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The list of things we can consume is a small one as it is, but I find as non-meat eater it's extremely limited. Jell-o is derived from pigs (gelatin), broth is from chicken or beef...did anyone manage to stay vegetarian on the pre-op and post-op diet, and feel ok?

Finally someone that is headed the same direction as me. I am a CrossFitter but still am having trouble given I have a few more things working against me. Our group leans heavily towards Paleo or Zone diet. I have difficulty with Zone because of the need to be really precise on preparing meals and the fact that I can only eat small zone meals. I am also a vegetarian and am working now to cut out any dairy products. I will eventually be pescatarian (only fish on occasion). Can you point me in the direction of your paleo resources or any meals/shopping guidelines you follow? I am really happy to see another Bandster on this path and enjoying success. I mentioned it to my doctor and was told that vegetarian and anything that does not follow the band nutrition plan is doomed to fail. Not what I wanted to hear.

Well I think right now I am eating 800-1000 calories a day. Right now I was just eating some cake (a craving I had to get out of my system!). I am a vegetarian sort of because I do eat fish. I dont tell myself there's anything I CANT have but there are a few things I MUST have. That way I dont feel deprived. I have a rule about getting at least 60 grams of Protein every day which since I dont eat meat I have t be careful of. I am very tight in the morning so a lot of times I have a Protein shake (Cosco Premier Protein, 160 cals and 30 gms protein). Sometimes greek yogurt but I get sick of both and just force myself since I have no appetite (I never did) in the morning. Then later when I do get hungry I might want to eat junk food and I might let myself have it (I can only eat about a 100 calorie size of potato chips for example...not nutritious but not too big of a deal). So after morning protein I may eat another five times that day...tiny meals means eating and being hungry more often but I think thats ok. So of those 5 'meals' I try to make sure two or three are protein like tuna salad or a Boca burger with cheese. I have a hard time sometimes with rice, Pasta bread but I can eat small amounts of them. I eat a lot of sushi but I really have to chew. I drink wine almost every evening because one glass seems to keep me from the after dinner TV snacking! I refuse to eat anything that had reduced calorie or fake sugar or whatever. I walk my fat dachshund maybe every other day but I dont work out or go to ga gym and I never will. I hate diets (they made me fatter) and I hate gyms (I'm naturally lazy). Ask me anything I am no model of perfection but I am very honest. I just want people to know that you can be successful without becoming a dieting gym rat...how long could I keep that up anyway???

I recently discovered Gardein (http://www.gardein.com/) vegetarian and vegan Proteins. They are just like chicken, beef, etc. and taste great. It's an easy way to get your Protein in - and because they're very meat like you can share with your meat eating family if yours does. I've taken pieces of the orange chicken, sauteed them, added a multigrain mix, some sauce, and it's a great little meal. And it breaks down nicely when chewed so it doesn't get stuck.

I hear ya!!! I can not stand to drink another nasty shake and I am a vegetarian to boot. I got Isopure non-flavored protein poser and mix it into a cup of decaf coffee. It is an instant 26 grams of protein. I also love for Jamba Juice...I get the pure fruit smoothies with a double shot of protein.

Well... I have to have my Gallbladder removed on Tuesday.. It's full of stones and is only functioning @ 30%. I have a constant pain on the right side under my rib cage. Sometimes when I eat I get sharp, stabbing pain.. So I'll finally give in. Did it hurt as much as the sleeve? Is it pretty much the same as the sleeve? Just going home earlier? Are there certain foods you can't eat anymore? If so, why? I've a vegetarian so I get A LOT of my Protein from cheese... will that be a problem? Any any other tidbits you would like to share... Thank You!!! -Kelli

Well... I have to have my Gallbladder removed on Tuesday.. It's full of stones and is only functioning @ 30%. I have a constant pain on the right side under my rib cage. Sometimes when I eat I get sharp, stabbing pain.. So I'll finally give in. Did it hurt as much as the sleeve? Is it pretty much the same as the sleeve? Just going home earlier? Are there certain foods you can't eat anymore? If so, why? I've a vegetarian so I get A LOT of my Protein from cheese... will that be a problem? Any any other tidbits you would like to share... Thank You!!! -Kelli

I am having my surgery at the Northwest Weight Loss Surgery in Everett, WA. I am very excited and just a little nervous! I haven't really talked to the doctor about what pain meds I will be on. I guess I will ask when I have my pre-op appointment. I am a bit worried that the pain meds will make me nauseas without being able to eat solid foods. What was your experience with that? I did find a really good yogurt smoothie at costco! It is made by the same company that makes the Protein shakes. I will definitely stock up on vegetable broth (I'm also a vegetarian .

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My doc was afraid I would starve or something with the mushies phase because I am a vegetarian, so on my mushies phase he said I could eat potato chips sometimes if needed but I must chew well and eat very slowly. I think I only did it once or twice during that time. It didn't seem to make sense. Actually chips are somewhat of a slider for me even now, potato and tortilla chips.

Sweetie, you can do it. Breathe. Take a moment and make a plan. If you've been okayed for Protein bars, you're going to do just fine. I couldn't tolerate the shakes, either (still can't). Suggestions from me: 1. Put 1/2 c. milk, a couple of tablespoons of dry milk powder, some sweetener of your choice, and flavoring of your choice (vanilla, cocoa powder for chocolate, sugar-free chocolate syrup, sugar-free syrup of any kind), and zap it in your blender or Magic Bullet with some ice. Instant and delicious shake higher in protein than regular milk. If you can tolerate eggs, get a pack of the egg-white egg substitute (in the dairy section) and put 1/4 c. of that in there--it's pasteurized, so no germs, and you won't taste it at all. Again, higher protein. You can put all of that in the blender and end up with about 1 c. of seriously protein packed yumminess, because you can flavor it to your liking, and no icky Protein Powder taste or smell (I SO understand what you mean about that--smells like feet!). 2. Get some unflavored protein powder and add to the above--careful, unflavored does not mean there's no flavor, so be prepared to experiment a bit until you find a combination of flavors that hides that protein powder taste/smell--orange extract and chocolate are great together, and they seem to cover it. You can also try the sugar-free raspberry syrup and chocolate or my favorite, coffee and chocolate, for a good combination that helps hide added ingredients. 3. Get some unjury chicken protein powder and add it to some chicken broth. If you're allowed, add a can of chicken meat and some seasonings (I like cilantro for this, but I like Tex-Mex flavors) and zap it in the blender/Magic Bullet and heat it up before you stir in the protein powder. 4. Experiment with Protein Bars. Get a few of different brands (LOTS of advice about them on this board) and experiment. Even if you taste two or three a day, you're picking up quite a bit of protein in the tasting. 5. Get some cheese, cottage cheese, whatever you like the flavor of, and keep it with you. Cheese will dissolve almost completely if you smush it around in your mouth--if you're allowed dairy and/or protein bars, seems like cheese, yogurt, cottage cheese would also all work. I think you can do it. If you absolutely don't want to use any kind of protein powder product, figure out ways to sneak "real food" into your shakes and soups--doubling up the milk powder or egg substitute or whatever. I really know where you're at--been there, too! At this point, most of my protein comes from dairy and nuts, as my sleeve is still really picky and hates eggs, beef, and most methods of cooking chicken. So I'm an unintentional "sleeve vegetarian," almost--sleevie does like shrimp, I have to say, and the occasional bite of hamburger meat in Wendy's chili (wink--another great source of protein, BTW!). Just get it going for now with the liquids/cheeses and see how you do. Your diet will advance soon, and the choices expand. I also ate Peanut Butter from the spoon when I was first sleeved--plus yogurt!! Best wishes--keep us posted!

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I'll have to try that. It would be nice to eat a "normal meal" again. It still amazes me at how little I can eat to feel satisfied, compared to what I used to eat. I am eating some stir-fried tofu right now. It's pretty tasty with all of the seasonings. Normally I wouldn't touch tofu, but it makes a nice meal. I've basically been a vegetarian since surgery!

I've tried my Protein shakes a ton of different ways. Lactaid worked very well for the last couple of weeks but as of yesterday I just can't do the Protein Shakes. I am almost gagging trying to get them in. I have tried half water/half milk. I have tried adding flavorings. It's just not working. I ordered some protein hot chocolate and a nectar sample pack yesterday but it won't get here for a while. I am really concerned about getting the protein down. I tried some scrambled eggs with a little cheese this morning and they were SO heavy in my tummy. I don't think I want to try again for a while. I had some of my mozzarella bake with a little bit of ground up hamburger. I officially do not like ground up hamburger. I may end up being a vegetarian before this is all done. I am feeling so discouraged today. I just want to CHEW something that doesn't make me want to hurl. I am on the verge of tears which I know is stupid.

Hello R Many of the questions you are asking are what most of those considering having a band have posted on this thread and there are pages and pages of peoples experiences. I'll try to answer the ones you have. I was banded just oiver a year ago with Dr Chris and have lost my terget weight and more. So here goes 1. I've heard that meats, breads and pastas are very difficult to eat after banding...in which case, what on earth do people survive on? I can't eat fish, it makes me feel ill! Is it mainly vegetarian diets? meat would refer to steak as it is very fibrous and difficult to digest. Mince is fine but in small quantities. Bread some are able to eat this. Pesonally I can't so I replace with crackerbreads and titx biscuits. Pasta depends on the day and type ofpasta. Only recently (last few weeks) have I had a fe spiral twists or tubes finely chopped up. We are talking about 2 pieces of each (so not much). Again everyone is different. 2. I'm most definitely, absolutely, positively an emotional eater and I guess a food addict. I quit alcohol a year ago (not good for me at all), and smoking earlier this year. Seeing as I clearly have an addictive personality, I'm very worried that removing the food addiction by force may end up in a brand spanking new addiction rising....anyone found other compulsive areas arising post-band? I know that's very personal, so you obviously don't need to answer on the boards! Not sure whether I have another addiction but I still drink alcohol but not in the same amounts. I look at this as a treat as I have reached my target weight. 3. Is PBing really as terrible as it sounds? How can you avoid it? Do you have time to get out of company before everything comes back up? Sometimes this just can't be helped I find I get a lot of liquid build up where I have chewed and chewed and perhaps gone a little too quickly and next thing I need to get rid of a liquid build up. Yes you have time to go to the toilet. Those around you who know are very aware of what the pattern is and understanding. 4. I had heard of an increase in complications after 5 years -anyone know if this is true? Not sure about this as just into my 2nd year of having a band. 5. The port - can you feel it? As in, if you touch the skin over where it is, can you feel the port? Or can you feel it moving around in there? Do the fills hurt? Yes you can feel the port. It's stitched in place and no I can't feel it moving it around. No the fills don't hurt. Dr C is very quick at doing these. 6. Has anyone regretted getting the band fitted? If I go ahead, I'll be using money I was supposed to be saving for a housing deposit....I feel enormous guilt at the thought of that...and I'm scared to tell my family as I think they'll judge me as vain. No regrets at all. Good health and happiness is not vanity, it's an investment in staying alive and healthy so that you can enjoy your family. Talk to them you never really know how they will react. BUt again this is individual and yu know how you feel about this and how they may react. Good luck and take care. Messgae back if you want to know anymore. Take care Claire

Ok...so I'm looking into this whole gastric band thing, and I'm completely terrified. I'm 5 ft 5, approx 14 stone. and 30 years of age. I've been overweight since I was 11. I once lost 4.5 stone and maintained for over a year, but gradually it came back. It looks like Dr Chris has some great feedback, so I think if I go ahead, he looks like a solid choice. I have been in touch with himself and Frederick, and I need to fill out the hospital form. I had previously enquired with another company who had Dr Chris mentioned on their website, but when they followed up on my enquiry they said they don't work with him. They also seemed very pushy so I backed right off. If someone could help me with some questions, I'd really, really appreciate it. As much as the pros seem amazing, the down sides are really making me nervous! I'm going to throw out some questions, and I would really appreciate any input from personal experience! 1. I've heard that meats, breads and pastas are very difficult to eat after banding...in which case, what on earth do people survive on? I can't eat fish, it makes me feel ill! Is it mainly vegetarian diets? 2. I'm most definitely, absolutely, positively an emotional eater and I guess a food addict. I quit alcohol a year ago (not good for me at all), and smoking earlier this year. Seeing as I clearly have an addictive personality, I'm very worried that removing the food addiction by force may end up in a brand spanking new addiction rising....anyone found other compulsive areas arising post-band? I know that's very personal, so you obviously don't need to answer on the boards! 3. Is PBing really as terrible as it sounds? How can you avoid it? Do you have time to get out of company before everything comes back up? 4. I had heard of an increase in complications after 5 years -anyone know if this is true? 5. The port - can you feel it? As in, if you touch the skin over where it is, can you feel the port? Or can you feel it moving around in there? Do the fills hurt? 6. Has anyone regretted getting the band fitted? If I go ahead, I'll be using money I was supposed to be saving for a housing deposit....I feel enormous guilt at the thought of that...and I'm scared to tell my family as I think they'll judge me as vain. Any advice at all on the above would be much valued. And feedback on Dr Chris and the team from personal experience would be great! R

Hi GreginMI, The instructions that I got from my surgeon are as follows: "For the first month following surgery, make sure to drink at least 2liters of fluids/day and get between 60-80 grams of Protein from soft vegetarian sources, eggs, fish and seafood." This is followed by a list of acceptable foods (i.e. cream of wheat, mashed potatoes, eggs, Beans, veggies burgers, yogurt, soups, fish, rice, egg noodles, etc.) Of course he also told me to avoid foods high in sugars, fats, and alcohol. At the hospital he told me just to try things as I felt like it, but to really push and prioritize liquids, especially for the first three weeks. Some surgeons are like this I've been told. He's one of the best in the country and has own reasons for not having his patients follow a staged plan, I'm sure. There are quite a few people on this site who have used him and have nothing but the highest praises for him. Incidentally, he also doesn't make his patients do a pre-op diet. The only thing I had to do was a clear liquid diet and drink Colyte 1 day before surgery. However, I tend to find it easier to have stricter guidelines to follow, which is why I plan to discuss the plan Golden laid out above when I meet with my surgeon on Friday. To be honest though, aside from the one attempt at the meatball, I have been sticking to a strictly clear liquid diet, simply because I didn't feel like eating anyway. Right now, clear liquids are about all that I can seem to consume comfortably, and sometimes if I accidentally take too big a sip even the liquids make my tummy hurt. Sorry, I guess this is a really long answer to your question. But maybe it makes more sense now? Anyway, ever since my adventures in meatball land I've gone right back to clear liquids and am doing ok here for the time being Thanks everyone for your advice and concern!! I think I'm on the right track now thanks to everyone's input. I have to say, this is such a great site!

Wish I could say I weight 142lbs. That would be great! HI I am 43 years old and weigh 142 lbs. I have gained almost 20 lbs over the last 5 years. I used to weigh 151 when I was 32, but lost 26 lbs just exercising and eating normal. Nothing crazy but not over indulging. After I had my son, I have found it extremely difficult to get back to 120s. I am a runnner, vegetarian and indulge only sometimes. I am fed up with struggling to get my weight down. I just started weightwatchers and realize that I am eating beyond my allowance, but I seem to so tired all the time. As for working out for some reason the pounds dont seem to be coming off like it did 11 years ago:-(. I guess after 40 the efforts need to be doubled. I try hard but sometimes I feel that this cycle will never end !. Sorry for such a long post, but I was looking for some guidance regarding the lap band.

I like this game - Weight Watchers - 1st time starting weighed was 225 and lost 20., 2nd time starting weight was 240 and lost 15, 3rd time starting weight as 255. - phentermine 1x - South beach (lost count in fact I'm following it right now lol) - Atkins 3x - The 3 day diet. 4x - Vegetarian 1x - slim fast 2x - herbalife 1 x

Only going to count the ones I gave a serious chance to - Dexatrim - 15 lbs in junior high Jenny Craig - have a lifetime membership (you know, the $350+ deal?) lost 30 lbs on that - who can afford their food? A program through my Doctor called limit the whites, leave a bite - lost about 25 lbs Weight Watchers seriously x2 - once getting to goal lost 75 lbs, (yes I made lifetime and I WILL be using my free meetings when I get back there) and then during my 6 month medically supervised weight loss period before sleeve and lost 21 lbs. A million times where it lasted a few weeks. I half way tried atkins, south beach, tried to be vegetarian (if that isn't code for CARBS ), tried exercise alone at least 2x, really don't lose much when you go to dinner with your exercise buddy when you are done

1. Weight Watchers 3x 2. Starvation 100x 3. Slim Fast 20x 4. Atkins 3x 5. Phentermine 4x 6. Six Week Body Makeover 1x 7. The Firm 1x 8. South Beach 1x 9. Detox 3x 10. Vegetarian Diet 3x 11. Vegan Diet 2x There are probably a few more I am forgetting, but I have been struggling with my weight for the last 20+ years.