One big reason I got so big was because I hated to cook just for myself after cooking for someone for 30 years. I would find myself just grabbing something to eat for supper or whenever I was hungry. I was wondering about frozen dinners. I was at Wally world today and was checking them out with about 220 calories and 15 to 20 grams of protein. Are these acceptable? I realize I should be making things from scratch but use no time as an excuse. I figure those are better for me than ordering a pizza and eating at least half of it.

The dietician I saw for my pre-op session was not a big fan of frozen meals, but I admit to using them constantly for lunches at work. Not now, but before I had surgery. They did not cause me to gain weight -- I had been at the same weight for about 5 years prior to surgery. Pay attention to fat and salt. there are some Weight Watchers and South Beach Diet meals that are not too bad for you - particularly the ones that include a chicken or turkey entree + veggies. There is a WW one that is turkey + green beans and I think it only has about 200 calories. I can tell you that I would become hungry not long after eating it, but if you eat it after you are banded (and I mean after you are through the healing / liquid / mushie etc. stages), I'm sure it would fill you up.

I don't cook. The dietician at my surgeon's office told me that while I should learn to make some basic items, that replacing a meal with a low fat, low cal frozen meal is perfectly acceptable. She said they force you to use portion control and as long as you stick to the healthier ones, there's not a problem.

The frozen dinners are very convenient for me but have to be careful with the ones that you choose. Some have high carbs and sodium which I didn't take into consideration at first after my surgery because I was busy focusing on protein and calories. I have tried various Healthy Choice, Lean Cuisine and Smart One's(Weight Watchers). I live alone and have never cooked alot. Plus I'm not a leftover type person. I usually take a frozen dinner to work for lunch and occasionally will switch up and do a salad with grilled chicken. Occasionally will do one for dinner.

Yes, 220 with 15-20 grams of protein sound quite healthy. The only thing with frozen dinners you have to watch is the sodium. Good luck. Julie

I eat Lean Cuisine, Smart Ones and Healthy Choice meals for lunch quite a bit. It is quick while at work. I do read the labels and log everything on SparkPeople, so I watch my sodium, fat, etc. I think they are fine. Lean Cuisine has several that are low-carb. I even read the Stouffer's labels and some had less fat and calories than Lean Cuisine. I like to cook, but I usually do that for dinner or weekends. I think you should do what works best for you.