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1 (28 oz) can of low sodium stewed tomatoes 1 (28 oz) can of low sodium vegetarian refried Beans 1 (15 oz) can of low sodium whole kernal corn, drain and rinsed (you may need to omit this, if unable to tolerate) 1 (15 oz) of low sodium green beans 1 (24.5 oz) can of low sodium vegetable broth 1 tablespoon dried oregano 1 tablespoon garlic powder pepper to taste 1 teaspoon dried basil 1 tablespoon dried parsley 2 tablespoons dried minced onion Directions: Puree strewed tomatoes in an electric blender or mixer. Place pureed tomatoes, refried beans, corn, green beans and vegetable broth in a large pot. Cook over medium heat. Refried beans and tomatoes will cook down and provide a Soup base. Stir occasionally to prevent stickiness. Add Water as needed to prevent over-thickening. Add spices and continue to cook until soup is heated through and just boiling. ******** Found this in my bariatric manual provided by my surgeon coordinator. Looks really good for fall and wanted to share. Enjoy, Chad

Based on your statement - I have 2 questions - all about - you guessed it -- poo! I had my VSG October 8, and last night October 16 (on full liquids and having eaten nonfat greek plain yogurt for almost 2 full days), I end up with diarrhea. I can't figure it. I added Protein powder earlier and milk and such with no trouble the morning before (so milk 3 times and feeling wonderful on that until last night, so probably not lactose intolerance). I was up all night with liquid and tiny bits of that nasty red pasty stool that means I still have stomach bleeding. For you guys also that noticed your initial post-surgical bleeding (reddish stools for stools passing quickly though but no clear blood streaks if from that high up), how long did it last. Everything that went in on my last protein "snack" last night came out last night, all night, and into this am. Also - has anyone noticed that the unjury Protein as a snack contains more calories than what I can consume for a meal (I won't, I am even a vegetarian-Pescatarian/Lacto-Ovo-Vegatarian but recently added ground turkey and chicken) to accommodate my protein needs. I already live on Greek yogurt, and soy;-) Sorry to rattle on. And sorry for the bad picture, I couldn't find the good one of my cat (I am serious - not making fun - really true. My cat will appear shortly. Thanks ahead guys.

Oh my that is so hard to do! I get frustrated no doubt when I don't see the scale move! I am going go try and not weigh but once a week! But then what if I get there the following week to the scale and it still hasn't moved?? Then it will be double frustration ! Lol ! I get it though - people say eat more eat more! What am I suppose to eat more of? I need some help! I'm prolly not eating enough of the right things - I hate meat! Was a slight vegetarian before surgery anyways! I'd ear occasional salmon or cod but that's it! What are you eating?

Stop stressing... While i haven't had to go through the supervised diet i have lost 40+ pounds in the first 5 months and i credit most if not all of it to a total change in my state of mind. Just like everyone else here i have a story of how i got to where i am, and despite the fact that i was big at birth, i still contributed A LOT! my first thoughts of the pre-op were that it was just a diet til i get to surgery, ITS NOT! in the last 5 months ive seen so many different doctors, and gone to therapy more then i ever have in my ENTIRE life. There are a lot of f'ed up things that have happened in my life, some things that i had to indirectly address due to the severity of the issue. Before starting the process to surgery i never even though that i would voluntarily deal with these things, but i have because i have (with the help of my doctors and therapists), I've come to peace with everything in my life. I am male carnivore, i never once in my live gone without bloody red meat (steaks) for more then a few days, i now eat no red meat and have no desire to, most of my diet consists of seafood and poultry and greens, and I would like to go completely vegetarian if i didn't have such a priority on Protein. I have literally changed my entire state of mind and its not been easy at all. im not saying all this because i want to boast, im saying it to hopefully stress the importance of the need to stop stressing. I would not have been able to accomplish ANY of this if my head wasn't in the right place, or if i were over stressed. As it is, i work multiple jobs and average 30ish hrs of sleep a WEEK (that works to 4ish hrs a day) and my stress level is at an all time low. Find a therapist, one that you like and can really talk to, i went through a couple but now have a great therapist. Stop worrying about numbers... sure weight is important, but its also a constant reminder of how your doing, and if you aren't doing to great then its only going to cause negative feelings. i never weigh myself, the only times im weighed is when im at the doctor. Sometimes (like the last time i was weighed) my weight loss was much lower then i thought, and sure i was feeling down that day, but it didn't affect the 3 weeks before the weigh-in where i was feeling great. Find your non-scale victories and think about those more then you think about any type of failure. Consult with your doctors, they're there to help. If you don't like your doctor, or feel that they aren't to helpful then change them. Im not sure of the area you are in, but hopefully you have options when it comes to hospitals and/or dr.s or medical professionals. Talk to a therapist, i dont think your crazy or anything but it really does help, specially though the rough times. Find the medical professionals that you feel comfortable with, don't go through all this feeling lonely or stressed. its my first time having this surgery, but this alone makes me feel like you aren't ready. I'd say wait off just a bit longer and get your head in the right place. I've also failed to address your unregulated thyroid, Its not helping any, thats clear. But i feel like it was brought up as a way to justify what you feel as your failure. By needing to justify it, it probly means you didn't try your hardest. Im sorry if this comes off a little hard/harsh, thats not at all how i wish for it to come across. I will however emphasize the importance stress plays in how well you do. I would like to leave you with some words that were sent to me, these words literally motivated me every time it got tough for me, the helped me through the days when i thought i should just quit. "You can and will do this!! I don't live in Chicago but I know that you are going to work out the struggles and be on your way to a better you!! I support you in all you do to better yourself!! The next song you play after you loose the weight will be music to your own ears!!!" -shrcumm LapBandTalk.com -- One last thing. I do want to let you know that if you need anyone to talk to you can feel free to pm me. i've had my share of rough nights during this long process, in the last few months ive gone through LOTS OF DHRAMA (thats drama with an extra h, just to add that much more drama) in my life, and i wouldn't wish it on anyone. if you need someone to talk to my ears are open (or since we're in a forum) my reading glasses are on.

Hi All, I'm Lei. I'm new to the board. Obviously And new to the bariatric surgery program at Geisinger Medical Center in Pennsylvania. I haven't been green lighted yet, just attended my first class and have made the decision to go forward with the vertical gastric sleeve a few days before the class. Don't get me wrong, it's not like I made the decision over night (I suspect, not a lot of us have!). I've been struggling with my weight my whole life, for the most part and have been considering surgery as an intervention for the past 6 years. I guess you could say the "straw that broke the camel's back" was my recent trip to Europe. I was boarding a plane from Dublin to London w/ Ryanair (1st row) and the lap belt BARELY snapped into place. I almost broke down crying and didn't want to speak to my husband the remainder of the flight (he understood, bless his heart). All of the moments came flooding back to me.. my wedding, seeing myself in my dress and being disgusted, trying to shave my legs in the shower and having to pull a balancing act.. all the times I broke down crying in department stores because my size was "snug" or just didn't fit anymore. It was that moment that I decided enough was enough. Current health issues I'm dealing with: PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) Metabolic Syndrome (Pre-Diabetic w/ insulin resistance, carry my weight around my midsection, and have an all around "slow metabolism" (my awesome Endocrinologist puts it in air quotes, it's brilliant!)) Chronic back pain Trouble sleeping (not diagnosed as sleep apnea, but I wake up CONSTANTLY with numb limbs and just all around discomfort because of my size) I had my gallbladder removed in 2008 for gallstones and I've more recently had to have a colonoscopy for digestive issues. They didn't find anything remarkable in the colonoscopy, but they did remove a 4mm polyp from my Sigmoid colon. I'm a vegetarian and I restrict my dairy consumption (Forks over Knives!). I was exercising 3x week at the height of my efforts, but have since stopped. It's very discouraging when nothing is happening! I gave the exercise and strict diet about 6 months this go round with very little results. I'm 29 years old. I suspect that my friends from work are getting sick of me yammering on about how excited I am to get rolling on with the program and how excited I am to MAYBE be slimmer and healthier. Which brings me here. I look forward to getting to know some fellow "sleevers" and learning about your stories of success!

I've always ate meat and had no problem until after I was sleeved. Was sleeved 9/12 and since then everytime I eat meat including all seafood, I feel like vomitting. It's the taste and I don't like the way it feels in my mouth. This is so weird. What else can I do to get my protein in as I think I might become a vegetarian with all this.

I am vege and so is my nut. I have bariatric vegetarianism papers. Let me know Ifyou want them. Message me. Sent from my iPhone using VST

Hi! I'm new to the board and this is the first post I was able to find that was relevant to my concern post-surgery. I have 5 months yet before I go in for surgery (which isn't even scheduled yet). So I'm very very early in the process and I've been a vegetarian for quite some time now with no desire what so ever to return to meats. I also backed off a lot of dairy (mostly due to Forks over Knives!!). I still do eat Yogurt from time to time, and cheese occasionally (though, I prefer to purchase Veggie cheese). Some time has lapsed since this thread was posted - I was wondering if you went forward with your plans for surgery nyxa? And if so - any thoughts on still maintaining a vegetarian lifestyle? I plan to eat Beans and some Protein supplements to help. But I have absolutely no plans of returning to eating meat!

Hello all! It has been about a year since I have checked in on this site. I will be 2 years out in december. I still would like to lose another 30 pounds. The lowest I have gotten so far was 165. I currently flucuate between 165 and 170. I have totally gotten off track! Bad! I snack, eat carbs, drink alcohol, eat sweets. All of the things I shouldn't do! I really need to get focused again! It is so hard though. I guess the first thing was just logging on, finding this thread and reading what everyone else has been dealing with. I am comitted to starting again and being healthy. I have planned my meas out for tomorrow and my boyfriend and I have an appointment for a kickboxing class! Meals: Breakfast: coffee (need the caffeine but will be working working on having less), babybell cheese and a hardboiled egg. Lunch: Vegetarian chili 1/2 cup and babybell cheese Dinner: 1/2 baked potato and 1/2 cup of veggie chili Its a start. I know its not exactly what I should be eating but I need to start somewhere! Please help me stay on track! I can do this!

Haha! I just tried Vegetarian Chili for the first time. But I am not supposed to have tomatoes yet or peppers so I tried to just pick the beans out. 1 cup is 11gm protein but I couldn't even do 1/2 cup. I also could not finish 1/4 cup of yogurt. Too full from my water. I am really pushing my liquids more and more each day since I have been feeling dehydrated. Think I am doing pretty good. 36oz down by 1:30pm. Gee, only 28oz to go....puke.... Yesterday I had a string cheese stick and it tasted good. Also, lots and lots of cottage cheese (A little Breakstone's 4oz container has 10gm protein in it. Haven't been brave enough yet to give greek yogurt another whirl yet.

I'm so really really exhausted! Spent most of the day cleaning and organizing Ate a bit, 2 turkey meatballs from tj's 2oz sweat potatoe fries 2 Dino nuggets 3/4 meat sope 1 microwave Mac and cheese And lots of coffee! Start dissecting cats tomorrow in anatomy and physiology class. Will be a vegetarian for the next 6 weeks on weds and thurs due to cadaver and related smells. Also having my 1 months post op check up Even though its been about 7 weeks! Hopefully I wont wreak of formaldehyde and kittens. Sad but true.

I was vegan for a few months. It was pretty easy. In order to get all the protien needed I am not sure you could be vegan, but vegetarians eat eggs, dairy and fish so I think that would be ok.

I call my self the part time vegetarian as I only eat meat once or twice a week. I eat a lot of fish, though. I found that when I was fully vegetarian I felt really crappy but after I incorporated a little meat back into my diet I steadied back out. I still like meat, but nowhere like I used to crave it. I actually prefer fruits, veggies, and fish more than anything now!

I started with Dr. Kim but couldn't get past being forced to buy certain shakes for pre-op. I heard about Dr. Cribbins (Plano Presby is where I had surgery) and his pre-op being fat free vegetarian. My experience with Dr. Cribbins and his staff has been AMAZING. He I had surgery Friday and he came to see me sat and sunday. He is very easy to talk to and I will say it again: NO PAIN WHATSOEVER!!!!!!!

I have an odd question.... Has anyone become vegan or vegetarian after the sleeve but was a carnivore pre-op? .....strange, I know.

i'm a vegetarian. I get plenty of protein. tofu is my best friend. so are green smoothies.

Southcoastliving- congrats on your 25 lbs. I was sleeved on 9/4. Sounds like we're averaging around the same weight loss. I'm not a vegetarian but have decided to try and incorporate veggie burgers into my diet. I was a vegetarian about 20 years ago but wasn't getting enough nutrients so my Dr told me I needed to eat chicken, fish & turkey. I still try to stay away from red meat if at all possible. Keep me updated in your WLS journey.

I had surgery on September 5th an I feel great. The surgery was way easier than I imagined. Recovery was fine. It would have been horrible if I didn't have a private room in the hospital though. The people in double rooms looked miserable! Anyway, I feel great. I've lost 25 pounds which is more than I thought I would lose right off since I am on the smaller range of weight. I do get a bit bored with my stage three food though. I'm a vegetarian and not being able to get my veggies is NO fun!

Hello Everyone, I am new to the forum!! I have decided to change my life by starting the lap band journey!!! My idea started when one of my co-workers started losing weight and I asked him what his secret was and he presented me with this procedure. Like all of you, I have struggled for over 10 years to lose this extra weight. I have gone as far as becoming a strict vegetarian and excluding junk food from my diet. I have even acquired my taste to like Tofu! I am currently waiting to attend my first lap band seminar which is Oct. 16th but it seems like eternity. I have become depressed because I have low self-esteem and feel like I will never feel good in my body again. I am hoping to learn a lot from this lap band family and can only hope that I am approved for this operation by my insurance company. I am so ready for this because my life no longer revolves around food, my only issue is the hunger because I feel this does not let me become successful in my weight loss journey! Thank you very much!!

i am 1 day shy of 6 weeks post op. i feel like a pig compared to what i hear a lot of other sleevers eating! fyi, ive been a vegetarian for 25 years. i havent had any issues with any foods since surgery nor any pain eating. let me give an example of what i ate today.... breakfast was a premier protein shake, lunch was an amys bean cheese rice burrito with half an avacado. dinner was a cup and a half of high protein spagetti with marinara and a piece of wheat garlic toast. for snacks i had a handful of pistachios and 2 string cheeses and 4 pretzels. i drink water all day long just not for at least 30 minutes after i eat. this is just 25% of what i wouldve eaten before surgery but i still feel like a pig! please dont be mean or overly critical, i would just like to knowif anyone else can relate? tia!

I am a vegetarian and have not had any problems with veggie's but I have stayed away from asparagus and celery since being banded in June. Also I have no problem with rice or pasta's I just have to make sure I take very small bites and chew chew chew.

I am a vegetarian and I was banded on September 11th. I haven't had many issues with eating. I just have to remember to chew really well.

My surgeon says that fibrous veggies are hard to process unless they are literally cooked to death, which pretty much renders them useless to me. So, broccoli stalks, asparagus stalks, celery, etc. are hard to get down apparently. (I have only been banded 2 weeks, so I haven't tried any of this yet) However, he says that just about everything else is probably going to be no problem, although every individual is different. He has mentioned that white things; white rice, white pastas, white breads, generally don't go down well, while whole grain products seem to do ok. It has to do with gluten content. As I say, I am not at the stage of eating whole foods yet, but I will be introducing my mainly vegetarian diet back slowly, to see what I can and cannot tolerate. I think you will be fine to go back to your normal diet for most things.

I just read that statement in one of the Low BMI'ers thread and thought, "wha?". I am a vegetarian, and for 90% of the time I stick only to whole grains, plain veggies, unaldulterated, sauce free, unprocessed foods. (The other ten percent is for when I eat out, or travel ----- amazing how hard it is to find real food sometimes!) From my consult and my talks with SWLC, I believed that I could continue to eat the way I do now, but that I would be limited in the amount of food I eat. Is this not so?

I miss all of you but hope you are doing well on your journey. Have a great weekend everyone. I am going to continue posting in this thread daily because it helps me to see it in writing and be accountable in a way. Breakfast - 6oz mango yogurt lunch - 1/2 wheat tortilla w/ vegetarian sausage and Tomato sauce snack - 5oz vanilla yogurt, about 10 blueberries dinner - 1 wheat pita, 2 tbsp crunchy Peanut Butter, 1/4 banana sliced, 1 strawberry Snack - 8oz skim milk, hot tea no exercise today, had back pain :/