I'm a month pre-op. I do all the shopping, cooking, cleaning, etc. My dh works very late most nights--for example, last night he got home at 9:10 pm. I have 2 teenage boys---neither can cook. Any suggestions on how I can prepare for their meals after my surgery? How long will it be before I can really cook and do the home stuff again? TIA

Can you make somethings ahead of time that can be frozen and tossed in the oven?

I have a lot of friends who make Crock Pot Bags, they put all the ingredients in the bag and freeze it, then when they are ready for it the put it in the crock pot.

http://lovingmynest.com/learning-activities/freezer-crock-pot-cooking-day/

I think it is a perfect time for those teenagers to learn to cook:)

Yep -- time for the boys to man-up and learn some life skills! At my office, they used to refer to my son as the "latchkey chef". He'd do the prep work and start dinner when he got home. He's 25 now, and continues to be a great cook! Same with his laundry, doing the dishes, etc.

I've never seen a teenage boy starve because his mom can't fix dinner! But if that's the way you like it - then I'd suggest crock pot meals, Anybody can cut up vegetables, toss in the meat and throw a can of Soup over it!

I'd also suggest going to Sam's or costco -- they have a huge variety of frozen Entrees. So no one has to cook. That would just be stuff for the guys -- but that would be OK until you are eating real food again.

You will have had abdominal surgery -- IMHO, it's time for them to take care of you! It will probably give them a greater appreciation for all you do for them!

I came to here to say what most people said: Teach the teenagers how to cook. The crock pot thing is a good idea and it will produce meals that you will be able to eat after you get back on solids.

I started cooking and freezing Soups and things for myself 1 month before surgery. I was really able to cook as soon as I got home, but not everybody sails through it. This is a good excuse to get those kids learning how to run their own house.

Most boys love frozen meals, so go to Sam' or Costco and stock up for about 2-3 weeks of meals for them. Put back some cash so they can have a couple of meals out during that time. My son lived off of frozen chicken strips through most of high school, by his choice. You can also make up taco meat and burrito filling, they love that too. Chili is good, they can make frito chili pie by themselves. Sand which meats, cheeses and bread with a salad. They will survive for a few days while you heal and get your rest.