Search the Community

Usual day is protein shake in morning (EAS carb advantage 110 calories); string cheese light (50 calories) around 11 - light carb master yogurt at 1:00 (60 calories); another string cheese at 2 or 3:00 (50 calories); another protein shake at 4 or so (110 calories); lien cuisine or equivalent for dinner (270-300 calories); snack at night varies - around 100 calories. I drink vitamin 0 water (0 calories) or crystal light (5-10 calories) throughout the day as well. I'm vegetarian. I have a cheat day about every 7-8 days where i'll go to 1200 calories or something - will have an ice cream or candy bar or something sweet.

Hey all you vegetarians and vegans! I'd love to hear what all of you eat during the day!!!

Gotchya- after becoming a vegetarian I have found alternative protein sources that enable me to be both satisified and get my quota's and eat veggies all the time... If you like to read.. get this book- Eat to live- it will change your thinking....

I have since become a vegetarian so I eat a LOT of carrots both raw and cooked- salads too- so for me I can say I used to not eat a lot of vegetables- now I eat them to my hearts content with no problems, concerns or worries... you cannot over eat on veggies and fruits, grains and greens. I feel 900% better and like my sleeve wish I would have done it sooner!! I stopped eating the Protein bars and ready to drink shakes because they have too much sugar and carbs for me- I also didnt like the taste after changing the rest of my diet. NO processed foods here anymore- and when/if I do- it makes me a little woozie...

Well, just because I seem to "have it down" doesn't mean it's easy by any means. I can see you know what that's about. Glad to know I'm not alone and I just need to suck it up and do what I gotta do! I saw someone mention that their band is a vegetarian and now I see you speaking of it regarding what "it" likes. That's hilarious! Everyone speaks of it as if it's a thing... LOL! That's great. Might as well personalize it...it's personal! I've struggled to follow things well. I'm not losing much...but I think a fill will help. I'm working it out, but it's been a challenge. The doc said to eat 750 to 900 calories a day...and yet I found that it's not too hard to do 1500 calories in liquids when you're doing Protein shakes with skim milk and light juices. I only did that one day, but it DID surprise me. I think the key to what we're all doing here is awareness. If we don't know what we're doing, we can't change it. Hey good luck to you! My hat's off to you as you improve your quality of life. I wish I could convince my Dad (age 67) that this is a positive thing and get him to consider it. He's 5'8" at 250 and miserable. Maybe I'll be that influence to get him to make the changes he needs as well. Take care!!!

I am a vegetarian and am on a general soup diet. They said pre-op diet wasn't mandatory in my case(dunno why). I m just being careful. My favourite soup is a mix veg(bottle gourd, tomato, spinach, cabbage); just give it a whistle in a pressure cooker and grind everything in mixer (no straining), and add a little black pepper pwd and some KCl( a type of salt we call 'sendha namak' which flushes out unhealthy toxins from our tissues and helps detoxing the liver). Occasionally, I take some cucumber or bottle gourd juice, lemon-honey water and green tea and cooked pulses.

I have had sugar, I have had carbs, I am not going to die from it. I am not, have never been and dont obsess about my sleeve stretching. I am physically not able to eat more than 8- 1o bites of food at a time- I know this and if I attempt to I will vomit and feel miserable. Knowing this I know my limits and what I should, shouldnt have and what is worth it if i do over indulge. I enjoy eating whatever I want and have learned that moderation is best and those 8- 10 bites that I can get in 3-4 x a day are going to be the best I can get- I'm not going to wast them on stupid things like chips, cookies etc... things that I have no plan on returing to in my life EVER... I have since become a vegetarian dnd don't eat the "meat' protein some other physicians are throwing down everyone's throats as being normal. I get my fill from fruits, veggies, greens, legumes etc. and feel wonderful. I dont feel deprived or that I have ever over eaten. Although the possibility of "sleeve stretching" is real because the stomach is a muscle- Unless a person is into utter personal sabotage and willing to go through hell to get there I cannot imagine it being done on purpose... you make a mistake you get up dust off your britches and get back on the horse and ride again.. hard lesson to learn but it has to be learned...

I became a vegetarian in March 4 months post op- I get my protein in Tofu, meat alternatives (tofurkey, veggie burgers etc) Kale, Green smoothies etc... I have added MILA to my foods for omega 3's and I eat steel cut oats every day for breakfast. I have lost about 26 lbs since I started the vegetarian diet and feel great- Don't feel deprived, lethargic, sleepy etc... Should have done this YEARS ago....

I am 8 months out. At this point I am capable of eating just about anything except bread... bread hits me like a rock with anything more than a tiny bite. But I don't mind since I really was never a huge bread eater (pasta was my kryptonite...) My daily foods include -chicken -pork -ground meat (hamburger or turkey or sausage) -eggs -plain greek yogurt (with flavored syrups or splenda to sweeten, normally add Protein as well) -cheese! -tuna -shrimp -lunch meat -protein shakes I cook these in a variety of ways, but grilling (on my counter top grill) is my favorite. It is quick and since I have lots of experience with it I have no trouble timing it so that the meat comes out tender every time. With the ground meat I either eat it out of a bowl with cheese on top or I make meatballs of some sort. As you can tell... I am definitely NOT a vegetarian! LOL I also am not all that creative with it. But I like simple food the best so I'm not missing anything!

I am vegan and getting sleeved (hopefully) this summer. My doctor and nutritionist tell me it is do-able, but difficult. The issue is that in order to get the protein you need, you usually get too many carbs (tofu is like this) which can slow your weight loss. Most vegan protein shakes have the same problem. I am working closely with the nutritionist, but it is possible I may need to go vegetarian during the weight loss phase and back to vegan during "maintenance". I REALLY hope that isn't the case, but my health has to come first and I must lose this weight! -Lauren

Burp...I hear you! I am 4 years post op and started to burp all the time. I burb when I'm hungry, stressed, or had food and or coffee too. It last for hours....I'm hoping yours will go away as you heal more. I did not have any burping for years. I think it's time to start journaling all the food I eat as I have noticed that certain food do not cause bloating! Especially super healthy stuff. Like my band won't cause me to burp after avacato citrus salad I started making. Your band may be a vegetarian which mine became . It just won't tolerate meat! Hope your burping subsides....best to you xox

here are a couple of suggestions suggestions for superfoods to help supplement your needs as a vegan. Spirulina contains rich vegetable Protein (60~ 63 %, 3~4 times higher than fish or beef ), multi Vitamins (Vitamin B 12 is 3~4 times higher than animal liver), which is particularly lacking in a vegetarian diet. It contains a wide range of minerals (including Iron, Potassium, Magnesium Sodium, Phosphorus, Calcium etc.), a high volume of Beta- carotene which protects cells (5 time more than carrots, 40 time more than spinach), high volumes of gamma-Linolein acid (which can reduce cholesterol and prevent heart disease). Further, Spirulina contains Phycocyanin which can only be found in Spirulina. In USA, NASA have chosen to use it for astronauts food in space, and even plan to grow and harvest it in space stations in the near future. http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/vegetables-and-vegetable-products/2765/2 Chia (Salvia hispanica) Supports Heart Health Chia seeds can help reduce blood pressure. The seeds contain one of the highest known plant sources of essential fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6). EFAs cannot be synthesized by our bodies however, it is very important that we get enough to support our immune, cardiovascular, nervous and reproductive systems. EFA deficiency is quite common in North America. Stabilizes Blood Sugar Chia seeds slow down the rate at which complex carbohydrates are digested and then assimilated into the body. The soluble Fiber helps to stabilize blood glucose levels resulting in steady, sustained energy. In one study on diabetic patients, Dr. Vladamir Vuksan of St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto, found that blood was thinner and less prone to clotting and blood pressure of participants dropped significantly, after three months of taking Chia seeds daily. Energizing The word “Chia” comes from the Mayan language and means strength. Chia seeds are a balanced blend of protein, carbohydrates, fats and fiber. It is said that 1 tablespoon of Chia can sustain a person for 24 hours. Athletes have reported that Chia seeds help them perform at optimal levels for much longer periods of time. Anti-Inflammatory Properties A number of arthritis sufferers have reported reduced pain and inflammation after a few weeks of taking Chia seeds. The high concentration of omega-3 helps to lubricate joints and keep them supple. Additionally, Omega-3s are converted into prostaglandins which are known to have both pain relieving and anti-inflammatory effects. Weight Loss The essential fatty acids contained in Chia seeds helps to boost metabolism and promote lean muscle mass. The seeds are sometimes added to food to provide bulk and nutrients while adding very few calories. For these reasons, many people have found Chia quite useful in weight loss and weight maintenance. Detoxification and Elimination Similar to psyllium, the swelling action of Chia in the body helps to cleanse and soothe the colon, and absorb toxins while lubricating and strengthening peristaltic action. High Quality Protein Chia seeds contain about 20% protein, a higher percentage than found in many other grains such as wheat and rice. Chia seeds contain strontium which helps to assimilate protein and produce high energy. Antioxidants Chia seeds are an excellent source of antioxidants containing even more antioxidants than fresh blueberries. The high amounts of antioxidants in Chia seeds also keeps the oils from going rancid - contributing to a long shelf life. Provides Fiber and Other Nutrients Besides EFAs, Chia seeds also provide fiber, iron, calcium, niacin, magnesium, zinc and phosphorus. 2 tablespoons of Chia = 7 grams of fiber, 2 grams of protein, 205 milligrams of calcium, 5 grams omega-3 Brain Power EFAs are known to make cell membranes more flexible and efficient making nutrients more readily available and nerve transmission more efficient. This helps to improve brain function (including memory and concentration). http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/nut-and-seed-products/3061/2

Haha thanks, but I was replying to lml who said she is vegetarian. I don't know if I could get enough Protein in if I was.

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-

Since you'll have justed started eating a normal diet, my #1 advice is don't take chances. Don't order foods that you haven't yet eaten as a post-op. When in doubt, order Soup. If you'll be traveling by air, airline food is only an issue on long flights, on which you may be able to order a special diet meal (vegetarian, etc.). Bring non-perishable Snacks with you (Protein bars; granola bars; jerky; single-serving applesauce, fruit, or dry cereal; packets of protein powder). Most full-service restaurants serve things like oatmeal, yogurt, soup, smoothies, juice and milk, and hotel shops often have a refrigerated case stocked witgh juiced, iced tea, milk (ignore the soda), though their packaged snacks (chips, crackers, cookies) are best ignored. Restaurant eating tips: order an appetizer or a half-size entree; avoid buffets; order a child's meal (if there's a healthy-looking choice on the menu); order an extra vegetable instead of potatoes, rice, Pasta or other starch; order salad dressing, sauce, or condiments on the side so you can control the portion size; put a napkin or bread plate over your beverage glass so the server won't fill it; avoid alcohol; always locate the restroom before you start to eat, just in case you have to leave the table in a hurry. Who was it that asked if you have any special food needs? Is it someone you've met before, or are likely to meet in the future? Does this person reasonably have control over all the foods you'll be offered during the trip? Will you be seeing anyone you've previously met, or will it be strangers who know nothing about you? You don't owe anybody, stranger or not, any explanation about anything unrelated to the business at hand. In social situations, there are dozens of things you can talk about that have nothing to do with your eating. You can not tell anyone you'll be traveling with or visiting that you've had bariatric surgery and just wing it, or you can tell them you're recovering from (unspecified) surgery and give them some guidelines (see above). I have an acquaintance who told her coworkers she was recovering from surgery to repair a hiatal hernia (which was part of the truth), and another (whose coworkers were mostly men) who explained she'd had surgery for "female trouble" (almost guaranteed to turn them off). You could also say you're recovering from oral surgery. The problem with telling those little white lies is that there's always a chance you'll run into someone who also had that kind of surgery and would love to talk about it in detail. My own approach is to not explain anything and not do anything to call attention to the way I eat. If coworkers get nosy about it, I change the subject or give myself an exit line (like, "Oh, there's Bob. I've got to ask him something before I forget, so excuse me.")

Excellent point you just made! No, I don't expect sleeve surgery to be a panacea, and I realize that it will drastically change the way I relate to food and I am actually looking forward to that! My Nutritionist was impressed by my healthful diet that includes lots of vegetables, fruits, lean Protein, whole grains, and how well I'd integrated all the little "tricks" to help one feel fuller longer, eating more slowly, chewing more, etc. It's funny that my diet is actually much healthier than my mother's, and she's 115lbs and I'm ....um....not lol I also get more physical activity than she does. My father is also morbidly obese, is a vegetarian, and trains in a gym 5 days a week for an hour. I take after him, and my genetics are definitely against me! I guess this is the long way of saying this surgery is going to give me the boost I need to be able to get me to the point where I can take over the weight loss myself by being able to move my body more comfortably. I was born with deformed knees, and have a broken tailbone, so it is hard for me to move comfortably with all the excess weight and exercise is agony for me at this size. I don't expect my sleeve to be able to force me into a healthier lifestyle. I'm just gonna use it as a crutch until I can walk on my own Thanks for your marvelous advice, too!

Help!!! I will be taking my first work related trip exactly 4 weeks post op and don't know what to anticipate as far as eating. I got an email this morning asking if I have any special food needs (I'm assuming this was to target vegetarian/vegan), but I have no clue what to say. This person does not know I have had surgery and I do not anticipate telling them either. BTW-I am exactly one week post-op today.

Stir fried tofu can be an issue if the outside is very crisp. You'll do better with it if you cut it into smaller pieces. Sometimes it doesn't chew easily and can be difficult to cut up with a fork or chop sticks (usually the only flatware served with tofu dishes I have..in Asia, Vegetarian restaurants).

I'm not a vegetarian but I find nuts incredibly easy to eat. In fact so easy that i have to be careful I don't overdo it.So I imagine that nuts will still be able to be part of your diet, just make sure you exercise good portion control.

How does this work for you? Can you process nuts? Beans? Boca burgers? How has the band changed your vegetarian life style? Made it harder? Easier? I would love to hear from you!!

I agree re the protein. thanks for the reminder. being vegetarian and also not a huge fan of protein foods I know I struggle with this. although I know many vegans /vegetarians who are thin. One of the reasons I had it done was cos i knew I would never be a protein fan so thought hey if i can feel full eating way less.. lol .

I was told to stay away from shakes because they are liquid calories that move through you quickly which in turns makes you hungry faster. I would say... If you're in a hurry and that's what you have available, than grab it. It's still a lot better than stopping at fast food! I drink some protein drinks also. Being a vegetarian, I am always worried that I'm not consuming enough protein. Maybe when you drink a shake you should make a mental note that you can't have anything else to eat for 3 hours. That way you don't end up eating 2 meals. I find at night that I want to snack even after I've eaten dinner. It is my biggest issue right now

Love that idea! Any for vegetarians?

Auggies, Yes for the most part I am. I am eating some cheese and fish. But mostly plant based/ vegetarian food. I cant wait to get started w/ the eating part. I'm still on mushie for now ...one more week. Any suggestion please let me know. Or if you do just ask I have tons of recipes for vegetarian/vegan meals. Tammy

So sorry I've been out for a bit. My husband and I do travel-related stuff, and we took a group of students from my university on a post-graduation cruise. It was a blast--the kids were fantastic, very nice, very mature, and the trip was wonderful start to finish. BEST NEWS: Despite drinking more than I usually do (I probably had 2 fruity rum drinks a day plus a glass of wine with dinner) and eating dessert every evening (chocolate melting cake--yes, with ice cream), I got back on the scale this morning and celebrated that I am exactly the same weight as before we left. Yep. No gain. No loss, either, which I didn't really expect--I think everything balanced out, since we did a LOT of walking and running around, swimming, snorkeling, sailing, and I actually did use the ship's gym and walking track a couple of times. I had no trouble finding food that was appropriate for me and my still-picky sleeve. I discovered that I still could not tolerate prime rib or pork roast (had bites off my husband's plate to check), but sleevie LOVED most of the seafood options. Also really, really loved the wok-cooked vegetables available at every lunch--you select your own veggies and they add meat (I just did veggies) and sauce and cook quickly in a wok--fresh and delicious and very good for me! I ate fruit and hard-boiled egg whites for Breakfast, frozen yogurt or soft-serve ice cream as a snack, some peanuts, veggies for lunch with a couple of thin slices of cheese, and the dining room dinner (appetizer, usually Soup for me; entree, usually seafood or vegetarian; and dessert, always chocolate melting cake for me!). It was easy, delicious, and I felt GREAT during the trip--not stuffed or uncomfortable. I will say that the plate/bowl size was incredibly large, even by American standards--they held a ridiculous amount of food. And the serving utensils were designed to give out big glops of food--even things like sour cream were self-serve with these HUGE serving spoons. salad dressings were provided in squeeze bottles that had really wide-spout tops--designed for fast service, but the end result is that people poured on HUGE amounts of these things really easily. And I noticed that in fact, you could correlate the food choices to the body type of people eating them--thin people of every age ate fruit, veggies, and a modest amount of heavier Protein food; heavier people ate really big portions, fattier foods, and several different Desserts at a single meal (it's an all-you-can-eat buffet at every meal on board). It was really kind of eye-opening, having so recently been in the "other camp," as it were. My sleeve has made it possible for me to see/smell/be around food and NOT WANT IT. This would never have been the case before. I would definitely have overindulged, and if I didn't, I would have felt like I was missing out on something. We went to a "midnight Mexican buffet," and I had--NOTHING. Nothing looked good enough to eat just because it was there. It was kind of strange--I noticed into the second or third day that I wasn't even thinking about food--I was just enjoying the activities and the company. :-) Normal relationship with food, maybe?? is it possible?