Question:
How much does your total grocery bill decrease post-op?

I just realized that with such a decrease in food intake post-op the total grocery bill should go WAY down post-op right? Is it a significant savings later on?    — thumpiez (posted on September 4, 2002)


September 4, 2002
My grocery bill has gone up. My doctor wanted us to choose the leaner cuts of meats, more fresh fruit and vegetables, the lower fat and calorie foods always cost more. An example is the frozen pops I buy for my daughter and husband are $2.59 a box while the sugar free variety is close to $4.00. My husband works for a well known food chain and he says it's amazing how much more it costs to eat healthy!
   — Tammy W.

September 4, 2002
My grocery bill has gone up too. It's more expensive to eat healthy :) Going out to eat has decreased, I usually share a meal with someone or have leftovers for a few meals.
   — stacjean

September 4, 2002
I'm w/Tammy on this one! My grocery bills have gone WAY up. Like she said, we shop for leaner cuts of meat, fish, more chicken,etc. And all the low sugar/no sugar things are much more expensive then "regular" varieties. We may not be eating as much, but we're certainly making wiser choices and that's what's costing us!
   — Rosario T.

September 4, 2002
I also thought my grocery bill would decrease....but as the other posters have said, mine has greatly increased. It is so expensive to eat healthy!!! It is amazing how much more expensive the fat free or sugar free item is compared to the regular item. I've also spent quite a bit trying different protein bars and protein drinks.
   — Kelly T.

September 4, 2002
My grocery bill has gone up for the same reasons listed below, but also because early post-op you are experiment with what you can eat. So, I purchase items and then sometimes my tummy is not ready to accept it. Also, you might purchase something and think "wow I'll get three or meals out of this," but by the time you get to meal three you are tried of it and then the other three cans you brought sit on the pantry shelf. Cheryl LAP RNY 3mos -70lbs
   — Cheryl S.

September 4, 2002
In total we spend less now on food. Two reasons: Our grocery bill has gone down or at the very worst stayed the same because I'm not buying or eating any junk. That was way more expensive than any sf foods or lean meat/fish. Second, our restaurant bills (we eat out alot) have gone way down because now I have a glass of wine (and my husband has to finish it) instead of sharing a bottle and my leftovers are typically two more meals for me. If there is no sharing charge I often eat some of his instead of ordering my own.
   — Mary U.

September 4, 2002
Personally, my grocery bills have been cut in half. I'm sure that will change as I am further along, but for now I will enjoy it. As a matter of fact, this past Saturday I did a week's worth of shopping for $40...and that included a whole chicken, a pork roast, turkey bacon, fresh produce some canned goods (mostly tomato sauce stuff) and the usual staples (milk, whole grain bread, cereal bars for my son, soda for my BF, etc) My problem pre-op wasn't the quality of food, it was the quantity. I have always loved to cook with fresh meats and vegetables so I have always had that type of healty food items on my shopping list and that hasn't changed.
   — pam29922

September 4, 2002
As a new post-op, my groc bill was lower because I wasn't cooking for my family as much as I did pre-op. However, when I started being able to eat more, cooking became enjoyable again and therefore more groceries were purchased. And like the majority of the posters below, the bill increased due to healthier choices. I have even made other changes that have cost more, but will be worth it in the long run. I now buy only stone-ground, whole wheat bread baked fresh daily. It costs about $5-$6 a loaf, but chocked full of fiber, lots of seeds, wonderful. And I can only eat 1/4 sandwich compared to 1/2 of regular bread sandwich. So the bread lasts longer. My kids balked at the idea at first, but now love it. Now I don't let any white bread enter my home. I also switched to fresh milk from the farm out of glass bottles, and hormone free. This too was a price hike, but will be worth it in the long run. You will find that you will be making better choices for your health, but the cost will be worth it!
   — Cheri M.

September 4, 2002
Christie, I agree with everyone else, SF foods are more expensive. If you do end up saving any money, just think, it goes toward all the new clothes you are going to need post-op!!!!Open RNY 4/18/02 down 72 lbs.
   — Margaret B.

September 4, 2002
I am only 3 wks post op, but, I have saved soooo much money already. We live in NYC and Manhattan is all about dining out. Dining out at resturants is so much a part of live. We will be saving hundreds a week. Also, my cafeteria at work is cheap and everything is per the ounce, so, I am guessing my lunch price will go from $6/meal to about $1-$2. I quess it all depends on where you live and your lifestyle....Good Luck! Heather (8-15-02, down 26lbs).
   — heathercross

September 4, 2002
Hi, my grocery bill has stayed about the same, but the food lasts much longer because I'm not woofing it down. LOL. The every three days run to the store has stopped, and now I only go every week and half or so.
   — Carey N.

September 4, 2002
I have to agree my grocery bill has sky rocketed!!! It is a lot more expensive when you are buying healthier foods!! I just think of it as an investment in my health, well being, and happiness!!!
   — KLandrum




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