My Thanksgiving -- not just about the food

We just got back from our Thanksgiving celebration. Since my parents and sister are gone, my brother is busy with his own life and my husband's family all live out of town, we might not have had anyone to celebrate with. But, our daughter's fiancee's parents have invited us to Thanksgiving. It was great.

I planned ahead, I love turkey, and knew there would be enough for my protein needs. I made a green bean casserole, trying to keep it somewhat low carb, I made a delicious pumpkin pudding (low sugar without a crust) to share. I served up my plate from the "buffet" which was on the kitchen counter and not on the table and sat at my assigned seat on the far side of the table where I couldn't get out very easily. I had to ask for a knife to cut up my turkey in little pieces, but that was no problem. So I was able to sit and eat my small portion, chewing slowly while those around me ate theirs. I think it ate probably no more than half of what I ate last year when I was still pre-op, but I was very satisfied, almost too full, but I stopped, and left a little on my plate when I was full.

Overall, I think this was a very successful Thanksgiving (diet wise); I didn't overeat, I didn't have to cook much and the only leftovers I have is the little bit of turkey they let me take home and some stuff for my daughter to eat later.

Best of all, I got to enjoy with some new friends and my daughter's future in-laws, whom I really love.

I think my success is just planning ahead and sticking to my plan. I know I'll be able to get through hosting Chanukah this year with my brother, even thought I'll be making the requisite potato pancakes. I'll just be making much less than I used to, and I'll make some cottage cheese pancakes for me.

I hope everyone reading this had a great Thanksgiving, dedicated to giving thanks, not just stuffing yourselves.

With much thanks and love to all
--Sandi H. (Citrus Heights)
My surgery was done by Dr. Leo Murphy - 6/03/04(Pacific Bariatrics in San Diego)
I weighed 315 at orientation (May '03) -- BMI 60
I weighted 252 at surgery --BMI 46.1
last weighed at 192.5 (11/20/04) --BMI 36.2
(I've lost a total of 122.5 pounds!!!! 59.5 pounds since surgery.)
Hopefully someday I'll weigh below 130 and be in a "normal" BMI range.