I was just cleared for pureed today at my one week visit. I’m eating chicken zucchini souffle and hummus, and I’m in heaven right now. I was also told that me pre-op cooking frenzy of various 2 oz. portions of protein-packed foods will be enough protein to satisfy the 60 grams a day. I will not have to supplement with protein shakes. How intensely exciting is that? Planning, shopping, cooking, measuring, and freezing... SO WORTH IT!

Edited July 3, 201412 yr by latido

That's awesome! I do a lot of cooking, portioning and freezing on Sundays so I don't have to think about my meals for the rest of my busy week. It's a good habit to get into.

Thanks great!! I'm loving reading your journey My husband and I start ours on the 5th (surgery on the 18th). However, I feel VERY overwhelmed with the thought of premaking food for when we'll be able to eat it. I think I'm kind of in denial. When something overwhelms me I tend to shut it out and push the thought away. But I know that I need to do SOMETHING. I just don't know what, where or how to start!

Okay, breathe! Start a word document for keeping track of your thoughts as you have sudden inspirations. Personally, I use Google Docs. Weeks before, I began to compile a list of foods that I *do* cook well. Then, when the list was long enough, I began to calculate the ingredients to see which one was most worth cooking. Finally, one day I made a shopping list. It took at least three weeks to actually go out, buy them, cook them, portion it, and freeze it. And THEN I got really excited, as I felt very empowered. That document turned out to be my lifesaver. Because, one day I learned from the site about refried Beans. I've never eaten them in my life. So I went out, bought a can, tasted it, loved it, portioned it and froze it! ... and added it to the document to my 'inventory'. Slowly I accumulated six weeks of food for post-op.

Latido, do you care to share your list. Klcarrion@hotmail.com.

That sounds like a great idea. I would love to have a copy of your list if you don't mind sharing. michelle.waldrep@yahoo.com.

I'm working to refine that list. I have added two foods yesterday, and continue to experiment. I hope to put together a blog as soon as I have my brain back.

Just to show you what empowerment looks like:

I thought about trying to precook stuff but never got around to it. However, I haven't had any problems because the progression is slow anyway. So, at the beginning of each week, I'd read the booklet from my nutritionist to see what was allowed and then go to the store and buy 2-3 or some of those things. Your choices are pretty limited and you won't eat very much, so shopping is pretty lightweight.

Now that I've finished my soft foods week and am on normal food this week, it's a little more intimidating. But, I bought the precooked chicken fajita meat, cans of chili and refried Beans and egg beaters and I'm fairly good to go. I don't mind eating the same things over and over again so it's working for me to just stock the fridge with precooked stuff. I keep track of Protein with My Fitness Pal and if I'm not at 60 grams late at night, I throw in a shake.

Hi. I really enjoyed your post. Sounds like you will be a great go-to friend. My surgery should be around the end of August. Do you mind if I friend you? Thanks!