Brian K. Davidson

Who doesn't love a juicy hamburger? The problem with most burgers is that they're super-sized and loaded with saturated fat, which is difficult to digest for those who've had weight loss surgery. Bring on bison or buffalo mini burgers for the perfect lean protein and size for anyone! Kids who grow up eating meals low in saturated fat are less likely to develop chronic heart disease.

Because eggs are high in protein and can be kept soft, they are an ideal food for someone who's undergone weight loss surgery. Eggs have many different applications, from scrambled eggs to light and airy soufflés. No other food is as versatile or can be so diverse in so many recipes.Egg substitutes are often used to help lower the fat and cholesterol contents of a dish.

Getting your post bariatric surgery pouch ready to take on the day is not easy for some. So begin with a few sips of warm liquid such as decaf coffee, herbal tea, or warm water to allow the pouch to relax and get ready to start taking in breakfast. Fruit is about 80 percent water, so it's easy to eat. In addition, it's loaded with vitamins and minerals.

Smart eating for your post bariatric surgery requires smart shopping. This means purchasing foods that are healthy, convenient, and good, which can take a little time and may make you feel totally overwhelmed. You will need to compare items and make notes. To make shopping easier, as you prepare the meals you have on your weekly menu, make notes of brands you like.

Tender and moist Chicken with Tomato-Mushroom Sauce has a hint of white wine, tastes great, and looks great with the colorful vegetables in it. If you're cooking for your family after your weight loss surgery, don't worry about serving this to kids with wine in the sauce.Very little wine is used, and the alcohol cooks out.

Not every meal needs meat, and Vegetable Lasagna is a great vegetarian dish. After your weight loss surgery, you might find it difficult to cook for your family, but you may get the kids to love their vegetables when you prepare them with cheese. After all the vegetables are cut, have the kids layer the cheese and vegetables while you make the sauce.

This soup is a crowd pleaser and a good fit for most ages and tastes and can help make a great meal after your successful weight loss surgery. Make a double batch and enjoy for a few meals throughout the week.Menu: Broccoli Cheese Soup Whole-grain crackers Sliced apples with cinnamon See the following table for serving sizes: WLS Patient Kids Age 2 to 8 Older Kids and Adults Broccoli-Cheese Soup 1/2 to 1 cup 1/2 to 1 cup 1 to 2 cups Whole-grain crackers 1/2 ounce, crushed 1 ounce serving 1 to 2 ounces Sliced apples with cinnamon 1/4 cup 1/4 to 1/2 cup 1 cup Milk No beverages with meals!

Eggs are great, but adding veggies and seafood makes them irresistible. After you've had weight loss surgery, this crustless quiche is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner. Have the kids mix all the ingredients and pour it into a prepared casserole pan. While the quiche is baking, start preparing your fresh fruit salad and set the table for a family meal.

Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas are the perfect dish to put on the table for brunch or dinner. And, you can work them into your menu plan after your weight loss surgery. Kids love tacos, so why not introduce them to enchiladas? After making the chicken mixture, have your kids fill and roll the enchiladas. When baked to perfection, let them cool slightly and serve with Black Bean Salsa.