I really, really hate to seem stereotypical, but I can't seem to give up some of my mom's best dishes. I have indulged in baked mac & cheese too many times to count since surgery. As well as her banana pudding and baked shells...sighhhhh. I can only eat about 1/2 cup at a time, but I dont even want to think about the calories and cholesterol in each serving.

I just wanted to see if there is anyone else out there who is struggling with comfortable foods. What are you doing to avoid these foods at family functions when the atmosphere is so familiar and the good is sooooo good? Are there are some people out there who are a year + post op who can weigh in?

Thanks in advance for the responses.

I began having that same feeling of cravings so what that means is you’re not getting in enough Protein throughout the day. So my advice would be to up the protein and it will stop the cravings.

That's what I do now and it works just fine with not problems at all I don't snack in between nor am I hungry at all...

I am only six months post op and I sometimes struggle with these issues. Let's face it, these issues is what put me where I was anyways. I have to admit yes I have indulged in some foods but only a tablespoon here and there because I have this fear of going back to the way I used to be. However, what turns me off from most of the foods that I have indulged in is the fact that I have gotten sick from some of my favorite foods. My doctor and nutritionist warned me to stick with a low glycemic diet and I have done so but there are moments when you just have to have that piece of cake. So I take all the icing off the cake. (the icing makes me really sick) And I love hershey's caramel covered chocolate and reeces peanut butter cups. Well they are now in sugar free form and I get myself a bag to treat myself and was so relieved to the fact there was not a real difference in the taste of my favorite candies. Also Worther's Originals has a sugar free candy and so does Dove so I indulge and do it the right way. Another way to help yourself out is go back to the protein shakes and puddings that you liked before and this will help with the cravings, because protein does fill you up. I hope this helps.

I was just advanced to soft foods and the first thing I ate was greens and baked mac & cheese! To me they are soft... not like steak, and I was able to tolerate it.

For me, food is a social thing. I love not only the good food, but the good company of friends and family. During gatherings or picnics there is nothing wrong with taking a small sample. Also, if you really want to avoid it you could up your protein a bit and go with your own meals already packed... but my family would see this as an insult, and if my mom were still alive she would tell me to save what I brought and eat her food, and I would gladly oblige.

Does everyone in your family know about your surgery?

So glad to read this, I just starting on my journey and only have two more appts to be filed. But ever since I've made this decision I've had a problem wanting the things that I think I will miss. I know I'm ready to be sleeved and obiviously I need help with my weight and if I was told I would never be able to have a piece of cake after this, more than likely I would have headed back to Weight Watchers.

So just seeing that some of my comfort food won't kill me makes me feel I can do this.