Does anyone use prepackaged meals for lunch?

Yes. I was eating Lean Cuisine's for lunch everyday during the work week for about 5 months following surgery. It was qucik, easy and I could keep up with my calories. Not so much lately because I am using Protein drinks because I have not been feeling well. But I really liked the Lean Cuisines.

Good luck.

Sometimes. They really are loaded with salt. When I do use them I only buy the "Spa Cuisine" type of Lean Cuisines, because they are made with only whole grains as opposed to white flour products. More of the ingredients on the package are "real" vs chemical additives. Still, enough of the ingredients are chemical that I only use them when I'm out of food and will make a bad choice otherwise.

If you're worried about excessive salt and processed chemical additives (which I am) Trader Joe's, if you have one around you, have a very expansive line of packaged, frozen meals that have practically ZERO chemicals. I'm always amazed when I see the ingredients list. It's all real food! And the food is always good. They are not "diet" foods, so you're probably getting about 300-500 calories per dish and will need to split it up but I think it's worth it for such wholesome ingredients when you just can't get around to preparing fresh food from home.

They do have a "guilt-free" line that keeps the calories very minimal, but I can't remember what their ingredient list looks like.

I don't have my band yet (5/13!) so I can't vouch for how well they work post-op, but just wanted to let you know it was an option. Hope this helps!

I really like Amy's and CedarLane organic frozen meals. The taste is better and all the ingredients are real food (no chemicals or stuff you can't pronounce). Just be careful to make sure it has enough protein for the calorie content. And, some of them are tricky and say there are two servings (like for two enchiladas), but I eat both so have to double all the info. I just aim for at least 20g of protein for less than 400 calories. If some fall below 20g protein, sometimes I will add a little cheese or greek yogurt. Or, just make up for it in another meal or snack.

Great in a pinch for dinner, or when I am too lazy to make lunch. They always give me a "guilty pleasure" feeling, since they are not the types of foods that I now usually eat. It feels like a welcome treat sometimes. It has also been working to keep a contained serving size and calorie count since I do not have restriction as of yet.

Good Luck!

I have them occasionally when I need something quick.

All frozen meals are very unsatisfying. They consist mainly of rice or Pasta with very little meat which is how they keep the fat and calorie content low.

Thank you all so much for your replies! I am going to keep that as an option if I'm in a pinch, but I think I am going to go home tonight, make a bunch of healthy food and freeze it in plastic containers!:thumbup:

There is 1 Lean Cuisine I LOVE. It's garlic chicken with a side of spinach in parmasen sauce. It's 180 calories and I think 22g protein. Plus no rice or pasta :thumbup:

I might occasionally have one in desperation (dont like them much) but no way would I eat food this processed every single day. All that salt, chemicals, etc.