Question:
food prep for family

I am a working Mom... I'm prepared, I think to eat differently... but how do you manage (or motivate yourself) to cook for spouse and kid(s)? In my 25 year marriage, I've always been "the food person"...and while my husband is prepared to support the surgery, I'm not sure that he wants other changes (like to start cooking himself.)    — Stonelady (posted on September 15, 2009)

September 15, 2009
I find for the most part that I can eat what everyone else is eating only smaller amounts and that I may skip some items like salads. I work to get my protein in first then green/yellow veggies, starches, and sweets last. You may have to make minor modifications to the cook time for "your" portion of meat--don't overcook it. I have switched from boneless, skinless chicken breasts to thighs as these are not as dry. When I cook rice I add about 50% more water/stock. This helps it to not abosorb mositure from your pouch and to digest more easily. I learned this trick from a bariatric patient who is also a chef. Good luck. Bob
   — rkurquhart

September 15, 2009
I have no trouble preparing foods for family. I think in fact that I enjoy making it for them. I make pretty salads ..lol and enjoy the presentation more. I may be eating vicariously thru them..lol only inthe very beginning did food bother me...and it was more smells and missing food that actually eating it. best of luck to you ! hugs,kim
   — gpcmist

September 16, 2009
You did not say what kind of surgery you were having. I had the Lap-Band 5 years ago. The first year seemed to be the most restrictive (mostly because of what I could swallow and keep down). As time went on, I was gradually able to add more kinds of food to my meal plan. Some foods I still can't tolerate (like lettuce), however some people in our support group can. The main thing to remember is to eat for good nutrition... protein first, fruits and vegetables, fewer starchy food (and less often), and everything else in moderation. Remember that since you are able to eat less, you have to be very careful to make each meal count nutritionally. Be sure to take your vitamin supplements, exercise and get plenty of rest. If you think about it, this advice is good for anyone, and I think you're family will benefit from this healthier way of living too. They can have more of some items to eat, and the few things they can have that you cannot won't bother you if you are making delicious, nutritious meals for yourself. Check out Chef Dave's (David Fouts) recipes. He had the by-pass surgery and is a trained chef. He has several cookbooks and a web site (www.chefdave.org). You can even sign up for a monthly e-mail newsletter from him. The "Walk from Obesity" organization had Chef Dave write a cookbook for them, which they offer for sale, as well. I hope this helps. KimM
   — KimM

September 17, 2009
I was like you prior to my surgery. One of my biggest concerns was my reaction to cooking after surgery when I was not eating. I prepared meals ahead and froze them and got things in the house that were easy for my husband(married 32 years and he has never had to cook or meal plan and he has no desire to learn). I decided this was my time and I need to take care of me and he had to step up to the plate, which he did. For the first month I didn't even want to be around them eating, I prepared my own pureed food and had to remind him about planning for dinner that night with defrosting something but he was on his own. As your diet progresses u can eat regular food so as I started to feel better I cooked and just ate the protein. I was cooking healthier. I had my surgery 8 months ago and my daughter commented that we haven't had certain meals in a while and I responded that my meals needed to have more protein and that is what I am cooking. I've learned to be more selfish because I feel that if I have done something as drastic as having bypass it had better work. Be selfish. It's taking care of everyone else, and not ourselves that got us into this predicament. Good Luck.
   — [Deactivated Member]

September 17, 2009
This can be a big issue. Just plan meals with plenty of protien. Cook healthy meals and you can join the family at meal time. If they are use to foods that do not work for you and you feel you need to cook these foods then you will need to cook a seperate meal for your self. This can be a pain but you have to decide what will work best in your home.
   — trible