frustrated and bored with food options.....

I am feeling very frustrated and bored w/ my food options. I saw my surgeon a few weeks back and he reminded me not to have the crackers, bagels and tortillas. I already knew this, but what am I going to make quesadillas w/ now or eat my tuna salad, not to mention my bagels that have 12 grams of protein............OK so its been two weeks now w/ no crackers, tortillas or bagels. my surgeon recommended instead to stick to eggs, cottage cheese, yogurt, cheese, lean meats, fish etc....these foods are great, but I find myself eating one thing from this list at a time instead of mixing things up and I'm bored with it................. I don't enjoy preparing food anymore and now w/ the holidays coming my husband is already asking what I'm making this year for Thanksgiving I haven't a clue cuz I can't eat what I use to make, and I've lost the desire to even figure something out.........any ideas, encouragement, or thoughts are very welcome. Thanks for reading my rant,

Dear Leah,  It sucks.  It really sucks.  Especially with the Holidays - I know.  This is a common complaint.  You're not alone.  Does your surgeon allow toast?  Maybe a good option.   Think of it this way -- this year, you will be missing the eating part of Thanksgiving - no doubt.  But, just think of all the additional Thanksgivings you will be able to enjoy in good health --- meaning, you had this surgery to become more healthy and to feel better.  You knew there were going to be tough days.  But it's worth it.  Soon  you will be feeling better and able to enjoy a meal again.   I would encourage you to enjoy your plate of only turkey on November 22 - AND - invite your family over for ROUND 2 of Thanksgiving when you are feeling better and able to enjoy food more --- you can celebrate that with turkey and all the fixin'  in March if need be ....  So, all I'm offering you is encouragement here --- hang in there, make Thanksgiving dinner & ENJOY the SMELL!!   Good luck - hang in there ...

I'm not an RN to NUT but your over 1 year out and should be able to eat whatever you want in MODERATION over the holidays.  Have just a bite or two so side dishes with your turkey.  If you have to get out the MEASURING spoons and just take a teaspoon or tablespoon full not a serving spoon full. As for the crackers, tortillas and begales maybe try to cut down. If your begal has that much protein I'd say eat it just not every day. Same with the other foods.  You might trying posting on the other boards like the grad board to see if they might be of any help. Good Luck

You're right - you should be able to eat everything in moderation.  I looked at her surgery date wrong -- thought it was 10/31/ 07.  Sorry about that. 

For Thanksgiving, why not consider ordering the meal from a local restaurant or supermarket. In my neighborhood, Vons (or Pavillions or Safeway) all offer pre-cooked Thanksgiving meals, all you have to do is heat them up. Or Marie Callendar's restaurant also offers this--includes all the sides, etc. This way you don't have to think about it, shop for the ingredients OR spend all day in the kitchen. Could your husband handle the heating up of the meal? I just had my surgery 2 days ago, and when my family asked if I was still bringing my famous sweet potatoes and mashed potatoes I said, 'hell no." I wasn't even sure if I wanted to participate in Thanksgiving this year, just because the cooking smells would drive me insane with jealousy. But I will try to get through the day focusing on what I have to be thankful for (my lap band, my son, a 4-day weekend). Best of luck to you, too! BTW, have you tried the low-carb, whole grain 'tortilla' wrap things? They're very good as a quesadilla, and not so carby.