vegwannabe

Hello everyone! I'm on the seacoast, over in Dover. I've just started this wonderful journey with the info session in mid-May and I'm just thrilled to have found this site. It's already helped me to lose about 10lbs!! I scroll the posts instead of sitting in front of the TV stuffing my face. It's just awesome! Anyway, very nice to meet my NH neighbors and Lap Band compatriots. Ain't it great that spring is finally here. I'll tell you, I was seriously considering moving south earlier this winter. Wasn't it just gruesome...the winter weather, I mean. Thank goodness for global warming! (I am only kidding about that.)

I'm looking for someone who can advise and support me on becoming a vegetarian and through the Lap-Band process. I am at the beginning of my Lap-Band journey. I've attended an information session, done some research on the web, and read hundreds of posts here on the forums. I want more. I am 43, 5'10", and live in NH (USA). I have over 150 lbs to lose and am looking forward to using the Lap-Band experience to completely revamp my relationship with food and eating. I am a budding vegetarian. I currently eat very little meat, and am weaning myself off dairy and most cheeses. (I'd like to keep goat cheese on the menu.) I do eat eggs. I am a novice at tofu, tempeh and soy Beans. I am also trying to buy organic as much as I can. I'm looking for someone who can help me learn about the intricacies of an (ovo-lacto) vegetarian/Lap-Band diet. I want to hear how you make it work and what pitfalls you have encountered. And....make a new friend. :biggrin2:

Kristi, I've had quinoa as a pilaf, but never as a porridge. I'll have to look for it in the store. Do you make it just like oatmeal? with milk and all that? Have you ever tried the shakes from Rivival Soy? I found a reference to them in an old forum post, along with the web address. www.rivivalsoy.com I've ordered the sampler pack to try them out. I also ordered a package of soy pasta! Yeah, really! Soy pasta! Have you ever heard of such a thing? Anyway, I'm going to try it out.

Kristi, most definitely!

That's hilarious! Thanks for the ideas. I'm a long-time subscriber to Vegetarian Times magazine, and have several (some untouched) veg cookbooks. I did just pull out my copy of "The Whole Soy Cookbook" by Patricia Greenberg, and see a few recipes I want to try. My reasons for elimating meat and dairy are not only to better my health. I am appalled at the conditions under which animals are bred, kept and slaughtered for our eating pleasure. It's inhumane and it just freakin' filthy! When I learned that beef cattle are given antibiotics to prevent the diseases they become susceptible to because of unnatural feed (high carb to fatten them up fast) and over-crowded feed lots, I was just sickened. Add to that the environmental consequences of feeding and raising animals for food, and to me...it's just not worth it. I can do without steak and chicken patties. (Sweet Italian sausage has been a bit difficult, but I'm evolving.) Sorry to rant. Bea, I'll check out the chorizo the next time I go to the supermarket. Thanks!

Jack, thanks for the thoughts and concern. Getting adequate Protein and minimizing refined carbs is a priority for me. I have a sensitivity to gluten, so will be minimizing that as well. I do partake of eggs and all types of Beans (4 bean salad and edamame salad are favorites), low-salt no-sugar nut butters, soy milk and I'm learning about tofu products. I've even added quinoa to my repetoire. I'm not much for fast food, never have been. It's portion size and inactivity that have been my downfall. I'm not one to do anything half-a**. When I do something, I delve head-first into it, soaking up everything I can learn about the subject and doing it right the first time. Obsessive? Maybe. At least this is an obsession that will result in a healthier lifestyle. Thanks for the advice.

Can we make this post a permanent source of info in Diet & Nutrition or a "sticky" or something? It sure does answer a lot of questions about why some docs/dieticians say to reduce or eliminate caffeine consumption. I'd also really to hear how folks quit the caffeine habit? I'm hooked and need some advice.

Aubrie, have you ever tried hot water with a little lemon? I haven't tried it, but I hear it works. No caffeine, and you'd get a little Vitamin C. If you try it, please report back. (Specific details about your results are not required. )

It reads like if you are "morbidly obese", whatever their definition of that is, it is covered. Best thing is to call on Monday and ask them for a written statement of the exclusions, what is covered, and under what circumstances (i.e. what are the "other conditions" and how your plan determines "morbid obesity." Good luck.

Well, my blender showed up a bit earlier than I thought it would so I came home today and put it to work. I mixed up a lovely pineapple soy smoothie. It's got 1 c soy milk, 1/2 c pineapple chunks (no sugar added), 2 T pineapple juice (from the can), 1/4 t vanilla extract, 9 ice cubes and the recommended serving size of Genisoy soy Protein powder - 3 T heaping. All that has 280 calories, 27g carbs, 5.5g fat and 32g protein (vegan protein). The pineapple has a bit of Fiber so net carbs are about 24g. So for the taste....soy squeamish beware. :thumbup: If you don't like soy milk at all, you won't like this. It does have that soy texture (some may call it chalky), but I'm not sure if that's from the soy milk or the soy protein powder (probably both - duh!). The flavor reminds me of pineapple-upside-down-cake (It's the vanilla). I'm going to try this with other fruit, something with a bit more flavor like strawberries, or peaches. A bit of smooth sugar free Peanut Butter might be good. :tt2: More soy reviews and recipes to come.

Bobbil - read what Lana24 has to say. It's the fat and protein that keep our appetites satisfied longer. Fat and protein are digested more slowly. The band uses the exact same mechanism. That's why that bacon-double-chizbuggah is so satisfying. It's loaded to the sesame seeds with fat! :thumbup: I know that if I have a bagel for Breakfast, I'll be famished by 10am. If I have scrambled eggs with cheese and whole grain toast, I can go until 2pm sometimes. And that's now, even before being banded. Really! Be conscious of maintaining an adequate protein intake and low carb intake and you won't feel so hungry all the time. Carbs are a devil! :scared2: You deserve to succeed! You can do this. You are doing this! You will succeed!

I bought some soy Protein powder at Walmart the other day. It's "Genisoy" 16 oz. unflavored "natural protein powder." 3 heaping tbsp (30g) serving size/ 15 per container. It was only $8.96, making it less than $.60 per serving. Pretty cheap, if you ask me. It's got 110 cal, 1.5g fat, 290 sodium, 60 potassium, 0 carbs, and 25g protein. That's just the powder, no milk. So it's all protein. It's also got loads of Vitamins and minerals - 25% RDA of most. I haven't tried it yet. I've got a brand-spankin'-new blender coming by mailorder in the next few days. Yup, I went all out! :biggrin2: I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it doesn't taste like cardboard. I keep running recipes through my head.....mix it in with plain soy milk, add frozen berries, a little vanilla extract and some nutmeg ....or bananas and a pinch of cinnamon :scared2:...I'm taking suggestions! Coming soon! Soy protein powder shake reviews.

Super interesting thread. I'm wondering if Jachut and RugmanForever aren't, perhaps, both talking about the same level of carbs in one's diet....No one has specified what is meant by "low-carb". From my research, (Admittedly, not as extensive as Rugman's) I've found that Atkins and the like are virtually "NO-carb" diets, whereas the low GI diets are "low-carb or NO-refined-carb" diets. If you aren't a vegetarian, you are eating loads of meat and its companion fat on the Atkins diet, so are at risk of high cholesterol, heart disease, etc. Would a lap-band surgeon or dietician tell a patient to follow this type of "meaty" diet for any length of time?? Just one last comment...I think it is extremely important for bandsters to follow their doctor's diet guidelines (pre-op & post-op). We are all very different, so sweeping recommendations are not appropriate. And, isn't it our poor nutritional choices that got us here in the first place?! (No offense intended)

Losing the weight is our primary goal, but I also want to hear about what other health benefits people are experiencing as a result of losing the weight or other changes you've made to food choices and your activity levels. Has your diabetes gone away? Have your allergies or asthma lessened or disappeared? How is your arthritis? Still got swollen legs and ankles? Is your skin clearer or rosier? Has your cholesterol gone down? Have you had to reduce or elimate medications? Etc... If you have seen changes, has it been just losing the weight that has made the difference, or has it been other changes you've made since being banded that have contributed? :cursing: Let's hear it!

Jack! Awesome start. Just the other day I started writing down the things I'm looking forward to after I lose the weight...giving myself a pedicure was on the list! :thumbup: You're an inspiration! :cursing:

Awesome! My cycles have been irregular for as long as I can remember...that's one change to "normal" I'm not looking forward to. Glad to hear about your cholesterol and mood meds. Great progress all around!

Hi Moe, I attended the same seminar you did on 5/14 in Portsmouth. I mailed my application on Monday in Portsmouth, so assume they got it on Tuesday. I called the surgery coordinator today and got a call back from Renee who said it usually takes a week before they start calling folks back to schedule interviews. She also said that 6-8 weeks from your interview is the usual interval to surgery. I'm as anxious as you are to get this show on the road! Keep in touch.

Thanks! That's a bit of a relief. The better quality whey protein shakes seem to be quite pricey. I've done a little comparison shopping and the soy mixes seem less expensive and just as good, or better, nutrionally. The true test will be taste. I'll report my findings for anyone who is interested.

You may have "risk factors" and don't realize it. Your frequent heartburn is probably one. Find out what the criteria is for your specific insurance carrier. I'm fairly new at all this too, but from what I've learned, risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, abnormal blood glucose, joint pain, decreased mobility, asthma, breathing issues and all sorts of things you have learned to live with. Talk to your PCP as well. Gaining 5lbs weight may be an option, but be fully informed before you binge. Good luck.

It's funny how we assume once we make a friend that they will be with us for the rest of our lives. Honestly, how often does that ever really happen? I've known some wonderful people who I will always consider "friends", even though we spend very little time together, if at all. People come and go from our lives every day. It's extremely rare that one sticks for any length of time. We should be grateful for the time we do have them in our lives, not begrudge them for going out of our lives. At least that's how I try to look at it. Otherwise I'd be angry and hurt all the time. (Not good because I'm an emotional eater!) The world is in constant motion. We change all the time. You can't expect friendships to stand still. (Waxing poetic here, sorry.) To say someone is not a "true friend" belittles your experience with them. Better to look at them as deeply flawed humans, just like everyone else. Dont' be afraid to become the person you aspire to become just because friends, family or anyone else tells you not to change. It's their loss if they aren't willing to put any effort into making a friendship with the "new" you work. What matters is how you feel about yourself and how you take care of yourself. You will make new friends. Sorry if I sound preachy.

"I think I cried a little about getting my life back to where it was 15 years ago." I've been feeling my heart tug at me a bit too. I am just starting the process and am anxious/excited about the future. It's been over a decade since I was at a body weight at which I felt comfortable, and I've never been "regulation size". I don't know what it feels like to be thin and it's all a bit scary and joyous at the same time. I have a feeling I'll cry a little too when I have my meetings. Thanks for sharing.

I'm so glad to hear that banders can be veggies. I am, as my nickname says, a "veg-wanna-be." I've never been very keen on meat for health and environmental reasons, but have found animal products difficult to cut completely out of my diet. I want to elimate meat and most dairy after the surgery. I figure I'll be overhauling my relationship with food then, why not make the transition to ovo-vegetarianism and organic foods. The higher cost of going organic won't be much of a factor since my portion sizes will be decreased. I'm wondering... Have any of you had your Doctor discourage you from eating veg or have they been supportive? And, how difficult has it been to maintain a veg diet post-op?

OMG! Ditto, find a new surgeon. You deserve much better treatment. Don't let that doctor get you down. It's not your fault. He's an arrogant sh*t. Good luck.

Hello everyone. I've been browsing the posts for the past hour or so and am amazed and very pleased to have found such a wonderful source of information about the entire Lap-Band process and for such caring support and advice. I've been feeling a bit alone in my decision to start the process (attended information session 5/14/08). I do have the support of my family, but I carry the shame and self-consciousness of being overweight, so am keeping my decision, to move forward with this life-changing event, somewhat to myself. I plan to be a frequent visitor to the forums and will update my signature as I progress. Wish me luck!