So I have found a new issue in dealing with the gastric bypass/student nurse/full time work life... I don't want to cook. I used to LOVE cooking for my fiancé. Now since I can only eat part of what I cook, I don't want to cook. I have been buying a TON of take out... I usually get a grilled chicken sandwich and don't eat the bun or I eat something small at my house and buy for my fiancé. I spent over $400 on fast food last month! I need help... How do I balance school, work, and life with trying to not only eat healthfully, but also save money?? This is so hard...

Try using the crock pot and cook extras so you have left overs. You will find the money you save and more time for studying when you can just heat it up! Good luck in school! You can do it!

I'm in the same boat with ft work, school, husband and 4 kids. I haven't had surgery yet but my crock pot and my George Foreman grill are life savers. You can make all kinds of meat quickly with the George Foreman add veggies it's dinner in less than 30 min. I try to prep my food into meals after I grocery shop. It takes some planning the first few times you do it but then it gets easier. You can prep meals in freezer bags. I like to separate my chicken and put the marinade or sauce on and freeze. Throw it in the fridge to defrost over night and put it in a crockpot on your way out. Just a few ideas. I was spending close to $800 a month on fast food when I first decided to go back to school. It took my family some time and teamwork to get it all sorted. Hope this helps.

I am still pre op however with a husband who works night shift and a 1 year old. 5 days a week I am alone in caring for her so after an early morning getting her ready, dropping her off and a 9 hour day at work the LAST thing I want to do is cook- so for sure a big fear once I have surgery. I have really started "planning" meals these last few months to keep from eating out. Crock Pot is a great idea. I use mine all the time as well as good ole George. I feel like sitting down and planning it is really helpful. We sometimes wrote it down and the night before I get whatever I can ready - as far as cooking things you can't eat - I haven't dealt with that one yet but my husband may be on his own there! Lol! Good luck - I know it's hard!! I'd hate to count these changes to my bank account! It's so much easier and quicker but the least healthy option most of the time - trying to make myself understand this!

Cook smaller portions, I've never loved cooking but I do like to cook for myself, I was all into cooking right after surgery, and then just like you I started losing interested as it took me so long to get things done and I would immediately feel full and did not even save my leftovers cause I ended up throwing it away eventually cause I never have for dinner what I had for lunch. My only "big meal" is at lunch, so I am totally with you. What I started doing is freezing small portions of fish, chicken, lean meat and cook only that, so no left overs, or minimal leftovers that it does not hurt to throw away, so I always eat "freshly" cooked meals, don't feel like it is a waste of time and got back to enjoy cooking. I started buying LAWRY's marinades, so it takes no longer than 30 min to marinade my chicken, I have many different flavors so I don't get bored of the same flavors. I hope you regain the joy of cooking, takeout will ALWAYS have more calories/fat than what you cook for yourself at home!