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Trying to get ideas for meals and wondering if purchasing a cookbook specifically to Bariatric Surgery or Post Sleeve is worth it?

Also If anyone has bought a cookbook and really loved it “please let me know the title!

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I bought a couple and personally didn't find them useful at all. Early on post-surgery, they were suggesting things that didn't match my plan, so I couldn't make any of the recipes. An example I remember is something called "Ricotta Bake". This is supposed to be a puree stage food, but it was not allowed on my plan until later in soft food stage. By then, I didn't have to restrict myself to just the ingredients in Ricotta Bake, so I never ended up making this. There were lot's of other examples, but this is one I specifically remember.

I'd also say that 75 or 80% of these recipes are readily available on the web for free, so once again, probably no need for a cookbook. I'm 4 months in now and we just make "normal" recipes. I simply eat less of whatever we make.

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I never used a bariatric cook book either. There were some recipes in a book about bariatric surgery my surgeon gave me & I did make one recipe a few times (a tinned fish frittata muffin thing - tasty & I often swapped ingredients for variety). But I’m not someone who uses a lot of recipes. May start with one for a new idea but rarely follow them exactly.

Took things I usually made & just prepared them using healthier ingredients & better cooking methods. Though there wasn’t much to change as I was pretty healthy in the meals I prepared myself. Used spray olive oil or non stick pans or cooked some meats in the oven or grill so need for oil. Already didn’t use prepared sauces & such like Pasta sauces. I kept things pretty simple as it was easier to work out Protein, other nutrient & caloric content.

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I've looked at some bariatric cookbooks and I do not think they are worthwhile. There are tons of free recipes available on the internet. After the first couple of months, you don't really need bariatric-specific recipes (but don't sleep on the ricotta bake -- it is delicious and I made it regularly during my pureed and soft food stages).

I have found a lot of wonderful recipes on Pinterest. I've had the best luck searching for "skinny" and "WW" (Weight Watchers). "Healthy," "low-carb," and "keto" also have some good results; you just have to make sure they meet your requirements ("keto" recipes in particular can be a mixed bag, because some of them are very high in fat, which can cause dumping for bariatric patients).

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