How have folks dealt with eating with family after surgery. Do you cook separate meals? Do you eat a separate times? Do you do your own grocery shopping for specific items? Its just me and my husband. While he is very supportive of my decision to move forward with surgery, I fear that our relationship after surgery surrounding food will be an issue for both of us. He loves, loves, loves to cook. He can spend an entire Sunday in the kitchen cooking. Over the years I've tried to curb his cooking, steering him to cook more healthy meals (and he has) and modifying recipes. He is pretty much on board with all of that, however I'm concerned that my new meal plans may be a hardship. How have you overcome living with someone who loves to cook with after surgery meal planning.

I am three months out and so far my husband and I have each done our own things when it comes to meals most of the time. I used to cook all our meals, so right now it is a novelty for him to fix whatever he wants whenever - and he eats a lot of frozen dinners which he actually likes right now. I don't imagine it will last for long though. It has been very helpful to me to not have to worry about what to fix to please him and still work for me during these early months. I've been able to focus on my own needs, what I can & can't eat or tolerate and my tiny little portions. There were also times I just couldn't stand the sight or smell of food, so cooking was the last thing I wanted to do. At first, the timing was also a real challenge for me since I had to time when to eat & drink pretty carefully and still be able to get everything in. Since then, the few times I have cooked a meal for us to share, I've ended up not being able to eat it (especially meat) or eat very much at all. He's been understanding and hasn't complained. I do have to confess I complained when he made brownies last night and the whole house smelled amazing and I knew I couldn't have any!

If he is on board and supportive of you having surgery, hopefully he will also understand that it will take an adjustment period for you with food & meals. You two will find a "new normal" concerning meals that works for you both. Don't worry about that now, that will work itself out in time.