Question:
I need some ideas on how to handle eating at work?

I am having surgery on 1/13/03 and hopefull I will be returning to work after 3 weeks, however I need some ideas on how to handle eating at work? How much food do you take? What types of food? Any suggestions would be very helpful! thanks    — Karen R. (posted on January 1, 2003)

January 1, 2003
Karen, A lot will depend on what your doctor's aftercare plan is. I went back to work 2 1/2 weeks post-op and was eating soft foods. I had cottage cheese with a little salt and pepper; canned salmon (about half one of those little cans with the pull tab lids); Wendy's chili (1/2 or less of a small) - things like that. I really didn't have any problems at all. You will figure it out before you got back to work. I was released to go back at 12 days post-op but I had my surgery about 2 1/2 hours from my home and had to wait til someone could come get me before I could go home and that meant waiting for the weekend. Best of luck to you.
   — Patty_Butler

January 1, 2003
Hi Karen, When I first went back to work I was still on liquids so I took soups in a small thermos. After that I bought a huge package of plastic cups with lids that restaurants put salad dressing in..I bought them at Smart and Final. They hold 5oz's so I could fit 3 or 4 ozs of refried beans, or tuna salad or cottage cheese or whatever. I ate a lot of refried beans at first. I kept those dry cups of mashed potatoes that you add water to, in my desk for emergencies. I also kept plastic spoons, extra water, a few pre made protein drinks, and some applesauce in the desk. I have just used the small rubbermaid or tupperware for the past month or so. I usually take whatever I made the night before or tuna, salmon or egg salad. I eat a lot of cottage cheese and most fruit now. Early on I liked pears with the cottage cheese. I try to eat mostly protein and either salad or a vegetable with my lunch and dinner now. I have eliminated the mashed potatoes and added almonds to the stash in my desk. From vitalady I learned to put two scoops of protein powder into empty dry water bottles (use a funnel). I use proscore 100 or problend 55 and all I have to do is add water and shake. I can keep these in the car, my desk or in my purse. Good luck. Maureen
   — Maureen R.

January 1, 2003
I had 4 weeks clear, so that was on e issue. Then soft foods. I did tuna with crackers. Eventually, I made one tuna sand., cut into quarters, bagged in individual baggies. Then I felt like I was eating a "meal". Then it was PB sand. Hahah! I never thought about potted mets, so I missed that one. Or crackers & cheese. Another one I did as life went on was string cheese or Gobble Stix or 1 h/b egg. They took lots of bites ot eat, so satisfied the head thing, too.
   — vitalady

January 1, 2003
I always pack a small 3 oz can of tuna and I put Ceaser Dressing to give it flavor (i hate mayo!). I pack small cans of Lite Fruit and drain the juice and rinse the fruit. I also got an apple peeler from QVc and peel my apples and eat them. I pack peanut butter skippy squeeze sticks (1oz) and cheese sticks. I also pack yogurt sometimes. It varies from week to week but I love my lunches at work. Peperbridge Farm makes this great wheat bread its called VERY THIN...three slices=one slice of regualr bread...its a wonderful....i toast it and put "i cant belive its not butter on it" and it tastes good for breakfast....I am lucky at work that I have access to a full kitchen...but this is what i have all the time! Good Luck
   — sandrac131

January 2, 2003
I, too have a kitchen at work with a fridge and microwave so it was easier when I went back to work. If you don't have access to those, you can pack yourself a small cooler to place under your desk. Early one, I lived on tunafish salad or egg salad over crackers, refried beans with cheese, and chili with cheese. At about 5 weeks out, i started on 1/2 sandwiches (meat and cheese) with the top layer of bread removed. In the desk I have packs of peanut butter crackers and cashews. Also, a little further out, you can bring salads and put lots of protein in them like hard boiled egg, kidney beans and grilled chicken.
   — Cindy R.

January 2, 2003
Every day I eat almost the same thing at work: a boca burger (no bun) with a slice of american cheese and 1/4 cup of vegetables (usually soy beans). The best part of this lunch is that it takes literally 2 minutes to pack in the morning so there is never an excuse not to take my lunch! I also always leave a sf jello in the fridge at work in case I have a sugar craving (my office is chocolate central!). It's saved me many a time!
   — mandajuice

January 2, 2003
As soon as I was allowed,(about 5 weeks out) I started eating 1/2 of a Lean Cuisine. During the earliest days, I rarely finished even half, but I always ate the protein part first. I still rarely finish a whole one, and I'm 19 months. One of my favorite easy to pack lunches for the early weeks, like others...chili, especially made with turkey! I made my own and still do. Good luck
   — Teri D.