Search the Community

I am also mostly vegetarian (I do eat some fish.) I am one year out and have 60 pounds but am not yet at my personal goal of 155, which I think would be size 12 in clothes. I lost almost nothing from months 6-10 but then I gave myself a big kick in the butt and have been able to start losing again by eliminating all sweets and walking 3-4 miles every day. Now I am losing about half a pound per week- slower than I would like for sure but steady enough to help keep my motivation high. The no sweets really is a key for me because my sugar addiction is fierce and as soon as I have a little having more is all I can think about.

Thanks for the input. It is a struggle being a vegetarian and losing, but I see that you've done it. I do eat dairy and eggs which help. I may just need more access to better recipes. Sometimes things get lost in typing translation. It's not that I turn my nose up at tofu and fake meat. Tofu has been my go to protein. It's like people who eat chicken every day. You just get tired of tofu, tofu, tofu. Again, maybe I just need a better recipe arsenal. I do eat fake meat too. I'm just concerned with the amount of sodium that comes with the territory of prepackaged food. My body definitely retains Water the more that I eat. So, more research it is. One of my hobbies is making fake meat...take a look at Brianna Grogan... some great high protein recipes: http://veganfeastkitchen.blogspot.com/p/recipe-links.html http://veganfeastkitchen.blogspot.com/2006/07/buddhas-roast-duck-with-yuba.html http://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-detail.asp?recipe=853797 (I mix this in a bread machine, then transfer to a crock pot to finish over night) These are good, you need an oven... http://www.theppk.com/2012/01/vegan_sausage/ This product is pretty good, http://www2.netrition.com/explore_asian_mung_bean_fettuchini.html they also make a black bean variety.... 25 gms protein! When i cook, it always makes things work better protein wise, but of course its more work!

Cali - Yeah, I know about the liver, that's why I'm scared... my doctor showed me a tape of the surgery, with them holding up the liver. I CAN'T talk to the doc/nutritionist, because they will just cancel everything. Chrisann - Olives are really high in fat - did you tell your doc about them? What did s/he say? I can't get rid of anything in the house, because I'm with others... but now that I am being strict, I'm tempted, but I'm in control (so far). Your surgery is today, right? Good luck! Type as soon as you can. Dave - see, I'd be FINE if I were allowed to eat veggies... I'm a vegetarian I do have fattening and bad eating habits, but veggies are usually what I crave.. I'm not getting satisfaction from all the liquids, but I have to do it, so whatever. Tracey - I saw your thread, and I wrote on one of your others... what I'm worried about is that it's not like I cheated once, it's that I didn't stop solids until the 30th when I was supposed to begin on the 25th. Thanks for your encouragement! Kellie - Really? Wow. Did you tell your doc? If I did that I would feel like I was putting myself in danger - but it is good to hear someone else didn't go strict for so many days.. What did you normally eat, and what was your weight? I'm around 325 right now... plus they told me I have a fatty liver. Felecia -- exactly, I need flavor, but even if I'm going to be bland, I just do not like a lot of canned stuff. Usually the cans I buy are garbanzo Beans, but obviously can't have those right now. Tomorrow I am going to make 2 Soups for myself -- one like I described to you, with onions, celery, carrot, tomato, mushrooms, parsley, and dill. I'm also going to make a pepper soup, I'll sautee shallots and maybe some garlic with peppers I have peeled (to get the skins off, because I think they want you to cut down on Fiber or something, right? I don't remember), and then I'll cut up and stick in a jar of pre-roasted peppers... I'll put that all in some Water with some boullion cubes, and then puree it, I think... I'll let you know how they come out. HSBeach - That's great news for you! I have been told that I'm just above the borderline now and so technically, I have type II too, but this is recent, and I haven't had to take any insulin. Here's hoping your diabetes dissipates even further! Anyalee - you're very right, and usually I would say the same thing, but I'm not worried about them postponing the surgery, I'm worried about them canceling it, since it was postponed once before. I am being strict now, but that means that my fast will have begun the 30th instead of 25th.. I really hate slim fast and canned soup and stuff that isn't real food, plus I don't think just to lose weight one should have to eat chemicals... so I've been making a lot of smoothies with non-fat yogurt, soymilk, bananas and frozen peaches... those are really good. I have frozen treats that are low in fat and sugar, i have nonfat yogurt that i top with a little honey, and actually i'm doing the opposite, i bought all of my favorite sodas... i will miss them.. my friends call me a diet cola addict... but it's better not to have them, because they have chemicals. What happens when you want to have soda now? The main thing I'm worried about is what I wrote above to Tracey - I'm really worried about those 5 days, even if I'm perfectly strict until the surgery... especially since they told me I have a fatty liver.

I have to say I feel very discouraged. I’m not sure why but I went into this fully optimistic and learning about the pre op diet and the things you can and cannot have after the procedure makes me very nervous. For example: I love blending spinach water ect, but I can’t because they say no liquid calories. Not even yogurt:(. I just feel this heavy weight in my chest. I don’t eat a lot of meat in general and I asked the nutritionist after if there were some vegetarian options and she said “yes, it’s just going to be much harder” . I can eat chicken, and turkey but I have never really cooked it cause it kinda grosses me out handling raw meat ( I’m weird I know. . I know all this will be worth it. Another thing is the straw thing you can’t drink from a straw... like I know that it is silly but it’s almost like they are taking away everything from you. I know I need this but I am so overwhelmed.

Had this same issue two days ago. I tried pureed ground turkey with refried beans and ended up getting sick for the first time since my surgery. It was pretty awful. I am sticking with cottage cheese, unsweetened applesauce, yogurt, and some soups for a bit. Jello and sugar free popsicles are a nice treat too! I may need to become a vegetarian. lol I have to make myself eat - food still kinda grosses me out for the moment. I don't suffer from acid reflux, but my doctor prescribes a medicine to take for 3 months for acid for all patients. Switching from liquid to pureed food takes time, I think. I am just thankful I tried pureed foods before coming back to work today! That would have been awful!

Scrambles eggs, mashed potatoes and yogurt are getting old. Looking for some good vegetarian choices.

So, my insurance does not require a nutritionist. I'm thankful that I'm already approved but wonder if I need to see a nutritionist. I am a vegetarian, so I'm already a bit concerned about figuring out what and how much I should eat. I guess I answered my own question. But, please tell me - do you find your nutritionist very helpful in your daily meal planning?

I thought I was the only who couldn't eat meat!! I'm fixin to do all vegetarian foods also.. What's your b,l,d menu like??

Thank you Cheri! I am not a true vegetarian, by any means, but the only meats I like really aren't good for me....chicken is too chicken-y...I like ground beef, hot dogs, and bacon....so yeah, processed is okay! I'll look up her books and would love to see any other links you have! Yes, i do eat eggs and cheese. Thank you! sara

All almond milks are not created equal. I dislike all Silk products. They all have a cloyingly thick taste/feel to them. They taste like wallpaper paste to me. I also don't like soy milk of any kind. I drink Almond Breeze unsweetened vanilla or regular flavors. The only other milk I like is Rice Dreams rice milk in either unsweetened vanilla or plain. I'm currently ovo lacto vegetarian so I still eat greek yogurt (Fage 0%) which has been a great source of protein for me, but I hope to go vegan after this year.

I am not banded yet and I'm no longer a vegetarian. However, I might have a few recipes. I have some Soup recipes and a number of great ways to prepare tofu. And of course, if you must you can rely on meat substitutes if you can find some that fit your diet - many of them are just loaded with Protein these days. It means eating more processed foods, of course, but if you're okay with that it would work. Let me know your dietary restrictions and I'll post a bunch of recipes. Are you lacto-ovo? In the meantime, have you ever looked at any of the cookbooks by Nava Atlas? She has some excellent books and even has a website with some of her recipes posted. I hope someone else can help you with info on banded life as a vegetarian. ~Cheri

I am vegetarian, most of my Protein comes from plant based sources and Beans. I eat plenty of fresh veg as well. In the all liquid stage I would add spinach to my Protein shakes. I'm 14mths out and eat raw veg nearly every day. I also do whole grains in small amounts. I avg 100 gms of protein each day but I try to eat a balanced diet.

Why?????? The best thing you can do for your kidneys and liver is stop eating JUNK, the GARBAGE that made us fat in the first place, that overloads the kidneys and liver, which is EXACTLY what is going to happen once you have the surgery and begin eating the right way again. Not to forget all the Water you must consume everyday will help your system also. One thing I have learned, and I am extremely thankful for, is that since having surgery and reaching a good point of adjustment, my food intake is very limited and I now choose healthy foods to eat. No more junk food. I also drink plenty of water. I have been set free from all those diet gimmicks and quick fixes seen on TV all the time. My body has never felt better, all done very naturally now with correct food, no more overeating, and plenty of exercise. Also as a side note, because of the band I can no longer eat red meat or pork. So, I have also become an incidental vegetarian. When I told my surgeon this, he laughed and said that can be a good thing, no?

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

@@Stevehud - I understand all that you are saying, but I assure you everything I did is per my doctor's protocal. I did not have a pre-op diet as part of my program. I also know the difference between a weight loss supplement and a meal replacement. As I mentioned those shakes were but a small part of my Protein intake. My surgeon is the chief of the bariatric program at my hospital, which is a world reknown hospital. It is one of the reason why I choose him. I am a vegetarian with multiple food and medicine allergies. The popular protein drinks would never work for me because they almost all uniformly contained allergy triggers. I made it through surgery with absolutely no problems, no gas, no pain, no nausea, nothing. I walked in recovery and have been losing steadily. Why would I question my doctor's advice? @leila0812 - Talk to you doctor or nutritionist. My program gives it patients a handbook detailing the program from the pre-op to post-op process. The nutrition class also goes into greater detail. I was given sample menus, list of Vitamins and supplements to try, the whole nine. It's very detailed and comprehensive. One thing I will say, is every surgeon is a bit different in their protocols. It's nice to get opinions and thoughts here, but also touch base with your surgical team.

It's always awkward when you want something out of the normal. I am vegetarian and only like certain vegetables, I have always ordered something different that what is officially stated on the menu! I normally just stick to places that I can order off the kid’s menus. No one as yet has refused me I also have a card with a picture on it of the gastric band I think people are squeamish and just wanna stop looking at the picture :bolt: If there is no kiddies menu I either throw it away or ask for it wrapped. I am quite loose with my band at the moment and can't get my next fill till the 3rd so not much left over’s at the moment lol Still not gaining and that’s all good XX

Hi, I got sleeved on 12/20/16. Feeling much better. Still on liquid diet for another week. I've been a vegetarian for almost my whole life, wondering if anyone else can relate and what kind of results you had from the sleeve? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

And I'm not a vegetarian, I just like it. Here's my personal favorite tofu recipe, and the one that always knocks the socks off of my non-tofu-eating friends! Baked Thai-Style Tofu The Marinade 2 tablespoons tamari soy sauce 1 tablespoon oriental sesame oil 1 tablespoon canola oil 1/2 teaspoon minced gingerroot 1 garlic clove, minced 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 1 pound extra-firm tofu, cut into 3/4-inch cubes and patted very dry 1 red bell pepper, cut into thin strips, 1/4 x 2 inches The Sauce 1 tablespoon natural-style Peanut Butter 2 tablespoons lime juice 1 scallion, very thinly sliced 2 teaspoons chopped fresh basil, or 1/4 teaspoon dried 2 teaspoons chopped fresh mint, or 1/2 teaspoon dried 1. Combine the marinade ingredients in a large bowl. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in the tofu and red pepper to coat them evenly with the marinade. Let sit 30 minutes at room temperature, or up to 8 hours chilled. Toss occasionally. 2. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Place the tofu mixture and any remaining marinade in a large, shallow baking dish so that the tofu rests in one layer. Bake 15 minutes, tossing once with a spatula after about 7 minutes. 3. Meanwhile, make the sauce by stirring all its ingredients together with a fork. Remove the tofu from the oven. Spoon on the sauce, then, using a spatula, toss the ingredients together until everything is well-coated. Return the dish to the oven and bake undisturbed for 10 minutes. Let the tofu sit at least 10 minutes before serving it, for it is better when warm, not piping hot. Notes: Be sure to use toasted or dark sesame oil– they also sell a regular kind that doesn’t taste as good. I used the mint once, but personally, I’m not a fan. I omit it and use double the basil. I also usually make this with two peppers instead of one, because there is enough sauce to go around and it fills it out nicely. I usually make a simple cous-cous to go with this: 4 parts chicken stock to 3 parts plain cous-cous, with extra chopped basil and garlic thrown in. 4 non-bandster servings

Yep, I learned about it on their Twitter and also I went to a free vegetarian cooking class at the Philly main library that was hosted by the humane society in partnership with the City of Phila and they spoke about it there. I just called the Callohill store- since I haven't gone since the fall, I just wanted to make sure for the new year it was still ongoing, and it is. If you are already know- apologies, but the Phila Main library opened a state of the art kitchen at the main branch last year, where they have all kinds of info sessions and cooking classes, some free, some low cost. http://libwww.freelibrary.org/culinary/. I am a competent cook and baker, but I love learning new things, and honestly, I am adding more herbs into my diet for flavor (still on liquids)- had surgery on 5th at Pennsylvania Hospital. As for low cost- I like to save $$ and I have a twenty year old relative living with me, so any way we can keep grocery costs low, we do! So, this is kinda interesting, if you go to Acme, and use their coupon app, you can get a free yogurt (use by 19th). Only one, but it's free!

I'm in the second week and am at around 60... which is pretty low for a vegetarian I think. Im pretty sure Im in Ketosis, my mouth feels like an ild sock. My best success losing weight before surgery (on a diet that is) is consuming low glycemic index carbs, like South Beach. Im hoping that will work for me now too, in less quantities and a closer eye on the protein which I never really did before.

4 days post-op. Been a vegan for 15 years and vegetarian for 15 years before that. Don't know how I will make it work long term but right now just trying to get protein in with shakes.

I'm using baby food made by Earth's Best. It's not bad. Lol! I don't eat meat so I'm eating the fruit and vegetarian jars.

You may want to ask WHY your trainer wants you to do a cleanse. And a two week cleanse is not healthy. Not for someone who was / is overweight and is working out and healing. A 3 day cleanse - sure, common and acceptable to get sugars etc out of the body. Ask the why first and see if there are other solutions that will keep you functioning correctly. And I speak as a vegetarian who fasts (clear fluids only) between 1-5 days a month depending on circumstances.

When you're in the hospital, do they feed you instant pudding and jello? I'm a vegetarian and I don't eat gelatin products. I'm wondering if there are alternatives to these foods in the hospital.

Last night I spoke with my old roommate who had Lap Band surgery 3 months after I did. I saw her pictures on FB and reached out to let her know she has done a remarkable job and looks amazing. She let me know she removed the lap band a year ago after reaching her goal of 130lbs. She said she had no compications, she just wanted to live a clean healthy life without the band. I sometimes think about removing my band since my life is so different too. I eat all organic (as much as possible), vegetarian, and now help consult others in losing weight and working out. I am not ashamed of my lap band and on my website, I let everyone know my TRUE story and how I loss the weight but how I also now maintain the weight off without depending on the band. Anyone here that reach goal ever think about removing the band?