Longtermfamily

We've changed the page name to Long-Term Family! We want to build a community of families living healthy lives long-term!

Christmas is a week away! This will be my second holiday season after weight loss surgery. I cannot believe I have lost 150 pounds from my highest weight! Since taking a proactive approach to weight loss and truly committing to learning what is a need, a want, and a trigger for overeating; I cannot believe how much better I feel! Plus, how much better I feel prepared for the holidays without the dread of overeating and heading straight for a food coma.​​​​​​​​
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One of the biggest things I learned was that I did have triggers and responding with eating, for whatever reason, was a huge problem. ​​​​​​​​
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The holidays are full of nostalgia, memories, positive and negative associations, extremely plentiful portions of food and stress.​​​​​​​​
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• Nostalgic food, memories with those eating habits, food scarcity upbringing​​​​​​​​
• Stress, fatigue, previous expectations, sneaking food in another room to avoid judgements or the perception of being judged​​​​​​​​
• Abundant specially prepared dishes and desserts​​​​​​​​
• Stressful family situations or impending changes with no control​​​​​​​​
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What make any of these an issue for anyone can be a personal issue. One of the first things to do is recognize what is happening, and at least part of why it causes what it does. Diversions or replacement activities are something I focused on during my weight loss journey.​​​​​​​​
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Once you know what your triggers maybe you can work on reducing them and/or reforming them.​​​​​​​​
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Why would I want to ruin this by eating until I am uncomfortable or not able to move?!?​​​​​​​​
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One of my favorite parts of having weight loss surgery is the reduced stomach size. One of the biggest problems people can have with the sleeve surgery is stretching it out and being able to eat just as much as before. Right now, I am very near my goal weight, and I am focused on keeping my portions, and stomach size, in check,