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yeaa its sooo odd im 12 weeks out and have lost 44lbs since surgery im like WOAH howww did that happen. i still go to dinner socialise with friends im not drinking yet though im leaving that for xmas eve (my birthday) i like trying new healthier options im trying that like salads and vegetarian dishes im loving it. i still see the fat girl though its very strange i cnt shake her off. Highest weight recorded: 319lbs surgery weight: 276lbs current weight: 232lbs im pretty happy with that!!! all we can do is keep trying Sent from my SM-G935F using the BariatricPal App

Proteins: soy (soymilk, tofu, soybeans, edemame), dairy (milk, cheese, yogurt, ESPECIALLY cottage cheese - so much protein), nuts, Beans and other legumes (like lentils)... I'm a vegetarian, but fish and poultry are also packed with Protein. As I said on another thread though, beware salmonella when handling poultry (and eggs), mercury poisoning w/ fish, and avoid red meat, because it causes colon cancer among other problems - like heart problems. Here's a resource for vegan protein, but again things like dairy and eggs are packed with protein (and yolks are high in cholesterol, so beware of that if you have a problem with it... sometimes if I'm making egg salad I'll use like one yolk and 2 egg whites, you can do the same w/ scrambled or you can eat no yolks at all... lots of places these days will serve egg white omelets or scrambles... i like the flavor of the yolk, so i might throw one in there... Vegan food are primarily cholestorol free. I am not a vegan, I'm a vegetarian... people ask me "what do you eat?!" -- I eat everything, I don't consider animals food... even when I DID eat meat, it was maybe once a week or bi-weekly, it's very easy to maintain a mostly vegetarian lifestyle, and even people who love meat, like the New York Times' Mark Bittman are now saying that it's best to be mostly vegetarian... it's not that restrictive, and people like him still eat meat, just not all the time... Protein in the Vegan Diet -- The Vegetarian Resource Group

I think it's a matter of preference. I tend to go by Whole Foods plant based. Vegan can have a lot of other things than just veggies and fruits, as long as there are no animal products used, which can be a whole lot of junky processed foods as well. There are Healthy vegans though. If I had to label my lifestyle it'll have to vegetarian currently, because I do have an egg or some cheese every now and then; but it's probably 90% plant based. But I am not all that big on labels, so I say I eat a WFPB diet if the subject of diet comes up.

I am currently reading the book and have started making the change to vegetarian/vegan lifestyle. I love the book! Since my sleeve surgery I haven't been able to really tolerate much protein and would get most of my daily amount from shakes. I have been so confused on what I should eat even after almost 3 years. So I was excited to know that I there is an alternatives and that it's ok to not have so much protein especially since it doesn't set well with tummy . I have had on going digestive issues and feel the main cause is dairy. I have cut out dairy and most meat protein for the last week and a half. I am proud to report that for the first time in months I have had almost no issues with digestion. WOW! So happy there are like minded bariatric people to share with.

Hi Everyone - Thanks for the words of support. I got a little fill on Thursday. It just helps me to help myself. I have a new romantic interest in my life. So, Woofay, if you see me in the Springs, I am there with a purpose. We'll see where it goes. It feels a little scary, but he is a good guy, from the heart. My exercise program is my constant. Which is really odd for a person who has avoided sustained exercise in the past. Yes, it makes me feel good about myself, and also my body says thank you. It isn't just about the food, I have to remember this is a lifestyle change. Move it, sista! I keep telling myself. I am subbing more, as teachers are so tired they are getting sick. I have to plan food, but I don't obsess when I am working, however, and Lap can agree there are always eats around the school. I haven't totally avoided the chips, etc, but like you said Lap, the dang things just don't taste as good as they used to. Mal - special hugs to you and whatever you are going through. I have a funny - my son Todd went on Spring Break and came back a vegetarian. This kid is my meat and potato guy. Ain't it a kick? Hugs all, Michelle So, when is RR?

I do not get the amount of protien that I probably should either. My nutritionist told me that I should try to get about 40 grams of protien. She said that with the amount of food I am able to eat, that it will not be feasable to get much more than the 40 grams. I doubt I even get that much. I have always said I could be a vegetarian. I do not really care for meat and never have. I think for me, the important thing is to learn how to eat sensibly. If I could get my on 600 calories a day and stick with it, than I would not have had the surgery. I admire those of you who can do it, but I know it is not for me. I want to learn how to eat right, and not restrict myself from a normal diet. I don't know if I am making sense or not, but hope you guys understand how I feel. I just want to do this right. I don't want to fail on yet another diet.

I know this was mentioned before here in the Vegans/Vegetarians forums and I wanted to maybe start this thread for all things pertaining to the book that Dr. Garth Davis authored, Proteinaholic. So far I'm on chapter 6 of it and I'm just amazed with how sound it is and all the studies that are out there to support why we don't need such a high amount of protein, and why it's a culprit of obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, etc.... There's just so much to talk about if anyone wants to get into discussion. Now, this thread IS NOT going to be for debate. I do not want anyone coming on here advocating high protein and what they "know" and debating with any of us who are or evolving into plant based, vegans or vegetarians. I want to share the things I've learned from the book and if anyone wants to challenge those, READ THE BOOK FIRST, and then you can come and talk about it. If you don't or haven't read the book, feel free to read the things that will be posted...and do your own homework to find these facts/truths out for yourself. I literally don't have time to do a protein ping pong match...so don't start one. You will be ignored. Okay, with that said and out of the way, the first thing I want to mention is that Dr. Davis actually dispels the myths about protein and why our bodies don't need so much. It is not an opinionated book, it's a science/fact book. It makes TOTAL sense. He is quite comical too. The parts where he plays out his doctor/patient dialogues hit me the most...because I can relate to how I was educated about protein being what we all need. I had the same mentalities as he did regarding it, but after I started watching documentaries on plant based diets for the past couple of years, I've slowly become open to all the health benefits of eating plant based. But now, even though I knew plant based is great for the health, I didn't know that the protein component was/is what was causing so many problems in my health, my husband's, etc. Now, I've got science and truth to understand the premise of protein. The history of why, what Dr Davis talks about, we western society pick apart whole foods and live based off of macronutrients. Now, it just boggles me why we do that. The other thing that rings true and is nice knowing, is that he is a bariatric surgeon too. He knows what he's coaching/telling his patients. He knows that he was not a nutritionist, didn't know a single thing, but the one hour of nutrition studies in his school days, but he took the time to dive into history, studies, reports, etc to bring light to why western society is so unhealthy, and most of it is based on animal protein. Wow. Read the book!

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

rcorn60035 <O></O>JackieP12 <O></O>Finallythin@ 34 MkUSmile78 quadmom -you'll be fine. I command you to chill. I'm sure you'll all kick arse. We can't wait to hear back from you (when you're ready) Yeah it hurts a bit but you've just got to wait it out and you'll be better by the day. Pippz, I am a vegan. Have been for 7 years at least and a vegetarian for another 13 years before that. The fattest vegan in the world mind you but they shouldn't make vegan food so delicious, should they? I think I'll find the band transition a lot easier because of it. You showed incredible discipline. I would have caved for sure. You'll have to go back there in a few months and take delicate bites of the dish you had your eye on. I use pea protein powder. Another vegan on this forum recommended it and it mixes deliciously into soups (0 carbs). Have a daily wheatgrass juice too for the vitamin kick. To everyone else on pre-op diets (or pre-preop fun), keep plugging away. It is very hard but it will be your turn before you know it. Well done Minty Fresh on your loss so far. Snoopy, we are all thinking of your and your Mum at this scary time. The wait is the worst.

This is a quote by the same guy in the video I posted who is a RD working with Dr. McDougall. I like the way he explains things. Right now we are all bombarded with every kind of vegan or plant-based diet in the world. How would you capsulize Jeff Novick’s diet? I have really been thinking about that lately and how best to describe the principles of a healthy diet, and I think, plant-centered, minimally processed, calorie dilute, low SOS really sums it up. It’s not just vegan, vegetarian or plant-based because one could have a pretty bad vegan, vegetarian or plant-based diet. So I like to say “plant- centered” but I also add that it should be minimally processed. I don’t say “whole” or “unprocessed” as not all processing is bad. Processing per se isn’t what’s hurtful, it’s processing that either detracts from the value of the food (i.e., refining) or adds something that is potentially harmful, (i.e., salt, sugar, etc.). So plant-centered, minimally processed, and then calorie dilute, because so much food has become so calorie dense which is a major contributing factor for obesity and many other diseases. The fourth principle is a diet low in SOS, which is salt, oil/fat and sugar. Even if you have a plant-centered, minimally processed, calorie-dilute diet and you cover it with salt, sugar, and oil, it is not healthy. I’m not going to say none, but low, as it isn’t all or nothing.

Dee ~ I can't believe that ticket agent! :smile: I hope karma bites her in the butt. I'm glad you enjoyed your concert and were able to climb those steps without a problem. I only know a couple of Rascal Flatts songs but I like them. :biggrin: Lotza ~ I hope that the infection clears up soon. Definitely finish up your antibiotics from Dr. K. And shame on that rude doctor. :w00t: None of her damn business! When I told my GYN that I got banded and that it was in Colorado, she said something similar, but not quite as rude. More like, "Why would you do that?" I said, well, since my DH's employer excludes WLS, I had to pay for it myself and this doctor was the best combination of experience and affordability I could find. That shut her up. Bella ~ I am so sorry that you had to make that trip to ER -- I hope it isn't too expensive and that you're feeling all better now. Better safe than sorry, I suppose. Marcy ~ Nice to hear from you. I was a vegetarian for many years. I eat meat again now and I struggle with it, because I love animals and hate that so many suffer in being raised and slaughtered for food. I am glad that your chickens were killed humanely. :scared2: See people, I am trying to post more and keep up! I hate feeling like I'm missing out.

Thanks Nicole. So you went at 9:30am and the appointment was at 4:30pm?? Oh dear.........my apointment is scheduled for 2pm but the front desk said to be there at 9am anyway. I hope they have it all figured out by than. Excited to see the new office........... So Dr. Baggs was happy with your weight loss? I have only lost 11 pounds. I hope to add to that a bit but I am hoping they don't expect miracles............. Nicole when you get some time could you tell me how much of a fill you got? And also if you can feel some restriction now? Are you back on liquids for a few days? Ok, ok...........I just like to be prepared before my turn. Zoe my doctor didn't want to refer me. I had to think about it for a month and go back. The second time I had done all my research and had even called and got the criteria from Kaiser as to who qualifies. I just handed it all the my PCP and she looked at me and said your serious and I told her I was and she hesitated but stated she would do it!! That was the end of that. Once I got to bariatrics they were very accepting of me wanting the surgery..............My PCP still doesn't know much about lap band but I am education her!! LOl Reggie: You got a picture posted!!! Yea. Girl you are beautiful just like they said!! I also heard your from Africa we should talk. I just got back from Africa and I am so in love with that it now.............I plan to go back again!! Loved, loved, loved africa.............worth delaying my surgery for a month to go. Candy: I made thick soups, potatoe and broccoli that really filled me up. I had to use the food processer to get them smooth but they saved me. I had to forget the yogurts and puddings and anything cold and............well for me only soup worked to fill me up and it had to be hot for me to feel full. Now I am eating alot of ground up soy veggie meat and tufo stuff and ground up eggs.(gross I know if your not vegetarian).........but I am wanting to go back to soups. I miss those...........I know they are slider food so I am trying to stay away.........I don't really like this stage. I feel like I am ready for mushies and softs now. Weird thing too.........the first week I definetely could feel my band. Didn't hurt but I could feel it...........now I can't feel a thing. I feel the port and I get full pretty quick.........my port aches when I eat to fast...........but I agree with Nicole hard to believe I have a band in there!! LOL Nicole: if your mom moves what will you guys do? Stay in Sacramento or move with her? I guess that depends on Mike and the new job? Hope it all works out!!

Have you begun to eat more meat, GT? Was thinking you preferred vegetarian. The turkey looks so good - is it Cajun styled? What brand? I can never get a turkey product that has any flavor? Love the glass plate. I really miss going to thrift shops, Goodwill and/or estate sales where you can find really neat and unique vintage specialty plates.

Tomato Basil soup ...Alas too rich for my blood 😭 I couldn't eat it without feeling queasy so I gave up Also Boyfriends Vegetarian Poutine

Vegetarian bowl: romaine, chana masala (Trinidadian style) and goat cheese beet salad

I was just in Montreal last month (?) and didnt even think to get maple, we busy eating Poutine which i cant normally have but we found vegetarian options I will totally check it out Thanks!

I try every year that we don't go to see family or have family over to suggest that we go out to dinner for Thanksgiving and my DH and DS just get this horrified look on their faces... If I suggested a vegetarian Thanksgiving, I think they'd both petition to have me committed.

Yeah i found veganism unobtainable so i became a flexible vegetarian (some animal products sometimes but still heavy on the vegetables)

Salads for lunch and dinner tonight because I can’t even imagine cooking lately. Also I made a ginger peanut dressing that was really good but no one wanted it 😑 I had the chicken nugget version, vegetarians got the hash brown version.

Vegetarian wrap w/ a little added veg protein

Homemade southwest style vegetarian bean burger (w/cheese and sour cream) on lettuce bun Homemade Coconut flour bread grilled cheese

LOL my BF caught a pic of me while talking a pic of his food ( I'm rubbing off on him 😅) Hard to see but : All vegetarian meal collaboration 👏 BF heated convenience boxed foods / I customized them 😍- partially homemade eggplant parmesan (Trader Joe's), jazzed up Birdseye protein vegetable mix, crispy fish fillets, homemade cornbread+protein I look miserable because I was 😅 - headache from weather- snowing/ very cold/ etc.

I was a vegetarian for a LONG time so I’m used to substitutes. These subs are definitely upgrades to the old fake meats. They are even using beets for color and iron for flavor in some. I never really eat anything straight (that I haven’t seasoned while cooking) but I think the taste (and to a lesser extent texture) of these new burgers are close enough to make you question if it’s genuine meat or not.

I had this nice long post typed in and fell asleep at the computer last night....literally. I ended up over typing everything with a kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk. Now I can't remember all the stuff I wrote. Apples, your generosity is wonderful. It's nice you try and include people that might not have anywhere else to go. You are so set up to cook for 20 or more that I suspect it's no big deal for you. Charlene, that check thing to Santa is pretty funny. Now why did Santa need a check? To help pay for reindeer food? It is so much fun to create the illusion for little kids..as much fun for the parents (or should be) as for the kids. Hey I got a Chatty Cathy one year. Lori, sorry about your leg...you rest today. Your Grandma is very lucky to have you and you to have her. I hope she gets through the decision making alright. It's pretty tough for them at that age and it's very nice she has you to help her. So you didn't mention your own traditions, just your DH's. Did you adopt his? Laura K...mimosa? Sounds like a great new tradition. I can just imagine the kids with their cookies. Must have been lots of fun. Julie, your Christmas sounds nice too...not too much cooking and being close to those you love. What did your parents tell you about having presents early? Phyl, your RV looks great...congrats on the prize!! So are you driving that decorated RV up to the SF area of just taking your regular vehicle? It seems like a lot of work to pack up your house for a short trip. The decorations really do look great. I love Christmas lights. Cheri...I can understand why you don't have any set traditions with all the changes you've had over the years. I'm also sorry you don't seem to have a really good friend (besides your DH). What I wish for you in the New Year is to find a really good girl friend...a really good friend will love you no matter how abrasive you might be and will stick with you through anything. I find my friends really help me through the rough times. They put up with me no matter what. It really makes my life fuller. I wish the same for you. Janet...you've had a few changes too. You've handled everything so well and I'm glad you are happy. The story about Star and the tree rearranging is pretty funny. How did you manage to sleep through that? Sorry about the leg cramps. Hope that gets better quickly. I stayed up rather late last night....falling asleep at the computer. I've started on the prep for Christmas Dinner. The number is growing, 16 confirmed and 19 possible. I'll have to borrow chairs from my friend. Today is trash day, so I cooked all the meat (chicken, pork, sausage, hamburger) last night and deboned the chicken and drained all the fat off so I could get it in the trash today. We have trash pickup only once a week and if I get all the stinky stuff in today, I won't have to smell it later in the week. So the chicken (organic thighs) and pork (tenderloin) will be ground with some proscuitto to make the meat filling for ravioli. I'll get that together today and will just have to add the eggs on Friday before stuffing. The hamburger (home ground beef) and italian sausage (made at a local shop) is now simmering with seasonings and tomatoes to make meat sauce. I have the vegetarian sauce already made and in the freezer. I'll make cheese filling today too without the eggs and add the eggs Friday. I'm also going to make butternut squash ravioli with a sage and browned butter sauce. So besides three kinds of ravioli, we are having 3 sauces, caesar salad with home made dressing and croutons. Fresh bread (DH makes sourdough and I make regular). Appetizers are white bean and garlic dip, veggies, roasted olives, a meat and cheese antipasto with marinated mushroom and artichokes. Fresh bread with olive oil (oil I brought back from SF). Desert is all the cookies and stuff I have from cookie exchange, a pear cobbler with cranberry streusel and a cheese board with a bunch of cheeses and fruit. I love to cook like this, but I'm usually exhaused by the end of the process. So if you don't hear from me you'll know why. I'm trying to pace myself so I'm not so wiped out I can't function. Do I take on too much....maybe, but I really enjoy the food prep and I love when people eat it and love it. I also like the interaction of all these people I know...I could just be a fly on the wall and be happy. I did get on the scale today after weeks of being afraid to do it. I'm up 2 pounds.....and I've been at this level for a while. I was afraid I had gained 5 or more pounds. YIPEE, I love my band. I really believe that after Christmas I'll be getting back on the "band wagon" and applying myself to eating right and the weight will start dropping again. I think I needed the time for my body to adjust to this weight and then it will be ready to let go and I'll start losing again. Okay, I'm off to do something...I have to clean the dining room and get it set up for a bunch of people. Later, Eva

Hi all... Okay found this amazing bakery in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. No glutten, no sugar, Spelt and agave...everything all natural vegetarian. Boy am I a happy camper!!! I bought ten things and had a small teeny weeny bite of each...just had to!!! The only thing I didnt love....the agave sweetened, glutten free Brownie....tasted like..um passover brownies too sweet!!!! Everything else to die for!!! All this and a kosher certification as well...meaning I could bring this stuff in the house...and I could now have healthy treats for shabbos for Dassi and her friends...oh yes and me. lol. Doing the happy dance...woo hoo. Happy days are here again....havent had a treat like this in five months..... no no JAP....lol No JCC? Sometimes a JCC will offer after school and will pick up from the school as well...no need to be jewish either...not sure if there is one in your area but check it out if there is.... Phyll I hope your back feels better...I for one love the Chiropractor...I would go every day if I could!! I go and get a deep tissue massage and then an adjustment and I feel great after...its one price..for both so that makes me a happy camper. My daughter loves going as well. She gets real upset if we dont go once a week..she says it helps her concentrate and keeps her body from getting out of sync. Ive been taken her since she was a week old! If she got sick or had any infections especially ear ones....it was right to the Chiropractor before the Dr. You should try it....you never know...id take that adjustment over drugs anyday. Hope you feel better soon. Oh I hope your daughter feels better soon and the facility is going to be able to meet her needs...Shes lucky to have you and her husband for support...thats half the battle for any illness, but if drugs can help for the interum until your daughter can begin to take control of her life herself.....it might be the best thing at the moment...Drugs are a tool and need to be used as such....some were never meant for long term use...some longer then others...but whats important is that she realizes that she needs help and cannot get through this alone. Lori....ROTFL...hahah. Good for you!! So it isnt just me...its this newfound postive energy that you are putting out!!! You must feel pretty great!! No matter who he was or if he was "younger" the fact that he payed attention and gave you attention...should have made you feel like a couger...grrrrreeeat! Btw.....enjoy the first visit to OB..Dr. The first is always the bestest!!! Congratulations again! No, we arent going to have her Bat Mitzvah at the wall....the men would stone us if we did. lol Woman arent really supposed to bring attention to themselves and god forbid they might make a spectical by singing aloud there together....lol No....im not ready to get that much attention ....yet. So far I looked into several different programs...for bat mitzvah girls...what I found was....that in Israel there is no such thing as a big party like in the states for this occasion where a girl turns 12. What they do is they take on "chessed" projects (acts of kindness) from Rosh Hashana of the year of the birthday till the following Rosh Hashana the next year...the new year to the next year, During this time....the girls take upon themselves several projects and work with them the whole year...at the end of the year they have a meaningful celebration of sorts. So...I thought...heck Im not going to spend 10,000 dollars to have just a party here in the states....and invite her whole class and the second class.....nope... Havent decided which program to choose from...yet. There is one program in Israel...in Natanya...there is a girls orphanage....more like a home for troubled girls who cannot for whatever reason live at home. You can donate a certain set amount of money to the home....and they will make a big dinner celebration for all the girls together who live there along with your child and family so that they too can go to a party. I like this idea...but again its only a party...I was thinking of doing this and something in conjunction with it......maybe the second program....which takes place At Rachels tomb (an auspicious for girls and woman to come pray in Bethlehem). Here apparently you pray for Rachel who is one of the four mothers to help you..have a baby if you cant....(as she cried out to god to give her a child and he listened and did) or a girl who wants to get married.... so we pray...saying..."mamma Rachel cry for us again....wont you shed a tear for your dear children and pray that we should get what we need....together). When a baby girl is born they bring her here...and put on a red string that was made with prayers to ward off the evil spirit...and to recieve special blessings.... I like this idea....and I think for Dassi this would be the most meaningful for her. The program....starts in the U.S. at the beginning of the year and you begin learning with your mother, sister, grandmother..(woman) something of importance to being a jewish woman...and then you come to Israel and then do several projects...like volenteer in a soup kitchen for a week with your mother or others...or a hospital or give water out to soldiers or babysit for parents who lost children do to war etc etc. You pick what you want..... I like this idea and id like to combine the two...as well. I would also like to begin doing other chessed projects here in the community.... maybe collect clothing, school supplies..or whatever to bring with us to the Oprhanage in Natanya which weve done the last time we came and it was a fabulous experience for Dassi and she would like to do this again.... so to answer your question....um not sure...but youve prompted me to get on the ball to get things rolling New Years....is just a month away and I havent even been in touch to see about the real possibilities...who knows...perhaps both of these ideas will be astronomically expensive and we wont be doing either on the scale I would like...and will have to look into others. What ever the case may be....Im thinking that it will be passover time...and thats something that at least has been the consensus..all around. Of course my dad....funny guy....called just last week and asked what date he should make the airline reservations....and I just laughed!!! Who did he think he was talking to??? He should know that I wouldnt have a plan about 10 months in advance of anything! lol wew...that was a long response to a simple question but...you asked lol. Hope I didnt bore you with this....but perhaps you can help...with an idea or other even? [ Thank you... You always have such good insights to tell us about the things you learn at support group. Thank you for sharing. Cherri, I hope that you will get to the bottom of what ever is ailing you and you can just change your diet and not have to take so many extra pills.....being in pain is no fun....I hope knowing what is causing it will help somewhat as well. Thoughts are with you. [Hi....yes ouch. I hope all goes well and recouperation is minimal. okay..all...I post way way too much!! Have a good night all Jodi