Hi! My name is Devin and I'm married and have 5 kids. I'm so glad I found this website. I am having my surgery on July 28th. I am excited, but a little nervous about the liquid diet. I am also a little worried about the "low carbs" diet. I grew up on noodles, potatoes, rice and bread. It's the only way I know how to feed my large family. Does anyone out there have a large family and how do you cook for them? Is it easier to make a separate meal for yourself? Please help.

I don't have a large family but I do eat totally different from what I cook for everyone else. It's difficult at first. Last night everyone had enchiladas and rice. I had some sliced turkey from the deli and veggies. I did take one small bite of an enchilada but that was all. Sometimes I drink a protein drink before I fix food for the family. It helps curb my appetite while cooking. Tomorrow I'm having a cook-out for all the cousins etc. I will make sure there is some ground beef for me but I will stay away from the potato salad and have only a small amount of the baked beans. It's a journey. Eventually when I reach my goal, I will slowly add more food. But for now I remind myself of the commitment I've made. My Doc says no bread, pasta, and rice (celery too) forever. I think there is somewhat of a grieving process about giving up certain foods. But it goes away and you will adjust. Stay positive and think of the new you around the corner. You will enjoy your kids more when you are physically able to join the fun! And be healthy for those future grandchildren.

This is a PS! You might consider this an opportunity to create healthy meals for the entire family. It takes a little planning and there will be a lot a griping at first but they will adjust too. I rarely fix white potatoes anymore. I substitute sweet potatoes often. I even fix sweet potato fries in the oven. I no longer fry ANYTHING. I fix oven fried chicken and remove the skin for me. There are a lot of veggies to replace pasta. Salads with low cal dressing are often on the menu. Our outdoor grill is used much more often. I hit the farmer's market in search of cheap veggies and we have chickens for our eggs. Eggs are a fabulous source of protein. Skim milk is all we have in the fridge. Yogurt is now considered a snack as there are no chips or cookies in the pantry. So get creative and search the internet for healthy inexpensive food recipes. There is a wealth of info. My husband has remarked that he has lost some weight without trying. Everyone could benefit and your children will receive the gift of learning healthy eating.

This is a PS! You might consider this an opportunity to create healthy meals for the entire family. It takes a little planning and there will be a lot a griping at first but they will adjust too. I rarely fix white potatoes anymore. I substitute sweet potatoes often. I even fix sweet potato fries in the oven. I no longer fry ANYTHING. I fix oven fried chicken and remove the skin for me. There are a lot of veggies to replace Pasta. Salads with low cal dressing are often on the menu. Our outdoor grill is used much more often. I hit the farmer's market in search of cheap veggies and we have chickens for our eggs. Eggs are a fabulous source of Protein. Skim milk is all we have in the fridge. Yogurt is now considered a snack as there are no chips or Cookies in the pantry. So get creative and search the internet for healthy inexpensive food recipes. There is a wealth of info. My husband has remarked that he has lost some weight without trying. Everyone could benefit and your children will receive the gift of learning healthy eating.

Welcome ! I don't have anything to add as I'm fearful of the pre-op liquid diet too but whoa - five children ... you are busy !! Welcome !!