How do you Guys do it?

[natashad 0]

Those of you with the lap band and young kids, how do you manage it all. I have a 7 month old and an almost 5 year old.

I feel that when I have my surgery, and I need to paln meals, it will be hard. Plus fit in and exercise routine?

Any tip or tricks out there to help manage your time?

Thanks

[karewpah 173]

Well that depends really on your whole circumstance. For me, I have a 4 year old and a 17 month old. My biggest problem isn't what to eat as I cook so that we can all eat the same thing. What i find difficult is slowing down my eating and not scarfing the food down so quickly. As for exercise...take the kids out for a walk. Set up an obstacle course in your back yard the both you and your kids can run through. Include them in your fitness and the benefits will go beyond y our health.

[Rachel412 116]

My kids are 3 and 7. I go to the gym when the older one is at school, and I leave the younger one in the child watch room. She likes playing. As for cooking, they eat what I do, just different portions. I'll make pork chops, peas, and rice and then I just won't eat the rice.

[TracyW2 137]

I have a 5, 2, and 5 month old and i think you just adapt. I stay at home and i fix them their own Breakfast and lunch. I have a Protein Shake for my breakfast and most of the times will have a smart ones for my lunch. Then I just eat whatever I am cooking for dinner for the family. Then I go to the gym 5 days a week. My husband is a great supporter and my number one cheerleader. So in the evenings he bathes the kids and gets them to bed while I go to the gym. I am generally home by 930. It is a great end to my day.

[TracyW2 137]

double post

[karebare714 14]

I work full time and have 8 yr old. I have a hard time working out as much as I should. The food part is easier. Protein Shake in the morning, small lunch (1/2 sandwich or cheese and crackers) and small portion of a normal dinner. I don't get home from work and picking up my kid from after school care till after 6pm. Then cook dinner, baths and homework. I have a hard time working out 5 days a week. If I pushed myself harder I would make it but I'm tired. I have lost about 130lbs and have a prob with extra skin so I really need to push myself to workout more. Good luck and it will all fall into place.

[Jachut 487]

Organisation! I always make double when cooking things like curries, Soups, spaghetti sauce and am never without freezer meals. If I havdnt pulled anything out to thaw we'll have something like a can of minestrone and toasted sandwhiches and I always have the fridge stocked so we can make a speedy pizza on pita bases. You just have to plan.

[natashad 0]

You guys are ALL awesome!!! Thanks so much for the replies.

Now it seems possible. I like the smart ones also. My daughter starts Kinder in Aug, so I could take my little one to the gym with me or do what I can at home when he naps.

I was freaking out a little thinking that I had to prep EVERY meal. shakes and smart ones will do just fine.

I cant wait to start!!

[mauraclegg 29]

I have a 10, a 4 1/2, and a 2 plus a husband to feed. I find that sometimes I plan things I can eat with them and if that's not the plan then I make myself a Lean Cuisene or a tuna salad. It doesn't bother me as much anymore to not eat the same as the rest

[GavynsMum 1]

Mine was just over a year when I had surgery. The following keep me on track;

- crockpot (salsa chicken, red Beans and turkey sausage, chili, pulled pork, rotisserie chicken)

-tuna pouches (mayo, mustard, and relish packets are awesome too)

-canned chicken (pre boiled chicken)

-boiled eggs (egg salad super yummy)

-egg beaters and precooked turkey breakfast sausage, both cooked in microwave

-frozen egg muffins or leftover crustless quiche. My little one loves these too.

-taco meat or fajita meat. Both easily precooked and thawed when needed. good in low carb wraps or on lettuce with salsa, rotel, or avacado.

-Greek yogurt

-cheese sticks and lunch meat

-tilapia, thaws extra quick. Virtually no prep time and low cook time.

-salsa/rotel and sliced bellpepper

Hope these help. I know more just can't think of all of them right now.