Question:
How long does it take (and how do) post-ops deal with family meal preparation?

I have a large family and am concerned about how long it may be before I am eating the same meals as my family--obviously in different proportions as before wls. It "seems" like after surgery we will be in our own little world where food and meal prep is concerned.    — Dot W. (posted on August 4, 1999)

August 4, 1999
It took me about 3 months to get up to everyone else. I eat less of course, but can eat with them, and eat out. It's rough at first. I used to take my food in the other room, and let them eat with each other. It's easier not to sit at the table at first. Good Luck
   — Kyle C.

August 4, 1999
Usually once you are released to eat regular food you can rejoin the family at meal times. It seems like you are always having to specially prepare food for yourself up until that time. Good Luck!!
   — Donna D.

August 5, 1999
I enjoyed the cooking immmediately post-op. I was set free (at last!) from being owned by food. I did all kinds of exotic recipes and stuff I didn't like. Then, my husband had surgery, too, but I still often fix him something exotic and for myself, something plain. When I cook for the whole family, I cook as I always did, but everyone eats milk & sugar free now. NONE of them really needs milk or suagr and there's no point in telling 'em that they're getting healthy food. I just cook it and serve it as I always did.
   — vitalady

August 7, 1999
Once I was able to start eating solid food again, I ate at the table with my family. I use to use a small plate and a little fork like the kind you would use for eating crab. I have since moved back to regular size. I was always serving myself too much food on the big plate and then I would over eat and be sorry. When I used the small plate and fork it forced me to take small portions and the little fork forced me to eat small bites and slow. I have learned what to do and so I don't need them anymore, but I do eat right along side with my family. If I get full I stop eating.
   — Kim C.