Some people can eat brownies responsibly. I think choosing NOT to do something nice for someone else because you don't want to perpetuate the idea that "food is comfort" is putting your issues onto other people.
Food as comfort is a fundamental of human nature, in my opinion. That's why food is woven into ritual in so many societies throughout history. Even now, at goal, when I am not a comfort eater (ie, eating when I am not hungry to satisfy emotional needs), I still find some foods generally comforting.
That's different from OVEREATING for comfort, which is a problem that a lot of people have too. I don't know whether your friend does. In any case, if she has several people dropping by to wish her well, it'll be nice for her to have something on hand to offer them (preparing to entertain guests when laid up is a challenge - I had knee surgery 2 mo before I hit goal, someone brought me lemon bars, and I was so grateful because it gave me something to offer well-wishers).
Just my 2 cents. I think people who have food issues (and it's hard to become significantly overweight without food issues) tend to transpose those issues onto everyone around them. There is nothing inherently wrong with finding food comforting. There is nothing inherently wrong with eating a brownie. Those things are only problems when done to excess, which some people don't do.
HOWEVER, if you're looking for alternatives, apologies for the rant above, and you might consider: A basket of trashy magazines to read during her recovery, perhaps some lovely hand lotion or self care products that are compatible with her surgery, DVDs, a cozy throw blanket, etc). That's just as comforting, if you're really uncomfortable with the food idea.
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