatric patient even after two years into my weight loss journey. Some thoughts I’d like to share:

Bari bellies are a sensitive piece of real estate! It is crucial that I respect my piece of real estate and give it the proper nourishment/vitamins it needs. Protein, protein and more protein along with hydration or I’m feeling down in the dumps!

A lifestyle/behavior change is a necessary daily practice. If I choose to continue my old behaviors I’m choosing to sabotage myself. Life happens and when it does I have the choice to repeat my old behavior or make the better/healthier choice in those moments. These are times when I find myself reaching out to a friend.

I still have good days, great days and bad days.

I truly believe in having “Safe People” in my life who understand what I’m going through as a Bariatric patient. I need people who can relate with me physically, emotionally and spiritually to help support me while being genuine.

I have to be mindful of head hunger because it is always lingering. Each day is different and sometimes it can be very challenging to overcome the head hunger. This is another time when I know I need to change the scenery or reach out for help.

Honesty and open communication is essential with my surgeon, dietitian, and my support people along with myself. Being sincere helps me stay on track and not self-sabotage. Denying the truth only hurts me.

Handful Harry is a demon on my shoulder who will probably always exist and is a constant reminder to me that the operation was performed on my stomach not my head.

I am a firm believer of following the program guidelines but I am not perfect, I am human and I will make mistakes. I have made myself very aware of the consequences of what happens when I venture off the beaten path.


I have a “Healthy” fear of dumping and hope that fear stays with me for a long time.

Reality has shown me that some people will never understand or support my decision to have Bariatric surgery and I have chosen to be at peace with that.

I want people to know that Bariatric surgery is no way the easy way out in fact it’s quite the opposite. This is a lifelong lifestyle change that takes hard work and dedication. This surgery not only affects me but also those closest to me.

No matter how much research I did before surgery, nothing could ever truly prepare me for the life changing events it would bring to me physically, mentally and spiritually.

It takes 20 minutes for my head to catch up with my stomach. Slowing down to eat in this fast past world is challenging but a necessary part of my weight loss journey.

Learning to put myself first and take care of ME is still something I struggle with but strive to accomplish daily.

No Bariatric patient is a perfect mirror image of me. We are all very individual people with different experiences but seem to have the unspoken understanding of what the other has gone through.

No matter what my physical size or shape is, people will always have an opinion and the only one that truly matters is MINE!! What’s most important is how I feel about myself!

If it wasn’t for the love and support of my family and friends I would not be the person I am today.