Cooking & Eating Post-Op

So here's the thing - Part of what got me to where I am today is the fact that I don't really cook or plan my meals. I know that post-op I am going to have to change that, so I am trying to figure out some changes I can make. I know HOW to cook, and when I do it I can actually do it pretty well, but for me it's more of a hassle than anything to plan the meals, get the ingredients, make it, clean up from it, etc. Especially since I live with 2 kids who barely eat anything other than "kid food", and a husband who is also very picky.

Anyway, I guess I am looking for some tips, pointers, recipes, sample meal plans, etc. from all of you that are living post-op life. Do you plan meals? How? What have you found that works well for you? What are some recipes that are WLS-friendly that you really like? What are some general tips you think would be helpful for me?

I work full time and I have 2 little kids, so quick & easy is a MUST!

Thanks!

Liza

I think that the crock pot will become you new best friend!

Liza, I read your post and thought I had written it.  I know exactly how you feel.  Except I am not much of a cook.  I have 2 kids (who do not like to try new things) a husband who has Colitis and gets nervous about trying new things.  Although he is more willing now with my surgery.   We have tried to plan meals in advance.  We have sat the whole family down and talked about what to have on what day and plan a menu.  Then I would go grocery shopping.  But then...  my husband would have a meeting.  My son would have rehearsal.  They have karate. My husband plays soccer on friday and saturday nights ( he won't eat before a game).  So i give up!!  I don't know what to make either.  So I am REALLY interested in what suggestions you get from this post. 
Thanks for the post Liza!    Eldy

Gonna keep my ear to this post also have been wondering the same thoughts

Me too!  Life gets crazy and this is my biggest challenge!

Okay,

I'm not a cookbook kinda gal because I usually cook everything by taste but here are four excellent cookbooks I have acquired since beginning this journey....

For Immediate post-op...

"Smoothies" by Dole Food Company, Inc.

Great smoothies! Some have to be modified to fit our 'way' of eating but all-in-all it's great!

Once we're able to eat 'real' food...

"Eating Well After Weight loss Surgery" by Patt Levine and Michele Bontempo-Saray (has phase specific recipes through all post-op phases)

"Recipes For Life After Weight-Loss Surgery" by Margaret M. Furtado, M.S., R.D., L.D.N. (has phase specific recipes through all post-op phases)

"The High Protein Cookbook" by Linda West Eckhardt and Katherine West DeFoyd. (has more than 150 low-carb dishes than can be on the table in 30 minutes or less)!

They can all be ordered through www.amazon.com and received within 3-5 days! Or you can go to Borders and get them right away!

I would also suggest checking out 'Egg Face' here on OH her site is http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/ she has so many recipes and suggestions for all of us through all phases!

Jules

 

 

 

 

Awesome - thank for the great help Jules - like always!!!

Liza

Liza,

I also am horrible with planning, but it's all my fault. I only have my husband and no kids but we're both lazy so it's so much easier to eat out. I've been thinking about this a lot since that is the one thing that will have to change in order for me to remain on the right path. I was thinking of making food on Sunday and freezing it for the week? I don't know if anyone has ever done this and if it is even possible but then even if you have to cook something different for your family every night, you can pop yours out of the freezer and voila! Just a thought and I don't know how it would work but that's what I think I might do or I might cook enough for 2 days and have leftovers the next day, cutting down on the amount of days I have to plan for. Good luck and please keep us posted on what you decide to do and how you make out.

Robyn

You all should check out www.theworldaccordingtoeggface.com Her bloggy website has things for every stage in post-op life and a new recipe every day. Its got 4 years of history with a new recipe a day so I'm sure you'll find a few things that are easy to make and the whole fam wlll enjoy.

Cheers!