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My doc's office gave me a sample list of meals used for b, l & d during the mushy/pureed phase: cheese omelet applesauce poached egg oatmeal pears cottage cheese peaches high Fiber Cereal softened in milk smooth Peanut Butter banana cream of wheat hummus pureed broccoli cantaloupe vegetarian refried Beans green beans pureed egg salad (1 whole egg, 1tsp lf mayo) tuna or salmon 1/4 cup of mashed bean Soup (lentil, navy, black bean, split pea) pureed chicken, moistened with broth shrimp, crab or lobster soft fish chili (pureed)

yes, after getting blood tests every month or so we found that seems to keep it stable.1000 mcg each sub lingual tab.. Im a vegetarian, which can cause b12 deficiencies as well...

My doc asked me this very question at my last check up... sign of vitamin deficiency... Do you take B12 right now? This is especially a problem for vegetarians....but others as well. This can cause brain damage, so get checked out ASAP!

I know for me, it does matter. I don't do low carb anymore because I'm training but before I was exercising hard I noticed that on days where I had more carbs, my weight loss would stall for a day or two. When I cut carbs, the scale started moving again. I also know that the amount of Water I drank played a role, along with how much sleep I got. I think for some, the problem with substituting healthy calories with chocolate is that chocolate can trigger cravings for sugar and I thinking moderation chocolate is great, but for some it doesn't stop at a once in a blue moon type thing. If you can limit your chocolate consumption to every once in a while - then I don't see why you couldn't have it in moderation. In the place I am in my journey, sure, I could probably eat french fries and get my calories from that but my body and mind do not want unhealthy crap. I only eat organic and am vegetarian (with an occasional piece of fish). I was vegetarian before the band but since I've lost some weight and am working hard, I find that I eat for fuel instead of pleasure. I guess what I am trying to say is that the jury is out on whether the type of calories matter. They definitely matter for some and might not matter for others. Give it a go - eat some chocolate bars and see what happens. One day shouldn't make that much difference. Hope that's a bit more insight for you, Kris! Best wishes!

Thanks ladies! I am a lacto/ovo vegetarian...so I have been eating a lot of cottage cheese and tofu but need to extend my variety. I have been craving a salad like crazy but that is still 5 weeks away. Today I went to Chipotle and got a bowl of black beans and steamed veggies that was delicious. Thanks for the responses!

Yep, I had about 8 weeks of feeling like I was dead. Ditto what he said above me. My program is not anti carb either. The other day I read a post that said "follow your program: high Protein, low carb..." Just for those who read here for data, not all program diets are high protein and low carb. Mine is high protein, moderate carb. As stated above, the idea is healthy carbs. My NUT loves blended foods (something like Speical K protein cereal) where get both protein and carbs. I lean toward vegetarian so I get a lot of protein through soy. I might be losing a bit slower than others, but I really do believe it's a healthy slow since I added carbs back in upon having my diet smacked by my NUT at about 2.5 months out. I could not do high protein, low carb for the rest of my life. So I need to learn now how to eat healthy and for me that does mean carbs too. As you go forward you will find what makes you feel good. Right now give those mushy or full liquid carbs a try. It's not going to hurt. You are in the very first days of a long journey.

i became lactose intolerant for a while and am a vegetarian to boot! I used lactaid or soymilk with whey... whey does not contain lactose... check the can to make sure it does not contain other milk products... at around 3 months my ability to eat dairy returned.

Why on earth would they tell you that? I would double check that they weren't kidding about the radiation. I mean, people who do chemo can usually be around kids after, so how much could they possibly radiate you with a chest xray? That being said, a part of me would say it would be easier to email but I also remember when I first joined how disappointed I was seeing nothing from any Jewish frum people on here so I consider this thread as a public service and will answer you here! I never heard of veggie caps so I wonder if those are Kosher. Keeping in mind that I am a vegetarian, here is what I generally eat now that I am fully in the band swing of things (without a fill yet - hopefully next week!) Breakfast - 1 Myoplex Protein Shake (14 fl oz) and a single serve Breakstone's cottage cheese lunch - We order in lunch every day at work, so either I get a scoop of egg salad, a vegetable Soup, a vegetable side dish, or some other very small portion of something that I can have. I find I can usually eat 1-2 cups of food for this meal and then I am truly full. dinner - Most of the time I end up having leftovers from Shabbos (I don't get bored easily, so I can have leftovers a few days and be happy) or a veggie burger, Protein shake, Chobani yogurt For Snacks I will have a 90 or 100 calorie pack of Fiber one brownie, pretzels, etc. There are so many to choose from! I also will snack on American or Cheddar cheese of that Smart Beat brand because they are only 25 calories a slice. I do stay away from fruit for the most part. If I have anything it is a small applesauce cup to keep it portion controlled. Since I have a feeling that I will have stuck issues with Pasta and rice (as many people do) I have just stayed away from them for the most part so I dont expect them to be a main part of my food (plus they are not the kind of calories we should have anyway!) If I want to treat myself, I do, but I don't overdo it. For Shabbos I make tofu or soy dishes in sauces (low cal bbq or tomato sauce), vegetable kugels (I make them light and make sure to portion what I eat), vegetable soup (usually it is pureed because I made a ton before the surgery in anticipation of my liquid diet so I have a ton in the freezer!), a potato or rice side dish (but I have greatly reduced the size that I make since my husband is on Atkins so he won't eat it anyway), egg salad or devilled eggs for seudat shlishit or as appetizer, and for dessert either sugar free Jello or sugar free pudding (I am always parve because I am a vegetarian so for me it is a dessert for all occasions!). I am sure there are other things but those have become my staples. I find if I surround myself with some good choices then when I have breakthrough hunger I will reach for something that is low cal, high protein and filling so that I am making a good choice no matter what!

I don't use protein powders, I drink Myoplex shakes. I know a lot of people swear by the powders but I would rather get my protein from things like yogurt and cottage cheese. I am a vegetarian, so my protein intake in general is different. I am fasting today. I have to say it isn't any harder or easier than years past. Last year I was still nursing on Tisha b'Av and that was actually more difficult!

I think "feedyoureye" is also a vegetarian sleever and might be your best source for diet.

Hello all! I need help in finding a high protein source that is low in calories. I am a vegetarian and, once I get to eat real food again, I do not want to use all of my calories meeting my protein intake requirements (e.g., via shakes). Is there a low calorie protein source either powder, liquid, anything! Thanks in advance!

karynj: there are a ton of gluten free products available, you should have no issues finding healthy and delicious foods. Try talking with local chefs as well, they can help you with gluten free recipes using vegetarian products that taste great. Congratulations Vanessa!

I was just wondering where the vegetarians hang out on here I just got banded on Aug. 2nd and I've been a vegetarian for over 10 years. I eat dairy & if eggs are in things and i can't taste them, then i'll eat them. When I started my lap band meetings i told the nutritionist that "I am a vegetarian and i absolutely will not change that". She laughed and said she'd be happy to work with me. That was a relief since I'd been trying to find a nutritionist or a dietician to help me lose weight for about 2 years that wasn't disappointed that I wouldn't change to fit their plan exactly. I've also recently become gluten intolerant. yippee So, what do i eat, you ask? I eat a lot of tofu. I also like tempeh, there are a few Quorn brand products that don't have gluten, the pre-seasoned tofu in packets are very good (especially the red curry one and the TSSS one is mega spicy and good), quinoa instead of rice all day long, there are a couple of vegan sausages that are damn good & gluten free, I eat TONS of cottage cheese, the trader joe's fresh tofu burgers are great, Dr. Praeger's california veggie burgers are also very good when grilled, and soyrizo... i love love love soyrizo. Add me as a friend Karyn

I begin Stage 4, weeks 7 to 8 postop, next week; surgery was June 27. According to my nutrition class information, that begins the "regular diet, which includes fresh fruits and raw vegetables." What I'm really, really craving is a hamburger dill pickle or an olive, but I'm afraid those would be super difficult to digest. Has anyone had trouble with either/or? I'm a vegetarian, so all of these cheese screams for a little something on the side!!! Also, I noticed in someone else's post, their food plan didn't allow fresh fruits or vegetables until three months. How many of you started earlier than that? Any suggestions / advice would be greatly appreciated! I've been really, really nervous each time my food stage has changed!!!

I was eating Dr Pragers potato-crusted fish sticks which are gluten free. I found them to be really easy to have on those days where I needed something to cook without thinking about it too much. They are pretty healthy and easy. Now, I tend to eat more vegan than vegetarian with an occasional piece of fish but plan on eliminating fish altogether.

Alright Moni, you are killing me, really? 25-30 carbs, wow, that is impressive, I shoot for 60 and feel great if I make that. you have to share what your typical meal day looks like? I can't imagine. Especially because some days I try to do less meat, like I probably do vegetarian like 3 times a week, and those days of course the carbs are higher, many years of being a vegetarian, and even a vegan, and now I see that probably had something / well a lot to do with my constant weight gain. anyway I'm dying to hear if you are willing to share.

I made lentils last night from reading this! I am a vegetarian, so I gotta get in the Protein where I may. I cooked them with onion, raisins, TVP for extra protein and moroccan spices... yum!

I had my surgery the same day and I am down 20 lbs. I lost 13 during the pre op liquid diet. Today was my first dayof pureed foods. I have had half of a scambled egg and a few bites of refried vegetarian beans and I am completely satisfied. I think we are where we are supposed to be.

I had trouble with cottage cheese eating it plain. I would add one or two tablespoons of mashed potatoes and some salt and pepper to it to make it taste better. It is only a couple of spoons of potatoes so you should not have to worry about too many carbs. String cheese for a snack gives you a 5 g protein boost, tuna with mayo and dill pickle relish was another favourite of mine (not sure if you consider fish a meat). Glass of milk and add a scoop of powder milk to it to boost the protein. Plus you can count the glass as a Fluid. Peanut Butter sometimes I would take a spoon and eat it right off the spoon. Any nut butter for that matter. Are you a vegetarian? Or does meat bother your stomach?

I can NOT believe I have made it this far and my surgery is at 11:30 tomorrow. It has been a long journey (a longer story for another time). I am weak and hungry as h*ll....really...the family fish look good at this point...and I am a vegetarian so that is a strong urge! :-) But all that said...I am beyond excited to start my new life.

Knorr and Herb Ox have a very yummy veggie broth. I am not a vegetarian but so far it is actually my favorite broth that I've tried so far

I'll have to look for some of these. Broth is kinda boring for a vegetarian. Thanks for the tips.

Ooh! Thanks for this website. I've been mostly vegetarian for almost three years (I say mostly because I eat fish but no other animal products). I wish I had an appetite. Since the day I was banded I've had none.

here is the story, I had a Dr in November who recommended me for the surgery at that time i lost my insurance and my PCP is no longer with the practice. I am now 50 pounds heavier and 5 pounds away from not having to do the 6 month requirement. I have a new Dr who is a all natural person who pushes vegetarian on me all the time. I want to cry everyday all i want is this surgery so i can have a life with my 16 month old i cant even get on the floor with him. I need help is anyone in grand rapids who may have priority health *** and a primary care physician that helped them?????