Those of you with the lap band and young kids, how do you manage it all. I have a 7 month old and an almost 5 year old.

I feel that when I have my surgery, and I need to paln meals, it will be hard. Plus fit in and exercise routine?

Any tip or tricks out there to help manage your time?

Thanks

Well that depends really on your whole circumstance. For me, I have a 4 year old and a 17 month old. My biggest problem isn't what to eat as I cook so that we can all eat the same thing. What i find difficult is slowing down my eating and not scarfing the food down so quickly. As for exercise...take the kids out for a walk. Set up an obstacle course in your back yard the both you and your kids can run through. Include them in your fitness and the benefits will go beyond y our health.

My kids are 3 and 7. I go to the gym when the older one is at school, and I leave the younger one in the child watch room. She likes playing. As for cooking, they eat what I do, just different portions. I'll make pork chops, peas, and rice and then I just won't eat the rice.

I have a 5, 2, and 5 month old and i think you just adapt. I stay at home and i fix them their own breakfast and lunch. I have a protein shake for my breakfast and most of the times will have a smart ones for my lunch. Then I just eat whatever I am cooking for dinner for the family. Then I go to the gym 5 days a week. My husband is a great supporter and my number one cheerleader. So in the evenings he bathes the kids and gets them to bed while I go to the gym. I am generally home by 930. It is a great end to my day.

double post

I work full time and have 8 yr old. I have a hard time working out as much as I should. The food part is easier. Protein shake in the morning, small lunch (1/2 sandwich or cheese and crackers) and small portion of a normal dinner. I don't get home from work and picking up my kid from after school care till after 6pm. Then cook dinner, baths and homework. I have a hard time working out 5 days a week. If I pushed myself harder I would make it but I'm tired. I have lost about 130lbs and have a prob with extra skin so I really need to push myself to workout more. Good luck and it will all fall into place.

Organisation! I always make double when cooking things like curries, soups, spaghetti sauce and am never without freezer meals. If I havdnt pulled anything out to thaw we'll have something like a can of minestrone and toasted sandwhiches and I always have the fridge stocked so we can make a speedy pizza on pita bases. You just have to plan.

You guys are ALL awesome!!! Thanks so much for the replies.

Now it seems possible. I like the smart ones also. My daughter starts Kinder in Aug, so I could take my little one to the gym with me or do what I can at home when he naps.

I was freaking out a little thinking that I had to prep EVERY meal. shakes and smart ones will do just fine.

I cant wait to start!!

I have a 10, a 4 1/2, and a 2 plus a husband to feed. I find that sometimes I plan things I can eat with them and if that's not the plan then I make myself a Lean Cuisene or a tuna salad. It doesn't bother me as much anymore to not eat the same as the rest

Mine was just over a year when I had surgery. The following keep me on track;

- crockpot (salsa chicken, red Beans and turkey sausage, chili, pulled pork, rotisserie chicken)

-tuna pouches (mayo, mustard, and relish packets are awesome too)

-canned chicken (pre boiled chicken)

-boiled eggs (egg salad super yummy)

-egg beaters and precooked turkey breakfast sausage, both cooked in microwave

-frozen egg muffins or leftover crustless quiche. My little one loves these too.

-taco meat or fajita meat. Both easily precooked and thawed when needed. good in low carb wraps or on lettuce with salsa, rotel, or avacado.

-Greek yogurt

-cheese sticks and lunch meat

-tilapia, thaws extra quick. Virtually no prep time and low cook time.

-salsa/rotel and sliced bellpepper

Hope these help. I know more just can't think of all of them right now.