Cooking for guest who's had recent surgery

[Weddingwhywhy]

Bit of a tricky one!

We're hosting my uncle and his partner next week for a couple of days. Uncle's partner had an emergency gastric surgery 3 weeks ago. She's recovering well and is starting to eat normal food, albeit in smaller portions.

Wondering if anyone has any dinner ideas of something relatively tasty but easy on the stomach? I was thinking of a risotto for one of the meals but beyond that I'm a bit stumped. Uncle isn't much of a chef and is a bit vague when I ask for suggestions. I don't know his partner all that well but she wouldn't like to think I'm making a fuss (but equally want to make sure she's comfortable and well-fed!)

Maybe a lasagne or spaghetti bolognaise? They're both pretty soft foods. It might depend on the operation she's had and you could make them with less seasoning if you wanted.

Fish pie maybe?

White fish with mashed potato or new potatoes

Can't you contact the lady herself to ask what sort of foods she is able to cope with at the moment?

'Gastric surgery' could cover any number of diseases, intolerances, medical issues etc. Did she have a stoma bag put in, gastric band, or any number of other issues??? Do you know what the surgery was for exactly? Is there anyway to speak to the wife who had the surgery? I'm sure she was given a detailed list of post op does/dont's. I'd prefer to get 1st hand knowledge of what she was advised rather than her vague husband! 🙄

Ask whether the proportion of what she is eating should be the same or eg more/less protein or carb

The surgery was to remove a blockage.

I've requested a prescriptive list of foods but apparently they don't have one and she's being encouraged to try stuff out. I know she's eating porridge for breakfast, she's had dishes like risotto previously and chicken with mash. She struggles with anything too acidic

I’d do lots of things that you can serve ‘family style’ so she can pick the bits she can eat and amount without it feeling like fussing over her. Given the lack of direction I’d probably also avoid rich or spicy food.

So maybe a roast chicken or salmon, a couple of salads or veg dishes and some new potatoes - dressings on the side so people can add as they like.

Or chickpea tagine, roast Mediterranean vegetables, cous cous and flatbreads.

Serve yourself dishes is a great idea. I'd expect she'll want to avoid anything spicy as her system is already in shock.

Could you have a table laid with quiches, new potatoes, salads and/or cooked veg, maybe a cold pie or cold chicken? Everyone can take what they want.

Fish pie

I'd avoid anything too sweet then or tomato based, if she's avoiding acidic foods.

Spinach and ricotta cannelloni
Tuna pasta bake
Fishcakes

Aim for the kind of stuff that's good after you've had a tummy bug. So, mash, rice, pasta,, carrots and cooked veg - avoid legumes and anything that causes wind. Also avoid tomato and onion. For fruits, try cooked apple. Fish or white meats. Avoid anything high fat and also dairy.
Good luck. It's pretty restrictive

Im a surgical nurse and have also had my own fair share of bowel surgeries. Generally three weeks after surgery you can eat anything, however I find my appetite is low for a good few weeks. Id just cook whatever and make it clear that you won’t be offended if she doesn’t eat.