Summer Series | Family Festive Feasting

Christmas and the holiday season can be quite a difficult time for many reasons. Sometimes it is the pressure of family gatherings, the build-up of expectations, the tensions that may be present and the unpredictability of behaviours can lead to anxiety.

Christmas is most definitely seen as the season to overindulge. It may also be the time you see family and friends for the first time since beginning your bariatric journey. This may also bring up feelings in regard to food and alcohol, as you will no longer be able to indulge the way you previously may have.

Remember, Christmas is one day of the year, treat yourself but stay within the guidelines. Straying too far might land you somewhere you may not want to be!

I like to approach this season prepared. You will find there will always be those who are genuinely happy for you, and those who are not as supportive. Don't feel that you need to justify your decisions. If the comments are negative or counterproductive, don't take them onboard. Understand that sometimes seeing someone on their journey can be confronting. Comments like “you look too thin”, “you look ill”, “don’t lose any more weight”, or the classic “let’s see how long the weight stays off this time!” can be very hard to hear, especially when you have worked so hard to reach this point. The best way to deal with these unwanted remarks is to shut the conversation down in a firm, yet polite way.

On the other hand, if positive comments are coming your way, relish and enjoy receiving them. Don’t minimize your achievements. Don’t feel that you need to share your journey either if you don’t want to, or feel free to shout it from the rooftops. Remember that you have made this decision to benefit your long term health and the fact you look phenomenal should also be celebrated!

So, as this festive season approaches – eat, drink and be merry, but do so in moderation and respect the new tool that your bariatric surgery has provided you.