Food vacuum sealers are VERY helpful post-op

One of the most used items in my kitchen (other than the microwave) is the Foodsaver vacuum sealer that I have had for over 10 years.  (Well, I just recently bought a new one, so technically it isn't the same one.)  I originally bought it just because I was throwing away too much food due to spoilage (e.g., leftovers), freezer burn, or drying out (cheese, for example) and I wanted to be able to take advantage of money savings buying larger portions of things.  It paid for itself in just a few months.  The new one I bought was about $80.

Since I have had my RNY, it has been extremely helpful. It makes it easy to save small individual portions (I would just grab one to take to work for lunch), enables you to keep small portions fresh in the refrigerator for several weeks (so you don't have to eat the same thing for an entire week so it doesn't go to waste) or for several months in the freezer without getting freezer burn.  You can make your own frozen meals with just the right size protein portion and veggies (and then you can microwave them). They even have bags with a moisture barrier strip so you can seal and freeze things like chili or something with a sauce. You can freeze fruit (soft fruits like raspberries have to be partially frozen first) for protein shakes or smoothies (or something like a Yonanas machine).  It even helps keep things like nuts fresh longer.

Just thought I would share how useful it has been for me, especially post-op when even normal packages of food is way too much for one RNYer to consume.

Lora

Good to know! I have been looking at those off and on, wondering how helpful they would be.  I use the snack size baggies a lot, but I like the vacuum seal idea, might be time to check it out again.

If you decide to get one, the rolls of the bag material are MUCH more practical for us than the pre-measured bags (and the rolls are less expensive, anyway) because you can make the bag a smaller size for smaller portions.  I do keep some of the bags on hand for occasional larger items, but don't use them very often.

Lora

Sounds like a most excellent idea!!  Thanks, this would truly be helpful.

Best Wishes!!!

Thanks for sharing this Lora. I hope I can find one here in Switzerland. 

Lora which sealer do you like?

My original one was just the Foodsaver basic model (there were only two available way back then!) and after reading reviews of the models available now from Foodsaver (I was very happy with mine that lasted over 10 years and I read mixed reviews about other brand sealers) I again opted for the basic model.  You can get them at Walmart, but here is a link to show you which one i bought:

http://www.amazon.com/FoodSaver-Advanced-Design-Vacuum-Seale r/dp/B0044XDA3S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1373111724&sr=8-1&key words=food+saver

Lora

I just started puree this week and move to soft foods on Tuesday, so I've just been buying smaller portions of things. Do you suggest using one starting with soft food? I'm on that phase for two weeks, then start introducing solids.

Soft foods store more easily in hard containers, and are easier to buy in smaller portions, so I'm not sure how much it would help until you get to solid food.  

Lora

I have a foodsaver too and love it. My husband doesn't like leftovers so I take them and freeze amounts that work for my lunch. Makes for a quick and tasty lunch for me!