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hey everyone :smile2: down 10lbs so far and i was banded 9/27 super excited but i know this journey may get tough. i went to the movies today and almost broke. the smell of the popcorn and my lack of enthusiasm for my protein shakes/sugar free jello/pops/broth did not mix well. i asked if i could smell the popcorn. i figured if i couldn't much on the stuff i could at least get a good whiff of it. sad isn't it? but alas, i hunkered down and took a few sips of water to help the craving pass along and found myself more interested in the previews than the popcorn within minutes. i think that's what will be the hardest for me along the way; getting through the cravings. here's a tip: try reading veganism books or vegetarian books along this journey. i noticed that when i went through my veggie phase [sadly it was just a phase ] i read up on the stuff and found it alot easier to not overeat and stay away from the unhealthy junk because i was reading information that explained what our bodies truly need and what various factors in our day to day lives [media, association, etc] make us feel we need. i hope to become a veggie again one day, but please don't think im trying to convert you. it really is informative. it's a bit more "aggressive" when it comes to shedding light on the facts of our nutritional needs. just a thought or suggestion for those willing to look into it. good luck fellow Sept. bandsters!

It is going to be really hard for me to keep my carbs so low...Im a vegetarian, and everything I eat has carbs in them. I can keep my calories down though... I expect a stall....

I haven't eaten any meats that come from mammals (beef, pork, venison etc) for 18 years but I do eat boneless poultry and fish. I have been vegan, vegetarian and all other sorts of combos and find my current diet to be the best- I didn't even have a fatty liver when I was operated on :smile2: My fat was from my carb addiction!!! But since my meat eating is limited I do look for non meat sources here is what I found. Obvious non meat choices are cheese and eggs (try sneaking them into things if you can tolerate them as the main dish) Also check out the vegetarian/health foods in the supermarket- plenty of "veggie" meat high Protein choices (at least where I live) Other options: amounts can vary somewhat Tempeh — 1 cup — 41 g Lentils — I cup — 18 g Chickpeas — I cup — 12 g Tofu — 4 oz — 9 g Peanut Butter — 2 tbsp — 8 g Soymilk — I cup — 7 g Brown rice — 1 cup — 5 g Whole wheat bread — 2 slices — 5 g Broccoli, cooked — I cup — 4 g Avocado- 1 cup- 4.5 g Peas- 3.5oz- 7 g Yogurt-8oz- 7-13g (greek is higher) Baked Potato- 8oz- 9g List of High Protein Foods - food Exchange List for Proteins, Carbohydrates, and Fats - Zone Diet - Weight Loss

ey lillyegg, how are you doing now, is you pain lessening. i was just checking in. and Cathy CS with all those fills, are you in your sweet spot yet- you've been banded the longest an had 2 fills, what's it like - are you on you 'normal' sirt now- one last thing, i swear i don't get money for pushing this book, but the instinct is great recipes for everone- quick meals on the run, home cook meals, vegetarian or meat. the recipes are all clear on how much fat, carb and protien- plus she has tons of 1200 cal/ day meal plans and lots of substituting where she clearly lays out like a 300 cal meal and a 400 val meal etc. pre op we made some of the 300 cal meals instead a lean cuisine, they were great. it's my new joy of cooking

Ok everyone just read a new release from John Hopkins basically saying no meat. I am not a huge red meat fan but since I was banded do tend to eat more meat and less Fruits and veggies. I need ideas I am sure there are vegetarians out there. I don't like eggs, fish or sea food. I know a fatty with limitations. I am more of a carbatarian. Anyway I need ideas. I have been eatting a 20g protein bar but it is too much of a slider for me. It doesn't satisfy Thanks Jessica

Hi Everyone, This site is great for all the information and support so wanted to thank everyone. I had my innitial consultation with Dr. Curry in Cinci lsat week and am seriously considering the surgery. I am a pure vegetarian and I am wondering if this surgery will help me lose the weight I want too. So let me be clear. I don't eat red meat, poultry, eggs or seafood. So most of my diet consists of Wheat, Rice, Lentils and Vegetables. So was wondering if there are any vegetarians out there who has done this surgery and have had success with it. Any feedback will be greatly appreciated. I would like to have my surgery done in Nov. Also any feedback on Dr. Curry would be greatly appreciated.

If you don't already have a fitday.com account, start one. Its very helpful for keeping track of nutrition, carbs and Protein. I have to find out more, but my Nut says NO shots, they contain low quality protein that the body has trouble absorbing. whey, soy and egg based drinks only. No collagen or casein. I see others enjoy the shots, but just FYI anyway. Here is the link... looks ok. Prob not vegetarian if that maters to you. Healthy Shot? - High Protein beverages and Drinks This site shows the quality of different kinds of protein... http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=nutrient&dbid=92#foodsources

There was a statistically significant mortality increase in the high animal-Protein diets (P = 0.051, which is definitely enough to infer a correlation). However, I'd again like to point out that it's likely that the increased mortality is from the increased animal Proteins, not from the carb restriction. Carb restriction on its own is still net neutral, according to the bulk of research. So I guess the best diet choices are mostly vegetarian, high plant protein and maybe some supplementation with lower-fat animal protein sources like whey, etc. Still, I think it's important to keep abreast of current research, and not just blindly follow what the crash diet books tell you.

Another broken promise! I suck! I promised myself I would write more often and be more present HERE . . . hmm, that isn’t going so well. I popped on this evening because I actually made it home before 8 p.m. and thought about all you beautiful women when I did it. I had a few how you doing messages and thought, I better at least post a blog and say hola!! Work is crazy. Crime doesn’t stop. For those of you who don’t know, I’m a victim advocate with the DA’s office. Lately, nothing but homicides and sexual assaults; to say it has been INSANE at work is an understatement. Nonstop trials and nonstop crime. I often joke that even if crime in Denver stopped for a month we would still be busy. Sadly, it is true. Anyway, I haven’t magically lost another 50 pounds in the 4 weeks I have been a way. D*mn! I wish! I’m at 38 or 39 pounds. It would have been more but two weeks ago I did a four day and four pound gain trip to New Orleans. Didn’t eat it on – how sad is that? Actually, couldn’t eat much there. Not a vegetarian town but oh my goodness did I get my drink on! It was a girl trip – celebrating the upcoming wedding of my best friend – lush event. I’m not a drinker but those drinks there are yummy and who cannot dance and drink at the same time! I know! I know! Excuses! Excuses. I lost all of it and two more pounds in a week but I had to work it! I felt bad though! Thank goodness I only visit there once a year! I had my first fill on the 26th of August and it was piece of cake. I was worried for nothing. Doctor showed me exactly where my port was and felt it for the first time. Strange! I have my second fill next week on the 30th. I definitely feel restriction but am ready for the next one. Oh and my significant other and I joined 24 hour fitness. I’m working through my own head and self-esteem issues about being a fat girl at the gym. I’m doing it though! That’s my update. You all have to leave a note and let me know how you are doing. I love to hear about you all – even if I am horrid at updating. I’ll try to post some pictures after my BFF gets married. She is Indian and we are all wearing sarees. I’m her Goddess of Honor! LOVE it! And of course, I’m sending lots of love and good energy to you all too! Hugs, Elizabeth

Jason and others, this is what I was recommended to eat. Yes it mentions low-fat Proteins, but does not emphasize them. This is from a leaflet from my consultant and is what is recommended in the UK. Successful eating with a band, divided into Green (eat freely every day), Amber (eat with cautions, eg weekends only) and Red (avoid or eat only for treats). They said Green foods should be 85% of the total. Amber foods: 10% (just 2-3 times a week). Red foods: 5% (try to avoid). Also keep the band active every 4 hours with a Cereal bar, banana or piece of fruit. GREEN * Low-fat Protein --Chicken/lean meat --Fish --Quorn (artificial vegetarian meat) * Low glycaemic index GL/GI foods --Basmati or wholemeal rice --Baby new potatoes, jacket potatoes, sweet potatoes --Porridge (but not instant porridge) --Pumpernickel or wholemeal pitta bread --Rye bread --Beans, pulses and lentils --Wholemeal Pasta * Fruit in natural form --Citrus fruits --Apples --Pears --Bananas * Fresh vegetables, except squashes, avocadoes and parships * Airdried homemade popcorn without butter or sugar * Low-fat cereal bars if used as an alternative to Breakfast * Dark chocolate (minimum 70% solids) with no sweet filling AMBER * Higher sugar fruits --Berries (a portion is 12, or 6 strawberries) --Melon/watermelon --Mango, papaya, cherries, grapes * Soft foods and ready meals that can be eaten with just a fork --Mashed potato --Shepherd's pie, cottage pie, fish pie --Creamy pastas --Haggis * Crispy foods --Multiple crackers --Biscuits [=Cookies in American English] --Crisps [=potato chips in American English] (Snack-a-jack ricecakes are better) --Packet popcorn --Cheesy biscuits * High sugar vegetables --Squashes --Parsnips * Sugary or nutty cereals --Muesli or children's cereals --Crunchy nuts --Anything with sugar, frosty or honey in the title RED * Fatty proteins and fatty vegetables --Nuts, seeds, avocados --cheese [if necessary have the Low-low brand of low-fat cheese] * Modified fruits --Juices (including home-made, organic and no added sugar juices) --Smoothes (including home-made etc) --Tinned and dried fruits, jams * Sugars (including natural) --Honey --Sugar --Milk/white chocolate --Toffee --Hot chocolate and coffee shop "Christmas special drinks" * liquids (Soups if replacing a meal) --Slimfast shakes or equivalent --Alcohol --Fizzy drink --Milk as a stand alone drink (lattes, Cappuccino, hot chocolate), although OK to add to tea/coffee * Fats --Creamy pasta sauces --Oils, including olive oil, mayonnaise, butter --Pannacotta, creme brulee, pecan pie --High fat gourmet ice creams --Cheese spread

I had my surgery a little over a year ago. I've lost 100 lbs. I'm hoping to lose about 30 more. I also get ideas from Vegetarian magazines, sometimes other things like health magazines or cookbooks. Sometimes those recipies call for pastas or grains that I can't eat, but I just omit them. As long as veggies are somewhat cooked, I can eat them. They don't have to be total mush or anything. I actually like them to have some crunch to them :thumbup: If I'm unsure how a veggie will work w/my band, I'm really cautions and chew it a lot until I get the feel for it.

I agree w/the Wendy's chili! I also eat vegetarian refried Beans w/lettuce, tomato. Or often in the mornings I eat salsa w/an egg and a bit of veg refried beans.

I really like http://www.sparkpeople.com for tracking my stuff, and if a normal serving is 1 cup it will let you track as much of that 1cup as you want, say.12 of a cup since our servings are much smaller. It can be a pain to track, but once I have done it, I am usually surprised at the stats for the day, plus it keeps me honest with what I remember eating vs what I did eat. As for vegetarian, what are you eating for Protein? I notice that people who are newly veggie don't make changes other than cutting out any meat products and that can hamper weight loss because they usually add in high carb food to make up for the meat portion of a meal. In the Food & Nutrition forum I wrote on a post the following:: "If you are not opposed to the more "processed" vegetarian fare there are tons of options. In our house we use the following Brands a lot. Home Quorn Welcome to Morningstar Farms Worthington Loma Linda BOCA Foods | Wholesome Veggie Burgers, Chik'n, Breakfast and More gardein - garden protein Nates Meatless Meatballs (could not locate link for these)" You can make any recipe that contains meat and substitute in the "fake" meat. It tends to have a good protein count, as well as being low in fat/carbs. The hard part is trying them out to see what you like and what you don't. :confused1:

Seitan is very good Protein wise, but we have to eat it rarely due to people in my house have gluten intolerance. If you are not opposed to the more "processed" vegetarian fare there are tons of options. In our house we use the following Brands a lot. [/url]http://www.quorn.us/Home/ Welcome to Morningstar Farms Worthington Loma Linda BOCA Foods | Wholesome Veggie Burgers, Chik'n, Breakfast and More gardein - garden protein Nates Meatless Meatballs (could not locate link for these) You have to figure out what you like, such as we prefer the morningstar farms crumblers to the quorn crumblers, but the quorn roast is amazing in texture and taste if you spice it up. They tell you to cook it in its wrap but I don't I cook it like a regular roast with seasonings and its yum, plus most all of the products have a great protein count per serving, without high calories, fat or carbs unless it is a breaded product, plus no or little cholesterol and you are eating guilt free since only veggies were harmed in the making of the product :001_smile: I cook vegetarian for my family daily, so if you have any questions shoot me a PM and/or friend me and I will help as much as I can. It is perfectly possible to get a good amount of clean protein from these foods and avoid animal meat if you want to.

Thanks so much coops! Everything you are saying makes a lot of sense. . . Technically for my height and weight I still fall into the "overweight" category so medically speaking I probably need to loose a few more pounds, but that being said I don't have any weight related medical problems (anymore) so I guess health wise, no I don't need to lose more weight. I just want to. I do feel better and more energized. I am thankful for the surgery and the weight I have already lost, it's just frustrating when you thought/wanted to lose more and all of a sudden you stop losing. I am probably not drinking enough, in fact i know i'm not. I have improved, but have been unable to get in the full 64oz a day (even 32 is sometimes hard for me). This was something I had a difficult time with even before surgery. Thanks for all your encouraging words. New plan: - continue on vegetarian ways - increase Protein and fluids - keep exercising - try not to be discouraged Love you guys.

Hello all! I am asking for good advice about how to jump start weight loss. I have currently lost 75 pounds and thats great, im not complaining about that. I have however been around the same weight for about 6 months. I am so sad. I have started exercising more but that hasn't helped. I also recently became vegetarian to see if that would jump start it, but i've seen little results. What should i do? I want to continue to lose weight. My goal is/was 145lbs. Should i resign to the fact that maybe i won't get there? Please help, any advice is appreciated. Ainsley:crying:

Hi Donna, I tried your Italian Beef & Zucchini recipe tonight and it was so amazingly soft and tasty:drool5:. I made some changes to it in order to fit into our household but it still turned out yummy. Next time I make it, I will add much less Ricotta than I did, I just wanted to use up what I had and it was a bit much in the recipe, but things still tasted great. I had it as is, but my family had it over baked potatoes with fresh Green Beans on the side. (why am I the only fat one in the house? They eat like piglets!) Here is what I used and the calorie count below. Thanks again for the inspiration.:thumbup: This was all cooked the same way you did in your recipe, just a Vegetarian version. 2 cup Zucchini chopped (skin on) 1 cup Red Onion (didn?t have a yellow) 1 cup diced fresh Tomato 2 cup Morningstar Farms Griller Crumblers (we are 97.9% vegetarian household) 1 ? cup non fat Ricotta (used way to much could easily cut in half) 1 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano grated 2 tbsp Earth Balance Natural Buttery Spread 2 tbsp sqeezy Garlic (found in fresh veggie section-I hate cutting up garlic) Dash of Marjoram Dash of Oregano Dash of Johnnys Seasoning Salt Dash of Sea Salt Several Dash?s of pepper (I?m a ?dash? kind of cook, sometimes that goes wrong, but not this time.) Left out the basil as my household does not care for it very much. Since there is no way I could eat a full cup of this, it made ten ? cup servings with the following stats per serving: 122 Calories 6g Fat (2 saturated) 18mg Cholesterol 7 Carbs 1.5 Fiber (so 5.5 Carbs after subtracting the fiber) 12g Protein

Hi Pollywogg - this is what I read about hair loss / Protein. I'm not putting you in any of the judgemental categories they identify ... but given that it's harder to eat Proteins now ... maybe the cause? ++++++++++++++++++++ Inadequate protein in diet. Some vegetarians, people who go on diets that exclude protein, and those with severely abnormal eating habits, may develop protein malnutrition. When this happens, a person's body will help to save protein by shifting growing hairs into the resting phase. Massive hair shedding can occur two to three months later. Hair can then be pulled out by the roots. This condition can be reversed by eating the proper amount of protein

Gwen Welcome Home ! Yes $$ does equate to better food and weight issues - a top ramen cost 25 cents. This is why most poorer pple are in food lines weighing 200 lbs and you think they sure don't look like they have missed a meal - it's all about the foods they eat that are cheap - starch - fats - Veggies, fruit & meat are more $$$ Be happy w/your 1/2 a pound it's a loss and not a gain and after a yr all those 1/2 lbs adds up.. Balletgirl - This is why 3 yrs later I'm still on lbt - it's my support - it keeps me honest and accountable. Come back and be accountable.. We will kick your butt - give you tough love - we are here for you.. So you are a vegetarian?? I am a carnivor ;0) don't know if I could give up meat - don't eat tons of red meat - but do occasionally and I eat tons of fish.. I am going to call you the b word ;0) with love cuz I'm jealous - Well next month you are coming to Vegas - and that trumps Hawaii ;0).. Cheri - You are the glycimic queen and how all that works in your body ;0) Hugs to your DD I would never ever trust super cuts w/my hair - I am to freaking vain - I have to have 10 references before I would go to a new hair dresser .. I eat that sf candy when I need help in that department ;0) every now and then I will get gas pains in my shoulder - haven't had it in a while - but if I over eat I will ;0) To funny about your Mom - I have been messing w/pictures all evening - for some reason my camera will take a grainy pic and the next will be clear... Charlene - they sell the boots #7 at target - I used it for a few months - but didn't see much improvement - heck - my road map face needs laser and the knife - I don't think they make plastic surgery in a bottle yet.. That's my problem too I have a 5x & 10 x mirror :0)

My boyfriend and I go out to eat WAY too much (5 times a week, at least). I find that I rarely have problems with eating out. Sometimes whatever I eat takes a few minutes to settle down - I find that it's more likely to happen if I don't painstakingly chew everything. I just avoid fried food, bread, and creamy sauces. I do particularly well at Japanese and Vietnamese restaurants - I'll order sashimi and take leftovers home (if you cover it in a plastic wrap, it should be ok for one day in the fridge), or miso or some Vietnamese Soup and then pick out the pieces of chicken or beef from the soup. Any sort of stew-type of dish works well, too. I had some lamb curry at an Indian restaurant yesterday and it was nice and soft. Pasta is pretty easy on the stomach, too. I've had a few bites of lasagna (both vegetarian and with meat) before, and it was easy to eat; ravioli with ricotta and tomato sauce are another thing I've tried that worked well. There are definitely lots of options that should go down easy, just be prepared to either share an order or take a LOT of leftovers home. P.S. Oh, and re: feeling guilty....like I mentioned above, I avoid bread, fried foods, and creamy sauces, and of course no dessert or drinks, so there's not much to feel guilty about. No one gets fat from 2 bites of pasta.

Thanks ladies for the boost to get off my rear. Yes, I do exercise. Yes, I do eat Protein - lots of it, just not meat. I eat Siggi's Icelandic yogurt (you otta try it! Super high in protein, very low in sugar - made with agave nectar) and all organic. It's found at Whole Foods Markets or look at their website for local stores. Anway, cottage cheese - fat free aint too bad once you get used to it! Prevention magazine has a great Super smoothie receipe in the September issue for days you don't feel like eating - although it's very high in carbs. I used the siggi's yogurt instead of greek. I feel better today - went and had a great workout of cardio and weights and then ate very healthy. Yes, let's be real here - beer and chips are the old way of eating. Thanks so much for supporting me! Oh, no I'm not too tight. I'm actually able to eat the foods I'm supposed to eat like veggies and fruit. It's like being a vegetarian so I don't miss the meat much. Yeah, it's the chips - really it is. And I need to be honest here as you all know - if I don't buy it - it's not in the house! Hello! Big surprise there huh! Thanks so much for letting me vent. It's so great to be able to come here and get the support I need from friends who truly understand this whole food thing. Have a super great weekend everyone and thanks again!

hey feedyoureye... thanks for the input. Its nice to know that the sleeve and vegetarianism can be compatable. Stacey

I'm not one to preach, and believe we all must come to our own conclusions. ..but I do personally believe (I'm a Buddhist) that animals suffer much like we do. I just decided I don't want to be a part of that. I prefer they have the chance to live their lives in peace whenever possible, just as I would like to. That being said, I like the taste of meat. So I make fake meat like Saitan roasts and such upon occasion to fill my eating desires and piece of mind. Its easy most of the time. I live in California, and there are lots of vegetarians here.

I'm really happy to read about the seitan... I am a vegetarian and make a mean seitan roast from scratch... was hoping I could use this as a high quality Protein....my Drs list of protean did not include it... just soy. I believe seitan has a higher % of protein than soy.... I am still in the pre-op phase... getting ready for the big change... but don't want to make a change back to meat... Ill go check out your recipes! Thanks..

I don't know much about being a vegetarian, we own a dairy farm, third generation. I would get laughed off the table if I tried to throw that idea out there lol. However I respect anyone's way of eating as long as they don't make it a moral issue. I do know they have some great recipes here that are vegetarian Vegetarian Main Dishe Recipes - Allrecipes.com you may be able to get ideas you would not normally think of from it. Are you going to be a modified vegetarian eater (some chicken and fish)?