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Ironically I discovered Indian food about 5 months ago- shortly before becoming a vegetarian and LOVED it!! I ate the most amazing lentil soup, the naan was ok- I stayed away from the rice- I also had a lentil salad, couscous something or other and tried a peice of chicken but couldnt take the spice- Now being a vegetarian I have started cooking with different spices and such to flavor the veggies- curry being 1 of them- LOVE it!! I'm sure if you take it slow- avoid the naan and rice for now you should be ok... the lentils are FULL of protein!!

Being a vegetarian these things are a staple in my diet.. Why would you NOT eat them??

Everyone raves about MyFitnessPal. I've been using Lose It! for a few years now, so I won't be switching. But the main thing is to really take a look at your input (calories, Protein, Vitamins, and minerals) and output (exercise, other activity) to see where there is room for improvement -- or a complete overhaul! For me, nutrition was a huge obstacle. I was a very unhealthy sort of vegetarian -- a pastatarian. Trading some simple carbohydrates for greens and adding more fruits, veggies, and legumes to my Pasta when I do have it made a huge difference for me. After dinner walks are nice, too! Evaluate, make some changes, and then go from there. One step at a time.

Sorry for hijacking your thread, tflemon67. That wasn't my intention! Thanks for your, ah...extensive reply, Carole! I'm going to try to provide an adequate response: Whey isolate is 99% lactose-free, but for many people with sensitivity this is not enough. I am allergic to cashews and hazelnuts, and my mother is allergic to peanuts; in most cases we aren't able to eat foods that are processed on the same equipment as those containing nuts. If you don't have any food allergies, count your lucky stars! I've been a vegetarian for almost 15 years, and I'm (finally!) in excellent health; the vast majority of my Protein is from soy, much like many others in the vegetarian/vegan community. Does soy have these effects on some people? Most assuredly. But that is far from damning. Depending on the source (rBGH anyone?), dairy products have been shown to cause hormone issues as well. But similarly, it would be unfair to demonize dairy and suggest that it is not a useful source of protein. I think there is room for many sources of protein, and research suggests that variety is a good thing. I am not badmouthing whey. I think you felt that I was, and then assumed that I did so to promote Herbalife products. Incidentally, Herbalife has some products that use whey. I was simply objecting to the suggestion that whey is the be-all, end-all. I know you said you didn't want to get into it, but since you asked: Amino acids are not derived; they are what Proteins are built from. A 'complete protein' is a protein that breaks down into the amino acids that are necessary for human nutrition (i.e. the body is unable to synthesize them itself, so we must come from our diet): histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine (and/or cysteine), phenylalanine (and/or tyrosine), threonine, tryptophan, and valine. Since these are present in soy protein, many in the scientific community consider it to be 'complete'. I tend to agree. The rest of the amino acids can be synthesized in the body from other precursors. Scientific knowledge itself, of course, is never 'complete', so it may be that future research will augment or obviate some of what we know now. I am not familiar with this 'Center of Excellence'. What I do know is that peer-reviewed studies both around the world and the at the Center for Human Nutrition at UCLA (which has staff who advise Herbalife on nutrition) have found soy to be very nutritious. I also find it to be very tasty. All good questions, and many good points. You are correct, Carole: I have not been a bariatric patient. I had only heard of LapBand in passing and really didn't know much about it before joining this community. I also did not discover Herbalife until I had achieved my initial goals, but it has helped me achieve new milestones I wouldn't have dreamt of before. Regarding my reason for being here: First and foremost, I have struggled with obesity since childhood, and I was drawn to this community of people who share many of the same struggles and passions that I do. I have, at two points in my life (14 years ago and 4 years ago), weighed twice what I do now. The first time I lost the weight, I basically starved myself. Suffice to say, I gained it all back over time, as I was neither physically healthy, nor had I developed the healthy habits necessary to make the transformation sustainable. Before my now-wife joined me on this journey, I was alone in my struggle with eating and weight-management. I know what it has meant to us to share our disappoinments and triumphs, and just support and encourage each other. That's what I really love about this community. And if my successes, failures, and other knowledge and experience can help inspire someone else to achieve their goals, that is something I want to be a part of. I am sorry if I have done something to offend you personally. It wasn't my intention. I see a lot of people here who are excited about the individuals, products, and tools that they are utilizing to reach their goals, and I have been thrilled to participate. Regarding professionalism: I am primarily an IT professional. Herbalife is my hobby. It is something I am passionate about because of my personal journey with weight loss, health, and nutrition -- and it's a nice break from the screen. Since you have scrutinized me a bit, I'm sure you've noticed that I don't link to products or give out my number or website here. It would be easy enough to do so, but I have been on my share of forums plagued by spammers and shameless self-promoters. I can't stand that either, so I don't do it. That isn't why I am here, and frankly I am more than happy to stick to my principles and keep my dignity. I got into Herbalife as a distributor initially because my wife and I get a discount. My focus with customers, however, is on building relationships and helping them achieve their goals, and if feels like that is really only feasible locally, where I can work with them one-on-one. And at the end of the day, Herbalife doesn't pay me; my customers do. So don't worry: I'm not trying to recruit you, Carole! But thanks for your interest in my background. Question everything; the truth can withstand scrutiny.

From what I've read, soy and whey Proteins are equally viable. From what I have read, and to follow the recommendations of my surgeon who is affiliated with a bariatric "Center of Excellence", and is not a product distributor of herbalife products, soy Protein is not considered to be a complete protein source. This topic did come up in one of the patient education classes I attended pre op, and we were advised that in general even those who have sensitivities to regular dairy products can use whey isolate as they are considered to be lactose and nearly cholesterol free. Soy has a different amino acid structure, one which has in several studies to be related to increased levels of hormones which have been linked to hormonal disorders in humans. Soy is a source of complete protein, and since it is plant-based, it is a great alternative for vegans, vegetarians, and those with dairy allergies. It is still controversial to state that soy is considered a complete protein, because in the field of nutrition studies many do not consider that to be an accurate statement. Vegetarians usually do use dairy products, as well as eggs. Whey isolate is generally considered to be both lactose and cholesterol free. Vegans would be the only group to stay with plant based proteins to remain compliant with their self imposed dietary rules. Anecdotally, when I've had whey isolate protein-based drinks they have not agreed with me. I haven't had the same discomfort (and other more graphic issues) with soy protein. You may have an allergy to dairy products, and whey isolate protein may not be your best choice. But it is really an individual thing, and in light of the research it seems unfair to call whey 'the best' -- 'my whey or the highway' (I couldn't resist!) -- when soy is also nutritious and made from the same stuff: the amino acids that are the building blocks of all the cells in your body. Everyone is entitled to their opinions. As you mentioned, and I definitely agree, everyone should consult with their own nutritionists and surgeons as to what is the best source of protein to use while following a bariatric diet. when soy is also nutritious and made from the same stuff: the amino acids Well, no, as you said yourself, soy is not dairy. The amino acids are not derived from the same sources, so from a organic chemistry perspective, can they really be the same stuff? I'm not a chemist, and don't care to debate this topic. But, let's get back to basics. Most of us on the forum are not trying to build muscular physiques. We want a good, complete and nutritious source of protein which does not contain carbs or cholesterol. Whey isolate protein is still considered to be the "Gold Standard" of proteins for bariatric patients. During the pre op nutrition class which I attended, we were advised that other types of protein were not considered to be complete, and lacked the amount of protein per gram of product which whey isolate provided. I do not share my opinion as anything but what a "Center of Excellence" has stated in their patient education curriculum. You have written that you are a distributor of herbalife products. I would hope that you are not misusing the scope and contents of this forum to promote the use of your products, or to enhance your business interests in your distributorship. It would also seem that, based on your profile, you have not had any bariatric surgery, and also do not need to loose any weight. So, as a matter of inquiring minds want to know... what are your reasons to be active on this forum? That said, as one who, incidentally does have dairy allergies, I will continue to follow the instructions of my surgeon. 100% Whey Isolate protein...

From what I've read, soy and whey Proteins are equally viable. Soy is a source of complete protein, and since it is plant-based, it is a great alternative for vegans, vegetarians, and those with dairy allergies. Anecdotally, when I've had whey isolate protein-based drinks they have not agreed with me. I haven't had the same discomfort (and other more graphic issues) with soy protein. Soy may not be for everyone either, since some folks are allergic to it. But it is really an individual thing, and in light of the research it seems unfair to call whey 'the best' -- 'my whey or the highway' (I couldn't resist!) -- when soy is also nutritious and made from the same stuff: the amino acids that are the building blocks of all the cells in your body. As always, your physician may recommend one or the other -- or both -- depending on your specific needs.

Another one of EggFace recipes. Cream of Spinach Soup This is a full liquid recipe. Great for vegetarians but I love it and I hate vegetables. It is spinach (it won't always be dangerous LOL!) but you can change it to broccoli, beets, asparagus or even carrots. The regular recipe called for light cream but we used 1% (skim would be too watery, don't use skim) and served 8 people. DH cut it in half for the 2 of us. It can be frozen into individual servings. Cream of Spinach Soup Serves 8 people (but you can make half recipe easily) 5 Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and roughly chopped 2 lbs. fresh spinach 2 yellow onions, roughly chopped 3 garlic cloves 1 cup light cream (use 1% instead not skim) 1/4 cup grated Romano cheese 2 tablespoons butter (we used Olivio spread you can use whatever you use instead of butter) Salt & pepper Pinch of nutmeg Water Melt butter in a large soup pot. Add onions and garlic and brown for about 10 minutes. Add potatoes, nutmeg, and enough water to just barely cover the potatoes. Simmer until potatoes are soft, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat. Add spinach and let sit for 8-10 minutes until spinach wilts. Puree in a regular blender. Add cream, cheese and season with salt & pepper. Heat and serve

Thank you! Today was rough.. It was 99 degrees and my window box AC is broken. I have no central air and am miserable right now. Gonna be 90+ all week. Staying w/ my sister for a day or two but she makes my stress go up and doesn't give much thought to groceries, etc. gonna try to get AC fixed tomorrow. This stress has not been good for me and the heat makes me feel weak, irritable and get headaches Breakfast - 1/2c kashi go lean Cereal with skim lunch - 3/4c chili, 3 crackers, 1/4c fruit salad dinner - 2 vegetarian sausage links, 2 carrot sticks, 4oz peach yogurt snack - 8oz milk Lots of Water No exercise today

I have been a vegetarian for 6 years pre op and was sleeved 6-25-12 and a week out I would kill for meat. It's the weirdest thing. It used to gross me out I haven't had it in so long and now I feel like its one of the first things I want. Wish it wasn't the case but we will see I might just be desiring anything I can chew at this point even if it came from a helpless animal

We do eat meat but we use the Veggie products from Morningstar farms all the time. They have a new hot dog, the original grillers (like a burger) but lots of different varietys, They have chicken nuggets, links which are small sausage shaped, or the round sausage, or buffalo wings (not wings at all and the list goes on. My Mom turned me onto them she was a Vegetarian, and I just have loved those. When I don't know what to eat I generally go for a Griller w/some NF cottage cheese on top. They are usually my first go to Protein food. I also like black Beans as well that I will mix with some of this or cottage cheese, I am a mixer!!! We like Isopure for our Protein shake, hubby is NOT banded but follows we eat the same thing he finds he feels better following along with what works for me. If your in Southern California there is also a Market at the Loma Linda University that does not carry any meat products. You can actually buy items online and find nutritional information on the items. Just google LOMA LINDA FOODS but make sure you do read the ingrediants and they have pretty much substitutes for almost anything.

Hi I have a so protiein fruit smoothie at Breakfast At lunch I have a salad and a Protein, I am not a complete vegetarian, I do eat fish and eggs At dinner same thing veg and protein

Do you have any advice for veggie meat replacements for us? My daughter is a vegetarian and we often use Morningstar, Boca, and Quorn meat replacements. I haven't had any of these myself since surgery (10 wks post op) because I wasn't sure about the amount of carbohydrates in them. My nutritionist said tofu was okay but I have never tried it and although I have heard it is easy to use, I really have no idea what to do with it.

Actually I am a believer in the mainly vegetarian lifestyle. There is a book (The China Study)- and an ongoing study- that is a result of 20-year partnership of Cornell University, Oxford University, and the Chinese Academy of Preventive Medicine. They have 20 years of empirical data showing a huge cross-section of lifestyles in Taiwan and many rural areas. Dr. Colin Campbell headed it up from the Cornell side. They have documented clinical data that shows that a diet consisting of less than 10% of Protein coming from animal sources (most notably casein) can actually arrest development in cancer in lab rats. The people with the lowest incidences of cancer are the rural farmers who A) cannot afford huge amounts of animal protein and B ) move their bodies rather than drive their cars everyday. Even rural places impacted by China's terrible pollution problem have shown a notable avoidance from cancer. Joel Fuhrman is another guy crusading for a more 'nutrative' vegetarian lifestyle. He is more toward the vegan side and is definitely worth checking out, but his program is very strict. His eating method has allowed diabetics to come off of insulin within the first three weeks. IMHO I believe that the days of eating rich foods all of the time is over for me. I am OK with that, I had a good run . I think it's OK to have meat and cheese, as long as it is on a weekly or biweekly basis rather than a daily basis. I am post-op now, and still relying daily upon yogurt and cheese and eggs and whey powders, and I suspect I will continue to be as I lose over the next 18 months, but the long term plan is to steer towards plant-based protein sources and integrate them to get myself to that <=10% protein animal intake level.

oOoohhhh I am SO hoping to join you August sleevers! I have my final appointment on my 6 month "diet" on July 24. WIll have all my other requirements met by then so we can submit to insurance. I am having my surgery with Dr. Cribbins at Plano Presbyterian and may be having a hysterectomy at the same time. I go see a gynecological oncologist on July 11 for a second opinion and if he says it's the right thing then I will get a 2 for 1. Both surgeons would use the davinci robot for my surgery so recovery should not be more then 2 weeks. My pre-op diet is vegetarian supplemented with protein shakes. So glad I get to eat regular food those two weeks! I can do that!! If not August, then hopefully early september, we will see. Oh, i am 41, 5 ft 1, 230-232lbs, and I have been overweight since I was 22. I have thought about switching to plant based diet but I still have to care for my husband and my step sons, who are 12 and 14. NObody likes tomatoes or mushrooms, one doesn't like corn, and they are all picky and vocal about when they don't like something. I am doing this for me. ANd if you have not tried about time protein, you really should!!!! It has been the absolute best so far and I have tried ALOT. It is sweetened with stevia and just sooo good. www.tryabouttime.com

I am vegetarian, so it is mainly soy for protein. I try to stay around 10% fat, but since that is completely relative, yours may vary. cheese is my vice, though, so some days I overindulge.

Going out to eat, and attending parties are always going to be a challenge to diet compliance...learning strategies to avoid going way out of control with the food choices I found that it helps to keep a glass of iced Water in your hand at all times. This worked well for me recently, when I attended 3 day long my class reunion out of town. The most temptations came the evening of the formal gathering, when there were servers walking though the group with every imaginable delicious looking finger food you could ever imagine. I allowed myself to have 2 of the most interesting selections, and then found my way over to a table loaded with vegetarian choices, and chose 2 of them. The rest of the evening was taken up with a focus on speaking with classmates I had not seen in years, and sipping water. The following day was a catered picnic with Mexican food...instead of a taco or a wrap, I chose a right sized portion of lettuce, chicken chunks, and topped it with a bit of salsa, avoiding the rice and deserts. I had not lost any weight over the 3 day weekend, but I did not gain any either. Even in a party situation, it is possible to not destroy your diet. Just stay aware of avoiding the foods you know you should not have and it will help. And, as others have mentioned, it does not do any good to beat yourself up over days where you don't maintain your diet. The motivation must come from within. The most important thing is that you were aware of a need to get back in focus and follow your diet again. That event is now in the past...keep your eyes on your goals!

(I should note: My highest weight ever, in life, was 293. That number is listed on my profile information. I lost weight when I went Vegan, then had to lose more for surgery. I was 227 when weighed at the hospital the day of surgery. I am 227 this morning.) I had surgery on Tuesday, June 12th of 2012 at Buffalo General Hospital. My surgeon was Dr. Alan Posner. My situation is different for several reasons: First, I'm Vegan. I've been Vegetarian since the age of 4 (going on 32 now), and Vegan since 6.15.2010. Dr. Posner had told me prior to the surgery that he wanted to make my sleeve bigger than usual, because of being vegan. He also stated that he would not have considered me for a gastric bypass, because of being vegan. There were concerns about nutrition and absorption- so that choice was out of my hands. The only area that I have not been perfectly vegan in, is vitamins/medications. It is near impossible to avoid all animal products with the medications I take.. Second, I have other medical issues going on (I need back surgery as soon as I heal up from this, for starters). They found a hiatal hernia during the endoscopy that was a part of pre-op testing. When Dr. Posner went to repair the hernia during the sleeve surgery, it was apparently "stuck." Dr. Posner told my husband that it appeared to have been there for quite some time, and that he really had to yank to get it out (the part of my stomach that had slipped through a hole in my diaphragm- that is a hiatal hernia). Then, he said all my organs were "squished" together in an abnormal way. Additionally, my spleen was bigger on top than on the bottom, and not sitting in the normal position. He had to hold it to the side through the entire surgery, and due to that, the outer casing of my spleen cracked ever-so-slightly. (So, not necessarily his fault, my body is abnormal).. Usually spleens are hyper-bleeders, but since it was an itty bitty crack on the outermost layer, he claims there were only two drops of blood and they patched it right away with some kind of fibrous lining (I cannot recall the technical name of what he said). Besides the pre-existing severe back pain, the hiatal hernia issue, and the spleen incident- apparently my diaphragm muscle started to bleed on the opposite side of where the hernia was when the last laparoscopic port was going to be closed- so more stitching. Meaning, I got stitched on *both* sides of my diaphragm muscle (equates to more pain) because of the hiatal hernia and then the muscle bleed. Now, to be fair to the doctor and in respect of full disclosure- I had gained weight prior to surgery. My Grand-mother died unexpectedly. She had been in spectacular health; I fully expected her to be a centenarian. She was the woman who raised me, and my only real parent. I did not take her passing well at all (so-called family forced her to be dehydrated and starved to death and dared to call it a 'compassionate choice'. It was the most traumatizing thing I have ever been through to watch her be killed. I thank God, and her, that I was the one holding her hand and singing Amazing Grace to her when she passed). Emotional eating ensued. I called the office to tell them I had fallen off the wagon, and was told to just get back on program, and come in on May 29th to see where I was, and we'd go from there. I was prepared for that. But instead, a few days later I suddenly got a call from Leslie (Dr. Posner's secretary) informing me that my insurance company had approved my surgery and that my surgery date was going to be June 12th, that May 29th would now be my final weigh-in appointment, AND that if I was even ONE pound over on that weigh-in appointment, that my surgery would be CANCELLED. Needless to say, I PANICKED. I had worked almost NINE months to get this surgery- I couldn't let all that hard work and time be thrown away now! So, I drastically reduced food intake and began walking despite enormous amounts of pain (due to my back). I thought that I had to make a miracle happen if I wanted this surgery. Leslie told me that if I was so much as ONE POUND over, MY SURGERY WOULD BE CANCELLED. She did NOT tell me if it was cancelled that it could be easily rescheduled when I got the weight down. Dr. Posner believes and says that I made assumptions, and that the entire situation was misinterpretation on my part, and stressed repeatedly that "no one in his office told me to starve myself." Dr. Posner was so personally frustrated that he raised his voice and (I felt) demeaned me upon hearing I had starved myself prior to surgery (at my first post-op appointment). He got so loud and animated that he felt the need to shut the door at one point, and the nurse tried to console me and my husband after the encounter, telling us repeatedly that "You handled yourself beautifully" and "I'm so sorry." To his credit, he attempted to apologize on the phone when a question had to be called in. I did not even want to speak to him- I had my husband call, I originally had NO intention of ever speaking to him again and was fully prepared to seek alternate post-op care. However, after my husband called in the question, and then Dr. Posner called my cell phone. He did attempt an apology, but it was the kind of apology where the person says, sorry I got frustrated- but everything I said and did was really justified. Felt gross to me, though his tone of voice seemed sincere. ***Additionally in Dr. Posner's defense (this part added Saturday evening, 6.23.2012) .. He has the added pressure and responsibility that if something goes wrong it affects his practice- and if something were to go wrong because I was undernourished at the time of surgery without his knowledge; it would put him in a bad spot. I spoke with him again tonight. He called back within 5 minutes, and even took a moment to ask me how I felt and how my eating was going. I think the entire situation described earlier in this post was an unfortunate misunderstanding. I like his overall disposition. He takes the medical aspect of everything very seriously, but also usually has an upbeat demeanor with a few dry delivery jokes (endearing). *AND NOW* for the REAL insanity........ I GAINED TEN POUNDS WHILE IN THE HOSPITAL (OVER ABOUT 2 1/2 DAYS) WHILE ONLY CONSUMING ICE CHIPS!!!!!!!!!! Depressing much??? Beyond. Dr. Posner says this is because I starved myself prior to surgery. Okay, I can buy that to explain the crazy weight gain Feasible. However, I am now 11 days out from surgery, and only just now got back DOWN to the weight I was immediately PRIOR to surgery!!! SO*** that means I have literally not lost one net pound yet!!! And all the while, I am VEGAN and have been Only been ingesting a soy based Protein shake (prepared with light soy milk), pureed vegetable Soup (only since the post-op appt when I was told I could progress to pureed), real fruit frozen bars (in lieu of 100% fruit juice,because I couldn't find sugar free vegan frozen pops- so the nutritionists agreed that was an acceptable trade off).... So, I'm 11 days out from surgery, on all liquid mush, AND I DON'T HAVE ONE NET POUND LOST TO SPEAK OF AND SHOW FOR ALL THE PAIN OF SURGERY (AND THE NINE MONTHS OF WORK LEADING UP TO IT)! OH* AND- I *ALWAYS* feel hungry! Which was the MAIN reason I had wanted surgery- to NOT feel hungry!!! I thought that would give me a fighting chance... But no- I STILL >always< feel hungry. And my stomach FEELS HUGE INSIDE. Now, clearly that could just be a weird physical feeling- however, I'm really nervous since Dr. Posner said prior to surgery that he was planning on making my sleeve larger just because I'm vegan.. that maybe it IS too big. What if the part of the stomach that produces ghrelin (hormone that tells your brain you're hungry)- what if that part of my stomach didn't get removed?? (I will have to remember to ask this particular question at my next appointment). I'm desperately afraid that I've gotten this surgery for nothing- that I will still have to work as hard as ever to lose the weight with no ascertainable benefit from getting major surgery. I mean, I'm only on liquids and all I've been able to do is break even as far as weight goes! HAS ANYONE ELSE EXPERIENCED ANYTHING EVEN REMOTELY CLOSE TO THIS???

I absolutely get it! I couldn't do the protein shakes at all, either; my sleeve rejected each and every one, and I tried a bunch. I ended up making my own with "real food" alternatives--Greek yogurt, milk, white beans (yeah, in a smoothie--use the low-sodium, rinse well, and you'll never know you put a tablespoon or two in there, trust me), PB2 powder (like dried peanut butter--all the protein, none of the fat), etc. That's the only sort of thing my sleeve would tolerate. I still drink smoothies almost every day, sort of the same idea--Greek yogurt, spinach, couple of pecans, some fruit (when you are allowed), some flavoring. Hang in there. I never met my protein goals during post-op, still don't, and my blood work is stellar. Some people can easily get there, and others of us have to try other avenues. Fortunately, as your sleeve heals, you'll be able to incorporate more varied types of protein and you'll be able to find a regimen that will work for you. For me, this has meant a heavy vegetarian diet plus occasional shellfish (I can tolerate dairy and egg whites, too). You'll find your path; no stress! Listen to and trust your body.

Ok....so i tried turkey chili. NEVER AGAIN! I was staring at the mashed potatoes, chili and refried beans at dinner and because I apparently enjoy self torture, I went with the chili. Big mistake, I just don't think I am ready for meaty foods as yet. Earlier in the week I had beef soup, tuna and scrambled eggs, same gross reactions (diarrhea and dry heaving). I believe I have learned my lesson! :-/ I think my poor sleeve wants to be a vegetarian!

I am a vegetarian, so my diet is very different from most people here. I also have a milk allergy, so I generally do not consume milk products except yogurt, which for some reason does not make me cough, sneeze, itch, etc... Protein is the big challenge in a veg diet, especially since a lot of veg protein is also full of carbs. I do watch my carbs in that I don't eat bread, only have Pasta once a month, eat who grains like brown rice and quinoa. This actually works well for me because I feel foggy and listless when I restrict carbs too much. I will generally have a cup of coffee, then wait until I get hungry for Breakfast. I often have a tofu scramble or 1/2 Amy's veggie burrito for breakfast, and the other 1/2 for lunch. I will generally have a serving of fresh fruit with lunch. If I get hungry before dinner, I have raw veggies with a dip made of low fat Greek yogurt, buttermilk, and herbs. I keep the snack at around 100 calories. Occasionally, I will have a few walnuts and an apple for snack instead. If my allergies are doing okay, I might have a low fat mozzarella stick. Dinner is typically a stir fry with tofu or replacement meat, a salad with quinoa and nuts, a bowl of homemade Soup with some kind of Beans and a tiny bit of pasta, a veggie chili with beans, or a low fat burrito bowl. If I get the munchies, I may have some fruit or a few Mary's Gone Crackers sticks and twigs, which are whole grain and have protein. I will say that my big focus is consuming plenty of fruits and veggies b/c they are low cal, filling and gives me plenty of cancer fighting nutrients. My diet works for me. Wine is my big downfall. I am trying to stay away 100% b/c it makes me bloat and adds too many extra calories.

I am a brand new vegetarian any helpful hints would be awesome. If you guys are on myfitnesspal you can look me up here ..please friend me http://www.myfitnesspal.com/cgreg1277

i've been having my moments of being nervous or anxious, but then i look at success stories and i'm back to feeling excited and determined! i'm sure i'll be nervous the night before and the day of because its a surgery... but i've come this far and there's no looking back... just looking forward to our new lives! and like jflo said... God will definitely see us through and give us strength and guide the surgeons! i'm on day 4 of my pre-op liquids too. each day has a been a little better. yesterday afternoon i was having such a hard time with it... i literally almost started crying on the phone as i called and complained to my mom about it. lol i also woke up feeling better this morning. whats funny is that i've been vegetarian for 4 years and in the last few weeks i've been craving a mcdonalds burger! LOL what on earth?? so funny! my body is going nuts i think! nice to meet you both and lets definitely stay in touch! let me know how you're surviving day 4!!

Hi Shapeshifter - I totally get this. Please don't take this the wrong way but, its great to hear that someone else had the same struggle as me. I am still working on realizing it was not my eating habits, at 1400 -1600 vegetarian calories not losing weight, but this blasted PCOS and the broken metabolism it gives me. I am a hoop dancer (with hula hoops) and I watched all those folks who started hooping with me, just shed pounds, while I... I did nothing. Even though I was eating clean, and portioned. We can so do this! When is your sugery? I hope to stay in touch with you and see how you progress!

Is Gardein the company that makes the fake stuffed chicken breast? I bought it once at Whole Foods and it was so good and I can't find it anymore! Also, I like the fake chicken by Quorn. They have "grilled chicken", "chicken cutlets" aka breaded chicken, and I think one stuffed with Gruyere cheese. I'm not 100% vegan/vegetarian, I just hate chicken!

I eat anything from Gardeins, Amy's "burgers", beans lots of vegies and fruits. I have wonderful vegan and vegetarian cookbooks that help as well.