[clancythecamper]

ILMC- One idea that helped me a lot post op is to have pre-prepared items in the freezer. I made meatballs, meatloaf, marinated baked and grilled chicken, boiled bite sized chicken, pattied out hamburgers - casseroles - you get the idea so that immediately after surgery cooking is quick and easy. I found that a few smells bothered me immediately after surgery but that was a short term thing. Most things are fine now. You will also notice your taste changes, I dont know why or how but it does. Things I thought I wanted are totally not good to me now, but most healthy things are fine (maybe they do hypnosis while we're under!!!!!) I am pleasantly surprised how I have been able to handle food choices. I was a huge chocaholic pre=op could hardly go thru the day without something but post-op I really dont like chocolate. (Brownies still smell wonderful, though!)

[DocSanae]

Kat is a professional chef, and she hasn't given up her job, so yes, you can cook, and I don't think you'll lose your love for cooking.

[onmyway]

You just won't know how your body will react until after surgery. It has been so much harder than I thought. After six months (and 60 pounds), I still cannot eat much of anything w/o pain. But, having said that, the way I feel emotionally, and the confidence I feel has made it worth it and I hope that with time, I will improve. Don't think too far ahead -- whatever comes your way, think that you'll handle it. Good luck. Lorraine