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Eva~ Have you seen the Wall-E movie yet? Nelson has the little miniatures from McDonalds, from when the movie came out, and the little guy says "eva!" <with a robotic voice> YouTube - Wall-e saying his name Click on the youtube link. It's one of the cutest parts in the movie. You will never say your name to people the same way! : ) I love sushi that is cooked. I love the spicy rolls. I will eat the ones with seafood that is cooked, or vegetarian ones. I have to use a lot of wasabi in my soy sauce. The spicier the better. When I lived in Atlanta, I would eat raw fish b/c it was really fresh and good. Here in the middle of no where- no one here really eats it & things have been sitting a while. Nels loves Japanese chicken fried rice like at Benihana, where they cook in front of you. Yeah, We have to bring a gift. And this time a year, if you don't bring a gift receipt then people think you are "re-gifting". I bought something at Walmart for the two brothers on Sunday and the cashier forgot to print the gift receipt! She pointed to customer service with a line of 20+ people and told me I had to go there. I kindly refused and asked her to call a manager. They fixed it at the register. The party today, we have known the family for 3 years now. This kid is adopted, like Nelson, and is SPOILED rotten! He is the only grandkid for both sides. His mother "registered" at the local toy store for his party!!! They give you a big clear rubbermaid bin with your name on it. Then when people come to get you a present, they pick from the bin and it gets removed so somebody else won't buy it. The store is quite expensive/overpriced. It is sad that kids today are so overindulged that we have to have a gift registry! I will never forget one of the first parties we went to, I had bought a very "practical" gift for the kid. Paper, markers, stencils, game book- it all came in a big zippered lapdesk that you could travel with. The parents LOVED it (b/c they were driving to New England) but the the kid threw it to the side and grabbed a Spider Man gift. Nelson was too young to notice, but I remember thinking 1) It's NEVER a good idea for kids to open gifts at a party 2) Teach your kids to say THANK YOU, no matter what it is. Well, it's raining here and 41 but the report says "feels like 34". They are predicting SNOW in some parts of Florida today!!! (Orlando and north!) This weather is getting weirder. I feel sorry for the mom who is giving this party. She has a big bounce house for the kids and a petting zoo with pony rides coming! All will be rained out. Nelson LOVES parties! It's why I go. My little social butterfly. DH waltzed in at 4am. He looked soooooo tired! Nothing like working a shift from 530 am to the next day 4 am. That's a long day. I'm gonna let him sleep late. I purposely woke up early and came to Nelson's room to snuggle. He woke up quietly instead of coming to our room and jumping on the bed! Now we are on this side of the house watching tv and hanging out. Will CBL...Laura

Morning to all. It looks to be another nice, sunny day - high yesterday around 50 - we are all loving this so much. DH took Aylah to the park the other day and again yesterday afternoon -- still wearing hats, gloves and coats, but it still feels good. Supposed to get some flurries next week - -doubt it will amount to much - I AM positive thinking the weather to be good for awhile - let's see how that works. Ha. Janet did you get Vista? I really like it - I've had it about 2 years now - so there's probably something even newer out there now. We went out for Mexican last night - they had a "chicken fahita salad" which is basically just the same as fahitas except they throw it in a crispy shell and add a little lettuce to the top - didn't eat any of the shell. And, instead of it costing $12 (fahitas) it was only $7.40. And it was more than I could eat. It was tasty indeed. Aylah loves tacos so she had a taco and fries and Beans -- I'm so glad she loves beans -- she got up this morning and wanted leftover beans for her Breakfast. I love that!! I have our awards lunch on Wednes. and they sent the menu out the other day -- 4 cheese and sausage lasagne, cesear salad, garlic breadsticks and turtle cheesecake!! Wow, that's more calories than I usually eat in a few days. Oh well, I'll nibble -- at least my DH will be attending this one since I'm an honoree this time and he can eat half of my food. I wish they'd have some "healthy" options but all they ever offer is vegetarian and like this time it was the same food EXCEPT they don't put the sausage in the lasagne so it wouldn't be much better. Cheri hope all is well with you -- not like you to be missing for a few days -- I guess school is keeping you busy. Jodi, how's the bat mitzvah plans coming along? Have you found a dress for you yet? Gotta get ready for the gym -- have a great weekend everyone! Linda

a) you look amazing you cannot nor should not compare yourself to your hubby!! EVER>> remember Men are from MARS girlfriend!!!! c) From my personal experience I have not been able to eat more than 1000 calories since way before my surgery- In my change I have become a vegetarian and relying fruits and veggies (occasional) fish for my food and let me tell you- since dong soo I feel 1000% better, lighter, healthier NEVER hungry and I can eat what I want when I want and how much of it I want because it is good for me.... not saying this is for everyone by any means- BUT if you feel you may be eating too much- you should try adding more fruits and veggies you can NEVER get too much of those and they fill you right away-

I went in asking for bypass, and my surgeon talked me into VSG. So glad that he did. Two reasons: -I am a vegetarian so already have to be careful about nutrient absorption, especailly B12--and RNY as a malabsorptive procedure would have made that even more difficult; 2. -I wanted to be able to take NSAIDs, and while my surgeon allows RNY patients to do so with a PPI after a waiting period, I wanted to be able to take them more liberally if needed, and VSG allows you to do that (I will always take a gastric-protective med though)

Has anyone gone vegan or vegetarian after surgery?

..you need to try and relax through it all, although i understand how nervous it makes you feel. AS long as you stick to the rules, small mouthfuls, chew, chew, chew, and wait between mouthfuls, you will be o.k. Im certainly not stressing about what i can eat. i have whatever i want, within reason of course. I dont have fatty foods though, but everything else, apart from bread, im eating. I cant eat much of anything so the weight is coming off. You need to be able to do the same, so try and adopt a little of every healthy food, and do the right thing. the band wont bite you. lol. its a wonderful tool. I know now when ive had enough. Even if its just two mouthfuls, my neck gets the ''shoulder pain'' and i know to stop. it seems as if now its going to be that way with me. Im trying out smoked cod at the moment. i cooked some last night. i could only eat a very small amount. the same this morning, i had two mouthfuls and had to leave it. Im going back to have another couple of mouthfuls shortly. AS im a week today post 1st fill, im not sure if my restriction with meats is related to the fill or not. it doesnt matter. im getting plenty of nourishment, im losing weight and im not hungry. What happens, happens, as far as im concerned. if it means i cant eat meat or fish i go vegetarian. YOu need to just let these days and weeks be stress free, and eat as you have learned. Good luck. i know its a biggie for you, but its not too big, neither is it too hard.

I'm the same as you...three months out and still have trouble with chicken. My nut said to try the dark meat (forget the old diet rules). I've also tried the rotisserie chicken from the market, and when it's fresh, that seems to be good. But, grilled chicken...nope. The other thing that worked well and I really liked was vegetarian "chicken" patties. They're slightly breaded and crisp, so they taste like a crispy chicken patty, but that seems to be great and packed with protein. I'm also doing okay with beef, but don't really want to eat a lot of that. Even deli turkey I have to be careful with. But, we all find what works for us, right? My nut says if something doesn't work, give it a couple of weeks and try it again.

Forgot to mention, I am vegetarian BUT I am eating fish, eggs and dairy. Yes, I have been exhausted since surgery, I am not anemic.

Fab, how about cottage cheese, yogurt and pureed vegetarian (I can't have meat yet) chili. Other more filling or substantial soups? Some on here also do mashed potatoes. Also hummus is good. Good luck, hope this helps a bit!

I make a lot of bean based soups because I'm vegetarian. I also made a really tasty, but not so pretty dreamed spinach soup. I used veg stock (either my own or low sodium Amy's), a container or premade Orgain organic protein drink (vanilla flavor). I pureed a can of low sodium whit beans with 2 cups of spinach and some roasted garlic. Mix it all together, salt & pepper to taste, a dash of cumin. If you want I you could add some chicken, but I don't eat chicken I added some shredded blanched spinach for garnish.

Hi Maria, The meetings are from 11:00 - 1:00 at Kaiser Point West. 1650 Response Rd, Sacramento. Wish I could help on the creative eating issues but I'm not there. I don't think you are allowed dessert. I was told 3 meals a day only. But one of the pro's on here will know better than me. I'm a no carb person. Carbs just keep me fat! You can read back about our spaghetti squash if you haven't already done so - LOL. I'm a big fan of it and also Ricotta cheese. Last night I had a frittata. 2 eggs, 1 oz cheese, 2 oz each, tomato, onion, bell pepper & mushrooms. Today I have a 1/2 bell pepper stuffed with the same veggies from above with 1oz cheese melted on top & 2oz of pork chop for lunch. Breakfast was 3oz fresh mozzarella (the kind that comes inthe water pack) & tomato slices rolled in fresh basil leaves. The thing I have the hardest with is eating proteins first. I'm not a huge meat eater - not a vegetarian - but always carbs - grrr! These ladies on here lost so much weight on this pre op diet they will surely be able to tell you some of the things they ate!

Reggie I may not be able to be there or only be there for part of it. I have something I have to be at for my daughter from 5-7. I wasn't sure if you said 2:30 or 4:30?? I can't find the post. I was hoping for 2:30 but I sorta remember it as 4:30pm........... So I might not be there so don't worry abou the vegetarian thing for me. I am good at finding things to eat even with meat around...............I grew up with a dad who ate meat so I know how to be creative!! Can you remind me of the time??

I think our labs are 3, 6 and 12. I sorta want to get some run this time due to my nails peeling.......which they still are today but not as bad as few days ago. Also I am seeing some hair in the shower everytime I wash my hair that bothers me...............more than before!!! But so far not noticable. Ok ladies going in tomorrow. I will print this menu out today and take it to RObin I like this site and I see my protien is 60 carbs 35 fat 17..........I think I am ok with that but more carbs than I though.......... Also only averaging about 500 calories a day. What? I was sure it was more. Last night I ate more cheese on purpose to get it to 800 and push the protein up............This is a really great tool. I had no idea how little I was eating.....I got an A for the three days I used it.................I gotta move my food log last week on this site. Only problem is that the vegetarian meats are not on here as much. I have to take products that are simliar in calories and protien to balance it out. But there was stuff that was almost identical so it worked....... Does Calorie King have more food options? I just didn't want to pay.......

Hello All I did hear back from Liz today. I will have my pre op classes on APril 2, 2009. Five appointments in all on the same day!! I have to be there from 7:30am -5pm but at least it will be over. 8-10 pre op 10-12 Nutrition class 1:30 Dr. Baggs 2pm-See Robin one on one for Vegetarian nutrition 3:30 See Tom for final approval Glad it is all on the same day but seem far away right now. But I am actually leaving for Africa in two weeks and when I get back it is only a week to pre op and two weeks to surgery. I am working on my FMLA at work today and getting the medical leave approved.

Thanks for the update. That helps. Ok no sandwiches I will stop that now before I go in. She is going to really be on me about protien because I am vegetarian and struggle with the Protein. I am eating the same stuff over and over. But I plan to have my ducks in row and let her know I will be able to figure out how to get the protien in without eating meat. I know which soy meats count and what doesn't........thanks Robin for helping me with that. I have the EKG wish I knew how to get it to you. So you knew yours was not normal before hand? My mom is a nurse and said it looked like a good rhythem but she is not sure about counting spaces up and down and said that makes a difference. I stressed about it for two days but figured if something is wrong and the surgery is not safe I need to know now. WOw 37 pounds ................I really need to get on the ball I wanted to at least hit 20 by the time I went to see her. So impressed with your progress. I may end up with the same surgery date as you that is what I planned to ask for. Or the next Monday after that. I am getting very excited but really nervous too. So what don't the doctors know? Diet tips or the rules of the program? I assume that is what she is talking about. So your with Dr. Baggs too. AH lots of us have him.

Riley: I can eat first thing in the morning no difference in restrictions. But I don't eat until about 10 to11 either. Than 3 or 4 and something small about 8-9. BUt that is just cause I am working weird hours right now. I have to drink at least half of my water in the morning before I eat........I get to thirsty waiting an hour after eating to eat!! THan I have to wait an hour to eat after all the water :-) The reason I know I can eat more than a cup is because of salad. Haven't tried anything else in that amount. Protiens I couldn't do a cup they would get stuck. So Riley if your at a 1/4 a cup of protien I think that is what they are looking for for good restriction. 1/4 a cup of protiens per meal is the goal i was told. I think salad and veggies don't count for the 1/4 rule................yea salad is a slider I so know that. But some people can't eat it. I have always been able to eat salad. I can still eat bread if I want to. I have been more restricted before where I couldn't. I like not being able to eat bread!!! LOL!! I have the quuram Riley. There is also this new one Gardien foods that has lots of protiens that are low fat. 23grams of protien under 200 they have like 20 different choices. But I tell you they are just ok, not great..........I don't know if they have wheat or not but the best one is this Tuscan chicken that has veggies inside of it. I haven't tried them all but they have a wierd taste. I do the lentils like crazy and beans of all kinds. I used to do yogurt but it got ruled out as a slider when I turned in my food logs. I was doing oatmeal and cream of wheat to but they got ruled out as well. Crackers and egg salad..........crackers got ruled out. Quinoa is my new thing but I am waiting to run it by the dietation later this week. LOTS of protien and mixed in with lentils it tastes pretty good. I wish I could add in fish and not throw it up................maybe I will find some meat at some point that I could actually keep down. I heard salman is not fishy smelling or tasting...... I am working with the nutritionist since I am vegetarian and learning little tips here and there. I am slowing getting it I think. I have to substitute the 1200 calorie plan and sometimes I think that messes up the outcomes. I think vege meats have a bit to many carbs...............I know they have sodium in many of them. Well gotta get some sleep...............best wishes to all

Reggie, Candra - am going to miss both you girls on friday :smile2: !! Reg no I'm not vegan - I eat eggs, and I WAS eating cheese products (no milk, lactose issues) but I have been SO stopped up - ifyaknowhatimean - that I cut that out a week or so ago . . . i am darned close to vegan! I am trying to eat fish as protein, I was ovo-lacto vegetarian when I started this journey and agreed with Robin to eat meat for 1 year, even though it would be canned chicken and fish only - cannot deal with carcass - and last time I had a sit-down food journal meeting with her, she said I was getting twice the protein that I needed and I could transition back to vegetarianism!! Yay, after only 6 months of eating meat! I have found, though, that it is HARD to get the "band-full" feeling without meat. Fish is especially good for me to get full on a little bit without BPing, so I am going to continue to eat fish for a while. I eat a LOT of soy, and since there is medical evidence that it MAY trigger some estrogen-related cancers - and I am adopted so don't know if it runs in my family or not - we are limiting my soy proteins to 25 grams a day. But most meat analogs are made with gluten and whey, both of which I have problems with, so it is TOUGH to get 60 grams of protein for me, and still limit my carbs! I manage - by eating a lot of eggbeaters!!! Anyway Fit for Life is so "old" that they did not even envision some of the meat analogs, sugar-free products and other things that are available today . . but I really do like the idea of fresh fruit every morning and othing after 6 pm - and of not eating carcass with carbs!! So I had 2 cups of fresh sliced stawberries for breakfast this morning, no PBing no nuthin! Yay. I lost back that 4 lbs of water (and the other, LOL) weight that I had temporarily gained, yay me - so am holding at 8 lbs. down since my fill. I expect I will lose all restriction again in about 5-6 more pounds and need another fill, but I will cross that bridge/email Dr. Baggs when I get there! 7.5 miles so far today ladies, but it is HOT out there already so won't be doing my afternoon walk . . will do a 1-miler at noon if I can find enough shade (which will mean walking around the big dark jail, which is totally creepy, LOL), but there's no way I'm getting my freckled irish skin out there in 90+ degrees mid-afternoon. Going to need to find a hiking buddy for after work today, maybe along the Russian River where it's REALLY cooler than inland Gott go appear to be workin' for the man, have a great day all!

Hey Girls The meeting was good. She had ton some research on lap band stuff and gave out some success rules and than this funny 100 reasons to lose weight stuff. Also they gave out weight lose magazines which I really liked.......I might order that magazine. Talked about RNY and lap band and there seemed to be quite a few bandsters.........lots of clothes but nothing in 18 or 16... Ok if I am a year out and only 30 pounds down I will be so disappointted!! That is really not the way it is suppose to work.........I am only down 12 right now and disappointted. Sizes going down but now scale so whatever. But seriously I am on no carbs at all right now...................my goal is hopefully to be at goal weight by Christmas/new years. That is another 60 pounds down, 10 per month is reasonable I think. Ahh.........these 30 pounds stories seriously worry me because it proves you have to do the work to succeed and that the band can be outsmarted............. I just need some restriction so I don't feel like I have no band!! I think my biggest problem has been thinking in terms of cup sizes and not calories. I think the 1200 was easier to grasp for me. Now I am realizing that the 1/4 cup is way more important than the calorie amount and if you do protiens the calories tend to be low............ I am gonna get this just this vegetarian thing is giving me some challenges..................I am learning how to do it all. I sorta wish I had more time and classes before on the vegetarian thing so I had it down by post op. But I am learning..............I think it has affected the speed of my weight loss!! Ok I am stressing about Robin this week. I hope the 12 pounds flies or that I hit a big losing streak this week!! LOL. I am due for one.................making sure I have socks on when I go to Pinole this week!!!

Ali - If you have Kaiser, yes they do the surgeries in either Richmond, So SF, or Fremont. If your BMI is 35 you need two comorbidities, if it is 40 or over you don't need any. You need to ask your PCP for a referral forng bariatric surgery. Candra - I am going to check with a couple other people I know to see if they know anyone they can introduce me to. I think I just have the after Christmas moody blues. I just had frosted flakes for dinner and a few bbq chips. My protein shakes are getting cold. I made my two vegetarians Boca burgers and a regular burger for my meat eater - I wanted a burger with a bun, but I know that won't work so I had the cereal. So who is meeting us on Sat? I think me, Maria, Candra, Riley and who else? We want to make sure we don't leave someone.

John I agree eating out is hard. We do it at work alot for unit meetings. It is hard to make 1/4 cup last the whole hour and people want to know why you don't eat......awkward. Especially since my boss pays for everything I feel like I need to try and eat. I usually go for soup and sorta panic when we go to a place without soup. Soup you can make last a long, long time.......LOL. Sizzler just about did me in and so did Red Lobsters.........I am a vegetarian so they are hard resterants anyway. But still when I good restriction I sorta like to eat alone more than go out..........it is just a pain trying to figure it all out. I would rather eat alone which I am sure probably means I need to practice eating in a group!! LOL

Yea even with Baggs I sorta felt a pull to go RNY.......but he didn't really push me either way. Just the statistics made me think I should go that way. But Dr. Baggs did say being a vegetarian that RNY could be a problem for me..............but even when I asked him to pick he said no.........you pick!! I wanted Dr. Fisher for the reasons Candra said. HE started bariatrics at Richmond and that impressed me......but I am glad I got Baggs his personality fits mine better..........

have you googled kosher/vegetarian? I found this .... http://www.nutribodyprotein.com/shop.php

Hi everybody - just checkin in - been a long weekend! cmelosew8 - Love the name! took me a minute but I got it - don't know of any sites but you are more than welcome here! Pammie - how are you - I haven't seen you in so long.... :thumbup: Coco - how does it feel to say "hubby" - and NO, you are NOT moving - you are bound to us. Need more "honeymoon" details - will email you the pics when I get home. Analynn - are you at goal yet girl? what's up, what's up?? Laurel - I lived of ricotta cheese - still do! My fav is my faux tiramisu! a little splenda, a little expresso powder with cocoa dusted on top - Yummmmmyyyyyyy. You at goal yet?? I know you're close!! John - so sorry bout all the puree's, Pb's & cold - You are in Hell on earth so bitch on - it's cool! I will send you a friend request too - I wanna be your friend. Ali - Love the Avatar sister! Mo - Miss ya girlfriend - long time no see, hear or read??? Hether - miss photogenic - you should really look into some type of modeling - guys I have the best pic of Heather. Yeah, it was christine that had the ricotta bake! Christine - how's that bun cookin? Ahs - go girl, GO!!! Hi Karen - how's it goin? Reggie - it was so so so great haning out with you Friday night - wish you lived closer! I talked to my child and she said she'd love to come to your house for a baking party - as long as she doesn't hafta bake LOL. Rambo is wishy washy - hope Rocky is better to you! Could you please remind me what a protein is? All weekend I had cake & rice for Bfst, Lunch & Dindin - that rice is off the chain - need that recipe - what is that spice you put in it??? Ya'll need to hire Reggie to cater your parties - she is the bimb diggidy cook - Of course JES will need to be there too with her shrimp! JES - Yes, you know those shrimp you make are my favorites! really need to know how to make that sauce. I also need you to kick me in my A** to get me back on track - Reggie ruined me :smile2: April - why do I never see you on here anymore - LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your daughter! She's a kick! You should bring her next time! How's the vegetarian thing workin out for her?? Donna - my love - I am so very happy we got to hang out on Friday. We need to get together more often. We make a good team :thumbup: Love ya! Riley Jane - how's it hangin? Hope to see you on the 20th - hell, bring that man of yours if you so feel like it. Pat - can't wait till this weekend - Probably won't be able to stay long - got some bridezilla crap to do - food tasting for the reception dinner. Just what I need to do, right?

Went to my appointment today and it turns out they psych said I was normal, maybe boringly normal!! She was fun and we had alot of good laughs. She was doing a job I do daily so it was a bit of twist for me to be getting the questions. Luckily I knew who the president was and who I was!! So I passed that although they didn't really like that ADD part since I guess that could interfer with my followthrough with the nutrition part. I assured them I am over organized and on top of things to compensate. My appointment was at 11:30 but I got there at 10am. I saw down to read a book and got called 5 minutes later. I was done by 11am. I went to make the surgeons appointment and they said how soon do you want it. I said very soon. They said what about today in two hours!!! So I stay a bit and meet with the surgeon as well. Another cancelled appointment. And he actually took his lunch break and meet with me at noon. I was assigned to Dr. Baggs and he seems great. I can go either way lap band or gastric. I think he prefers gastric but I couldn't get him to commit to which one he thought was best he said I needed to decide. I was down to 243 today. 246 with my coat and sweater but they gave me a chance to weigh without it :-) Dr. Baggs says my goal weight is 241!!! So two pounds way . I have to get my lab work done this week and my EKG. He ordered all the labs and I have to meet with the nutritionist and case manger. I have to be at 241 to call and make the appointment. He advised maybe being 240 just to make sure the case managers don't send me home which he said they will if you are even slightly over your goal weight. So I am down except for losing a few more pounds and the final appointment!!! I am shocked how quick it went!! Everyone was so nice over there and I personally thanked Kelly for getting me in so quick this week. I guess I can thank my bottom heavy body for not having to lose the full 10%. Also since I am vegetarian I meet with Robin a bit and realized that lap band is probably better unless I plan to start eating meat. GPB patients don't do as well on a vegatarian diet. So that is where things are at with me. Anyone else have Dr. Baggs? He seem quiet young but confident. Oh I did have to have my stomach examined to see if I was ready for surgury other than that it was easy appointments.

Hey everyone!! Riley I love the new picture!! I really need that head hunger class. I can't find anything like that here in Sacramento. I got put in an anxiety/stress reduction class. Which is a good think but I think the head hunger would be even better. Ok I talked to Robin for a long time today. I am not getting anymore fills until I am down 5-10 pounds and I am doing a food log for her. We both agreed that this up and down stuff is no good. We talked about RNY and she told me she is glad I didn't do that one!! She said being vegetarian it would have been a problem. We talked about eating some meat for protiens. But nice to have her to myself even if it was only on the phone. I think she thought I was gonna argue the weight loss before a fill but I agree. I am tired of all this up and down. I have to get back on track and get really strict again. Oh yea it is 30x chewing your food NOT 20!! " LOL. So I hope I am down at least 5 by December 4 so I can get a fill. But truthfully I think I have to just keep losing fill or not. I have 40 pounds to go I can't lose momentum now!!