Our final Bariatric Surgery Support Group meeting for 2024 was held on Monday 25th November at The George Centre in Gregory Hills, and it was a great way to wrap up a fantastic year together.
With Christmas just around the corner, we were joined by Bariatric Dietitian Angela Askew, who shared helpful advice on how to enjoy the holiday season while staying on track after gastric sleeve or gastric bypass surgery.
The theme of the night was “Braving Christmas after Bariatric Surgery”, and the discussion was both practical and encouraging.
Tips for Managing the Holiday Season After Bariatric Surgery
- Avoid grazing throughout the day
- Plan your meals ahead and focus on getting your protein in
- Eat a balanced meal before attending a party to avoid snacking
- Stick to your regular meal routine and avoid overeating
- Limit alcohol and choose non-alcoholic alternatives where possible
- Stay active, even during the holidays
- Bring along bariatric-friendly meals or snacks you are comfortable with
Angela also shared some festive recipes suitable for bariatric patients, and we discussed clever strategies for managing Christmas events, such as:
- Bringing your own plate to help with portion control
- Setting boundaries without guilt
- Focusing on connection and conversation instead of food
It was wonderful to hear group members share their personal experiences and practical tips from previous years. Whether someone had surgery recently or several years ago, the shared wisdom in the room made for a truly supportive night.
A Festive Finish
We wrapped up the year with tea, coffee, and a fruit platter, plus a few mini candy canes for a cheeky holiday treat. As always, we had samples from BN Healthy and our lucky door prize.
We wish you a happy and safe holiday season. We look forward to seeing you in 2025.
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