I haven't been banded yet but want to get into good habits now so I will be prepared. But I have no clue how to shop and cook for me ( future bander) and my spouse ( non bander). Any ideas?

I am there with you. I have been fixing regular dinners for my family and eating my pre-op soup when they eat. I will admit it has not been fun but it is getting easier.

My husband and i went to the store today and I tried my best to steer him in a more healthy direction. I think after I get my band he will come around more and more. He is not a picky eater, he would eat anything I fix. My daughter on the other hand is going to be a tougher cookie to crack (no pun intended). She eats well and drinks nothing but water but she does have her favorites like mac and cheese, etc.

Good Luck, wish you the best on your journey,

Good lean protein, cooked tender and fresh veggies are good for everyone in the family.

I was worried about this too, but it turned out to be a lot easier than I thought.

I made small changes to existing family favorites to make them healthier. For instance, 90% lean ground beef, low fat cheese, skim milk, whole wheat bread, and whole grain Pasta. You'd be surprised how easy it is to change up things you already eat. We even still eat Hamburger Helper once in awhile but I only buy the whole grain ones now.

There's also a lot of great recipe websites out there healthy but tasty meals, here's my favorites: http://www.skinnytaste.com/ & http://www.emilybites.com/search/label/Main%20Dishes

I've been banded a year and I honestly have no trouble making family meals that we can all eat and enjoy. It's been a lot easier than I thought it would be.

Best wishes!

I eat wih my family...usually whatever I cook for them I can eat because we aren't a big casserole family...so it's a meat, veggie and starch. Or Pasta...which I changed to whole wheat and they didn't notice... Or salads, stir fry or crock pot something.... I can eat all that. Of course this is for after you are on solids... Before that it's liquids and shakes so I just didn't eat what I cooked during that time.

On the occasional night i choose not to eat like pizza night what they are I always have cottage cheese, chicken and veggies on hand.

lean meats, fresh veggies and fruit