Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

This has become too much! PLEASE HELP



Recommended Posts

This surgery has become overwhelming! I can’t find anything to eat, and each day I’m cooking 2 meals! One for me and one for my family. I run a business and really don’t have time. This has become too much for me. Can you share some meal ideas that me and my family can eat. Also I don’t meal prep past 2 days. After 2 days I throw it out. I have wasted so much money on food it’s ridiculous.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Why are you cooking 2 meals? Can you not all eat the same but you just have the tiny version? How far along are you post op?

Could you not batch cook and freeze so you aren't wasting food?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

What I do just as an FYI :) Batch cook spaghetti bolognaise, bag up just the sauce in single-serve sizes and freeze. Then when we have spag bol I just cook spaghetti for the fam and just a bit of veg for myself to go with my sauce (pasta and my gut are no longer friends). takes 15 mins from start to serving then.

or I will do a big Keto cheese spinach quiche, slice freeze, serve there's with whatever (fries/salad/ hot veggies etc) and have my tiny slice with a bit of salad. Again super fast to do once cooked and divided up and frozen.

I do the same with curries, casseroles etc :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Feel it Same here but i ended the madness - Hope this helps

I am a chef so cooking is easy and this double cooking was to much even for me - So i made it easy for myself

1. Go online to Amazon and get food Prep containers -

2. Then i just make my meals 4 at a time so i dont have to bother with them on a daily basis, For example today i have made 4 shrimp meals and they are ready to go, All i have to do is warm them when i do the kids meals.

It is hard and frustrating, I also let the kids eat out twice a week so That buys two days. I run my own business also so i get it all done ahead of time

For example today i just made a batch of Japense Clear Soup - They will eat it during the week and so will I - Already packaged in containers and ready to be just served out

GOod luck and get organized and it will be a ton easier

By these three items to make life easy

1. Soup pot - Only buy this commercial one the others do not have the insert pan

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07NRX4D1C/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

2. Slow cooker steamer easy for all of you tons you can do with it

https://www.amazon.com/Crock-pot-SCCPCCP350-SS-Programmable-Casserole-Stainless/dp/B01FJPS24G/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?keywords=Slow+cookers&qid=1575832511&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzQlhUSkFRQVU5MkVEJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMzY1NjM0MTFFT0pTWUFFMUYzTSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNjAyNTE4MUJZT0ZLMVBFSUlWSSZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

3. Join Grub Hub or other meal delivery service - THat is for them and gives you a break

Edited by AJ Tylo
Spelling

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I cook same stuff for family that I am able to eat smaller portions of. I also keep things on hand like good quality meatballs in the freezer. So easy to add sauce and mozzarella cheese for myself. Family can eat the same thing over spaghetti.

Lots of great recipes at Bariatric Foodie that are also family friendly. I made a taco casserole from that site last night. Grandson and husband both loved it.

Edited by Losingit2018

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

You shouldn’t need to cook seperate food. The whole family should be able to eat the same healthy meals. The main difference is that you will be eating smaller meals with less carbs. What are you eating that makes it so difficult?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Well I’m just 7 weeks out so I can’t eat everything. My family eats Pasta and things of that nature that I can’t eat. It’s not even a question if I’m going to make them change their diets with me. I have kids ages 2-17.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, theexfatgirl said:

This surgery has become overwhelming! I can’t find anything to eat, and each day I’m cooking 2 meals! One for me and one for my family. I run a business and really don’t have time. This has become too much for me. Can you share some meal ideas that me and my family can eat. Also I don’t meal prep past 2 days. After 2 days I throw it out. I have wasted so much money on food it’s ridiculous.

36 minutes ago, theexfatgirl said:

What types of food do you keep on hand? The meatballs are a great idea.

6 minutes ago, theexfatgirl said:

Well I’m just 7 weeks out so I can’t eat everything. My family eats Pasta and things of that nature that I can’t eat. It’s not even a question if I’m going to make them change their diets with me. I have kids ages 2-17.

Some tips for cooking for the family. (low to no cooking) link below

Any meal can be frozen into small portions– freeze leftovers, take them to work and microwave them. No cook meals at home when you are busy.

Chicken/beef fajitas you omit the tortilla = Family can have the tortilla. buy a bag of frozen john souls chicken strips – Microwaveable peppers and onions.

Frozen turkey meatballs, spaghetti sauce with a can of diced tomatoes, microwavable zucchini noodles. – Family can have Pasta and garlic bread.

You and the family can have any Protein with vegetables – Let your family have bread or a precooked microwavable side dish.

Sunday meal prep –

Cook enough Proteins for you and the family for the week. Freeze in family portion sizes. (some items you can freeze others keep in the refrigerator)

Precut up veggies place them in freezer bags – (some items you can freeze others keep in the refrigerator)

Precook rice and pasta for the family– place in freezer bags and put them in the freezer. Or Buy precooked microwavable, veggies, pasta, rice, and side dishes.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I never made two meals. My husband and I would eat the same thing - only he'd eat a lot more of it, and in addition I'd give him some kind of starch like potatoes, rice, or Pasta.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Meal prep is most helpful strategy for me. It might help to put the time on your calendar to map out the next few day's or the week's meals--self-care time time. I also developed a meal time routine and three of my four meals are essentially the same every day.

Instacart will deliver roasted chickens and a salad kit from the grocery store when I need something quick, and I also subscribed to Freshly (each meal is really two servings). There are similar services that do Keto and low carb as well. As part of supporting your weight loss, you might try encouraging the family to eat the healthier options you make for yourself--just make it the new normal and not some strange diet plan.

There is a lot more time planning and thinking about my next meal now to avoid falling back into bad habits, and I toss a ton of food in the garbage (or spend extra buying the small portion packs anyway) too. My challenge was breaking the mindset that food brings pleasure and getting used to chicken and eggs. As I accepted the food is just fuel, the monotony was less frustrating, but there are still days I feel like I am going to lose my mind.

One of the counselors I work with made it click for me though. He said I am fighting a lifetime of habits and conditioning that made me obese, and this a very abrupt change to your whole being. It is a new journey and you have to keep reminding yourself that your negative emotions are likely triggered by your mind wanting to pull you back into those habits that led to obesity.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I agree no way my Two Teenagers are eating a slice of fish and some crushed veggie - I Find it easy to do the meal prep and sometimes will prep in theres also

For example if i do skirt steak for myself i will slab off two big ole chunks for them also - Same prep but looks different - This is a hard subject and i fully understand

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have a college kid here, and my husband knows to fend for himself so we are in different situations, however when I did/do cook for us I make one Protein some veggies and something starchy for my son. I’ll nuke a potato, rice from Trader Joe’s or even just bread.

Rotisserie chicken is a savior, tons you can do with that. I make a lot of tacos, I use 96% lean ground beef. you can just set out bowls of stuff like a taco bar on the table and you can pick and choose what you like and they can have what they like. You said your family likes Pasta, make pasta and nuke zoodles for yourself, then you can have those with whatever sauce you made. Breakfast for dinner is a good one too. Make Canadian bacon or ham so you can have protein too. Eggo Waffles count as dinner in my house.

It’s very doable, ask your family for help and support, I’m sure some of them will pitch in. Especially if they’re afraid of what you’re cooking!

Enlist the kids in ideas and prep to make your life easier, you deserve it.

Edited by Cheeseburgh

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

21 minutes ago, AJ Tylo said:

For example if i do skirt steak for myself i will slab off two big ole chunks for them also - Same prep but looks different - This is a hard subject and i fully understand

Do you grill? This might sound like a pain but when we have steak my family gets ribeye or skirt and I always pick up a 6 oz filet for myself. It is practically half the calories. I do love skirt steak and have that on occasion.

I’m farther out than you are and I find tricks like this one keep me sane. It’s nice to have an alternative when your appetite increases.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • vsg.with.sharon

      Hey everyone!
      I’m new here! Looking for some friends! 🥰
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • LeighaTR

      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 3 replies
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

      2. Selina333

        I'm in Houston so kind of near you and had the sleeve in Dec. Down 61 lbs. Feeling better. Was definitely worth it. I hope the everything is going well for you. Update us when you can!

      3. Doughgurl

        I am back home after my bypass surgery in Tiajuana. I'm post op day 4. Everything went great! I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who have not encountered much pain at all, no nausea thus far and I'm having no problem keeping down broths and water. Thank you for your well wishes. I cant wait to keep up this journey and have a chance at better health and simply better quality of life. I know there will be bumps in the road ahead, and everything won't be peaches and cream, but at least I have a great start so far. 😍

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×