So as I creep closer to the puréed food stage I am researching recipes for purse and beyond. I'm Italian so Pasta WAS a way of life for me. Now that I can no longer have it and will not have it I'm thinking about the sauce. I would happily eat just the sauce with a spoon.

So, I need to ask my nutritionist but what's with sausage? I use Italian sausage in my spaghetti sauce.

Maybe I need to modify my methods....

I used to be a total pasta-holic. Nowdays I really cannot deal with it. I have a love of the ZOODLES. OMG this has changed my life!!! They are basically noodles made from zucchini. I have an awesome turkey meatball recipe that I got from my support group. Make a big batch and freeze them until time to eat. I eat zoodles about 3 times a week for lunch. I am in love. Turkey sausages in general are a great way to go. They also make chicken sausages.

Rushes into post with chest out screaming, "Hey what the heck....oh...wait....this isn't a thread bashing men? Oops, my bad, carry on." Turns around and beats a hasty retreat.....

Peel and sliced egg plant. Dip in egg wash and coat with garlic Parmesan cheese. Bake until golden brown

coat a cupcake pan with cooking spray

First layer - spaghetti sauce

2nd layer- Eggplant Parmesan

3rd layer - spaghetti sauce

4th layer - sweet Italian ground sausage -

Top with mozzarella cheese.

Sounds delicious! How long/what temp do you bake these for??

I use the Jennie-O Sausage or the one from Aldi.

@@Nurse_Lenora,

My guess is the fat that comes with Italian sausage. Maybe you can find a lean version, either low-fat or turkey. Also, you might want to ask your nutritionist about tomato sauce – it’s kind of acidic and you may not be able to handle it for a little while.

Regarding pasta: I know you’re not planning to have any. Maybe zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash can be a good substitute.

you can still have pasta. I have it all the time. I have it with sauce, meat, sausage, meatballs...whatever I want

I'm on purees now and the ricotta bake has saved me!

Sent from my 6045O using the BariatricPal App

This saved me too!!

you can still have Pasta. I have it all the time. I have it with sauce, meat, sausage, meatballs...whatever I want

You are lucky! For many, pasta, potatoes, rice, bread, flour & sugar cause cravings and hinder weight loss.

Search Amazon for "Explore Asian" - they have some high protein "bean pasta". The spaghetti is not to bad, but probably not something you can eat for a few weeks.

Costco had some AMAZING red lentil penne for a while, but it seems to have been discontinued. It was Uddo brand and I can't even find it to buy it anywhere online anymore. So disappointed, as I have not managed to find another high protein pasta substitute that I can stand. Tried chickpea... tried Barilla's protein pasta... tried my grocery store's "super pasta"... all are terrible.

I found a local market in my area called Sprouts that has the best sausage. I couldn't really do pork prior to surgery, however I do love the chicken spinach and feta sausage. Super filling.

I also haven't tried Pasta since surgery, been to scared to. I stopped eating it way before surgery because I was diabetic and it would raise my blood sugar. If I want something along those lines, I do zucchini as well

@@Nurse_Lenora,

My guess is the fat that comes with Italian sausage. Maybe you can find a lean version, either low-fat or turkey. Also, you might want to ask your nutritionist about tomato sauce – it’s kind of acidic and you may not be able to handle it for a little while.

Regarding pasta: I know you’re not planning to have any. Maybe zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash can be a good substitute.

@@Alex Brecher

I like my meat fat.

Did someone say sausage ?

I bring bulk sausage when I make sauce.

It's how I roll........

You know, it's a good day when my unread list includes "I'm giving up my nuts" and "Lets talk sausage" are near each other on the list

This is a fun thread! I have nothing to contribute, but I sure enjoy lurking...

I too love sausage! I've had no problems with Pasta, bread, potatoes or rice. Before surgery, my NUT had me get black bean pasta from costco. It does NOT taste like pasta, but for some reason, I really enjoy the chewy texture. It has half a days worth of Fiber and lots of Protein. I top it with zucchini, chicken and yellow squash with a bit of butter and chicken stock. It's filling and gives me plenty of "chewing".

Also from Costco, chicken, Apple and red pepper sausage. VERY GOOD! It has a lot of flavor and just enough zing!