Man, how do ya'll do it??

I just got back from a fantastic lunch (one of my last out to eat experiences before surgery) at Copelands and everything was so wonderful and rich and saucy! I ordered off the tasting menu and took half of it home for the Mr. but still. . . eating is like a pasttime here in New Orleans! I can't imagine what life will be like here post-op. What does everyone do when faced with a big plate of red beans and rice??

Ya eat the sausage first, then the beans, then the rice and cornbread.  At least, that's what I do when we fix beans at the house.  I still have the "big girl" mentality and over fix my plate, at home, so when we go out, I either eat off my husband and/or kids' plates or I'll order and ask for a to go plate the minute the food comes out.  I'm only 5 months out and still learning, but loving my DS!!

I use brown rice and a lean sausage. The beans are a good source of protein when bound with the protein from the sausage. The beans are also very high in fiber. These are really good things when the portions and quality (nothing white) is considered.

Best,
Frances

Where are you from?  What kind of surgery are you having? 

I'm 3-1/2 years post-op and still don't eat rice, breads, or starches of any kind, and doing very well.  My suggestion would be to eat  the beans and sausage and enjoy.  You won't be able to eat very much and I think that's a good thing.  Good luck with your surgery. 

Linda

lol, thx ladies. I'm originally from Tampa and just moved to New Orleans. Even though the food is fantastic, I've lost 40 lbs just from living here and being active. Working on losing the rest with a lap band. Any more ideas on good cajun food? Is rice just a big no no?

Everyone has different opinions,  but I had a band for four years and incorporated moderate amounts of brown, unpolished rice. It's high in fiber and much healthier than the white, more void version.

Whole grains and complex carbohydrates can be a part of a balanced, sensible diet.

Best to you,

Frances

With the lapband, rice is definitely a big no-no.  It's one of those foods that can so easily get stuck and so easily be swallowed without chewing well.  I just don't go there anymore.  I don't miss it though.  I make mashed potato salad to put in my gumbo nowadays and it hits the spot :) 

I agree with Frances....I will be 7 yrs out this Nov. When I was home to BR in April it was like heaven for me. They DO NOT have good seafood in Michigan where I live....So I ate out a lot and went to every crawfish boil I could. BUT, the trick for me is to taste a little...it seems to satisfy me just to taste. Red Beans and Rice are still at my house..but, you might be surprised that you will not be able to eat more than a bite or 2, so do eat the healthier stuff first...sausage....beans...a bite of rice and chew chew chew....then if you really want to taste the corn bread maybe drop a piece or 2 in a little glass of skim milk for dessert.

Good Luck on your journey......