Libby63

I’ve never been a fan of fish unless it is extremely mild. I am in the mushy foods stage and it is tasting better to me than it did pre-surgery. My question though is how to prepare and store. My local market gets fresh fish daily but I can only eat a small amount. It gets too strong for me if I cook it and save the leftovers. Would I be better off buying frozen? That has always been too strong for me in the past. I’d like to encourage myself in this direction but it feels like such a waste now throwing most of it out.

Buy frozen, don't try to freeze it yourself. Commercial flash freezing is a complete different process, which creates smaller ice crystals that do not break the cell membranes. I.e. The fish, vegetables, etc. are more crisp.
That said, my meal for our family last night: I rough cut 2 large onion and sweated with garlic in a frying pan with a bit of EVOO and small amount of Water. Meanwhile thawed out 4 pieces of frozen cod in warm water (in plastic) then lightly EVOO, then salt, pepper, and lemon citrus seasoning (both side).
Took out a ceramic baking dish, put the onions on the bottom, then laid fish on top. Took small can of chopped tomatoes and mixed in about 10 olives I chopped. Sprinkled some capers on top. Baked for 45 minutes.
grabbed a bag of steam fresh broccli and cauliflower.
Glorious fish, that did not taste fishy at all.
I should have been doing stuff like is 10 years ago.

Get the amount of fish you want for say 4 meals which pre cooked will be about 20 ounces -
Now assuming it is a white fish and fresh take the fish and cut into 4 equal pieces - Lay it out on a paper towel and salt the fish - The salt is a brine and will pull out some of the moisture but will also keep it from getting fishy, Now store the fish in a sealed container on a paper towel - Each day as you want to cook it take out the piece and soak it in milk or buttermilk - about a hour - This will remove the Fishy taste and will also re hydrate it.
Season it and cook- If you follow above you will not have the 4 day fishy taste, Freezing fish works but once cooked it will be dry as hell and be fishy.
Try to bake or air fry it - skillet and oil will also make it firmer

Itching is also caused by pain medicines.

My insurance is approved and my surgery date is December 10th for an RNY. I’m going to try and really focus on mindful eating between now and then.

Thank you!!!that makes so much sense!!

I had a colleague years ago that had bypass surgery and this is what she used to say: Thanks for your concern, my doctor says I’m healthy - and I also want to thank you for acting like you never even noticed my weight when I was fat. That was very kind and it would be great if you would be just as kind now and continue acting like you don’t notice - and then she would walk away or change the subject.
I wish we hadn’t lost touch. I’d love to have her as a mentor now!

I had a colleague years ago that had bypass surgery and this is what she used to say: Thanks for your concern, my doctor says I’m healthy - and I also want to thank you for acting like you never even noticed my weight when I was fat. That was very kind and it would be great if you would be just as kind now and continue acting like you don’t notice - and then she would walk away or change the subject.
I wish we hadn’t lost touch. I’d love to have her as a mentor now!

I’m Dec 10th. Also getting nervous. I come on here and read posts. It helps a lot.

Giselle 1225 - We’re twins - and only a week away from surgery!!!!!!!!!

Giselle 1225 - We’re twins - and only a week away from surgery!!!!!!!!!

That’s my surgery date as well.

I have not been particularly scared about the surgery. I’ve had surgeries before so the operation didn’t scare me. I’ve been journaling and doing exercises from a BariatricPal mindset book so I felt on top of the head games, but I just lost it the other night and you were all so helpful! Thank you so much. You are all wonderful. I seem to be ok now but when we talked about gratitude at the Thanksgiving table I was talking about one thing but I was also thinking about you all and how I only got through it all because of you. Hugs! 💕💕💕

I have not been particularly scared about the surgery. I’ve had surgeries before so the operation didn’t scare me. I’ve been journaling and doing exercises from a BariatricPal mindset book so I felt on top of the head games, but I just lost it the other night and you were all so helpful! Thank you so much. You are all wonderful. I seem to be ok now but when we talked about gratitude at the Thanksgiving table I was talking about one thing but I was also thinking about you all and how I only got through it all because of you. Hugs! 💕💕💕

You will get to cook again! But this time you will feel fitter and more able bodied whilst doing it. Kicking back and enjoying life can be done without food being at the centre. Remember why you made the decision to go through with this in the first place and hold on to that.
You can do it! We are cheering you on!

Thanks, Ladies! I needed all these reminders to get refocused. I do want to do this for all the reasons all of you shared. I have a tendency toward black and white thinking. I will be able to cook and eat again. Thanks for taking the time and being here in my moment of crisis.

I had my surgery in July. I turned 68 in Sept. You're never too old!!

Yes it is worth it!!!! I was 63 when I had my surgery. I had to cook big meals, also, but you can get past this. Keep telling yourself, "I can't have this now, but I can have it later." And you will. Don't falter now. This will be one of the best decisions of your life. You have some co-morbidities now - they will only get worse,,,, and worse,,,,,, and worse. This is a huge decision you are making to improve your life forever, to be around for your grand kids, to life life fully - to regain the life you have lost to obesity. A few holiday meals are not worth it. They will pass, but you will get a whole new life! Be strong . You can do this.

I’m on day 2 of my pre-op diet. I’m grateful that it includes 2 very small meals and 3 Protein Shakes daily. It really isn’t too bad so far. HOWEVER, I’m keeping the surgery secret from all but a couple people and so I’m cooking Thanksgiving dinner for the kids and Gkids as I always do. As I am cooking a lot of my favorite foods and seeing my recipes for others as I go, I’m really questioning my decision. Do I really want to go through with this? I’m almost 64. maybe it’s too late. I thought I was firm in my conviction. My comorbidities are not bad but I have almost all of them. I’m wondering though if it’s worth all this when I’m old enough to die from some other thing that I don’t even know to worry about. Maybe I should just kick back and enjoy my food. I am an awesome cook - meaning it’s a joy in my life and I get some self-esteem out of the deal too - and maybe it’s just not worth it at this point. I burst into tears looking through the recipes and I feel really conflicted. feedback, please!

I’m on day 2 of my pre-op diet. I’m grateful that it includes 2 very small meals and 3 Protein Shakes daily. It really isn’t too bad so far. HOWEVER, I’m keeping the surgery secret from all but a couple people and so I’m cooking Thanksgiving dinner for the kids and Gkids as I always do. As I am cooking a lot of my favorite foods and seeing my recipes for others as I go, I’m really questioning my decision. Do I really want to go through with this? I’m almost 64. maybe it’s too late. I thought I was firm in my conviction. My comorbidities are not bad but I have almost all of them. I’m wondering though if it’s worth all this when I’m old enough to die from some other thing that I don’t even know to worry about. Maybe I should just kick back and enjoy my food. I am an awesome cook - meaning it’s a joy in my life and I get some self-esteem out of the deal too - and maybe it’s just not worth it at this point. I burst into tears looking through the recipes and I feel really conflicted. feedback, please!

1. It is never too late to get healthy. The older members of this board are inspirations that have had great success.
2. You should not be worried about dying at 64. Medical advances can help you live far beyond what your parents or grandparents may have.
3. You can still cook. Just eat smaller portions.
4. At first I hid my surgery, so I understand. But I ultimately told my family and they were supportive so I would just say give people a chance.
Thanksgiving is a hard time to start your pre-op diet. But you got this. Just think of how much better you'll feel. And think of what you're doing for your kids and grandkids. You're giving them the gift of you. Remember that.

I’m on day 2 of my pre-op diet. I’m grateful that it includes 2 very small meals and 3 Protein Shakes daily. It really isn’t too bad so far. HOWEVER, I’m keeping the surgery secret from all but a couple people and so I’m cooking Thanksgiving dinner for the kids and Gkids as I always do. As I am cooking a lot of my favorite foods and seeing my recipes for others as I go, I’m really questioning my decision. Do I really want to go through with this? I’m almost 64. maybe it’s too late. I thought I was firm in my conviction. My comorbidities are not bad but I have almost all of them. I’m wondering though if it’s worth all this when I’m old enough to die from some other thing that I don’t even know to worry about. Maybe I should just kick back and enjoy my food. I am an awesome cook - meaning it’s a joy in my life and I get some self-esteem out of the deal too - and maybe it’s just not worth it at this point. I burst into tears looking through the recipes and I feel really conflicted. feedback, please!

It’s a great book. I have been doing the mindset exercises and am finding them helpful.

Emma - Happy 40th birthday 🎁🎉💐. This is temporary. You will heal, get stronger and be happier and healthier than you started! Have faith and do what you need to in order to have your feelings about all this. Then feel better knowing we are all rooting for you and that we care. 💕

Congrats, Chardonnay40! You are in the final stretch! I’m envious. Best wishes for the rest of your journey.