Current Mood: Festive

I think I have gained 4 lbs since the beginning of December. I say "I think" because it was 3 lbs last time I got on the scale and my behavior has actually gotten worse rather than better so I haven't gotten back on.

I entered the holiday season with too much bravado and confidence for a fat person trying to lose weight. I thought, "I can't eat too much - I have some restriction - so I'll be ok." Not only did I make some seriously bad choices about what food to eat, but I also drank, and drank, and drank without regard to the calories. And, my habits suffered as well. I took the bus instead of walking because walking with a hangover was painful. I drank fluids with my meals because I was dehydrated from the wine the night before. I felt starved....And so on.

I do not have a drinking problem. I do have problems with self control related directly to food -- thus the lap band decision. But, just as when I quit smoking, I find myself replacing one bad habit with another - this time it's red wine. I apparently forgot that the health benefits of one glass of red wine per day DO NOT extend to 4 glasses twice a week. The calories from 4 glasses, which now make me quite tipsy because of the lower volume of food, add up and fast. And, then when I have a few drinks, I feel a bit peckish and need a snack when I'm not supposed to be eating. It's a vicious cycle so, my new year's resolution is to avoid drinking alcohol. I'm not saying I won't enjoy a day-ending glass of red as a wind down, I just have to get out the recent holiday habit of downing booze at parties and dinners because I'm not eating.

So, tomorrow evening, Christmas Eve, I have already invited over friends and family for mulled wine and cheese! Oh well, hindsight is 20/20 and this was my husband's idea more than 2 weeks ago when I still thought I had some control. We'll see how I do.

In the meantime, my jeans are looser, I walked miles in the snow over the weekend and I actually got down in the snow with my kid to play and was able to get back up without a forklift. The scale may not be moving but I do feel better overall. January is my buckle down month...and then February...and then March, etc, etc, etc!

Hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and successfully avoids the more caloric niceties of the season. Best of luck and Happy New Year to all!

B

I am 2yrs post op in Feb 08 I have a glass every so often. Just remember you live for you life and want to enjoy is not to be miserable. You are in control of your weight. Tell your husband you quit smoking and drinking and are replacing these habits for sex.. Having fun burning calories.. Or if that doent work get the kids up go outside for a walk, playing with the kids and replace the bad habit with a good one for the family after all they will all have to change with you.. Email me at anytime. I also have to advantage of working for a Bariatric Surgeon