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This fri morning. I'm going prepared w/all the info. He asked me to do the research, so I did, as far as what my ins covers, doctors in my area, ect. I have a question, though. I read some where that if you have the realize band, you can't eat stuff like salads. I'm a vegetarian! Has anyone else been told anything like this? Thanks Kristine

Hi there, I am a vegetarian and was banded on 3/11/09. I guess you need to decide how "vegetarian" you want to be. Some people eat just chicken or fish and no other meat. Some choose to eat dairy, and some use the soy products for their dairy. I don't eat any meat whatso ever, but Ill use skim milk and egg beaters. When I can eat solid food, Ill use the soy burgers (Boca Burgers or Veggie Burgers) and different legumes for my protein. I would recommend reading up on it as much as possible. There is a book available in the public library's called " Vegetarian Book for Dummies" its a really good book and has lots of information, it was one of the best books I read when I made the transition.

I am not vegetarian or vegan but I think you should still be able to get enough Protein in with an alternative diet. It will be a lot easier to get the protein in if you are vegetarian but can consume some dairy products like milk and cheese (eggs are also an excellent source of protein as well). Perhaps you can test this out on paper first. Look at consuming between 1/2 to 1 cup of food 3-5 times a day. Look at how much protein you need to imbibe and try to come up with a diet plan which includes those items you want to eat with the minimum amount of protein suggested by your doctor, while still maintaining the calories within an appropriate range. This can help to give you some idea of how workable the vegetarian/vegan lifestyle can be once banded. One thing to keep in mind, although I feel silly mentioning it. Gas issues are compounded by being banded . . . if you combine that with a diet heavy in foods like legumes that can contribute to gas, the gaseous effects may be multiplied.

Hi, I was wondering if anyone with the band is a vegetarian or vegan? It is something that I have been considering for a long time now and have made the move towards becoming but have not been able to fully incorporate yet. If you are would you mind sharing some sample menus with me? I know I can find a lot on line but getting info from fellow bandsters is more encouraging to me. Thanks

Hi All, just checking in. I have another food Story to Tell. First let me give many THUMBS UP to everyone. One of many things we all agree on is the decision to get the Band. I do not regret it at all. But I wish I had gotten it sooner. But as we know things happen in it's own time. Juli my prayers to you on your surgery. I could only image the amount of skin you describe. But when all is done you're going to be fine. All just in time to show off this summer. Although we may all at some time want to give up we don't. For we keep coming back here with a new attitude and a plan. So let's keep being here for each other and we'll all get through this. Now for my Food Story. I wanted to give the vegetarian way a chance. It all started w/ a 9day detox. With no meat, fish included of any kind for nine days. Okay, that was easy. Then I wanted to see how long I could do this vegetarian eating. All was going good, I started this in February 16. Well, thinking for what I was eating I was getting all the Vitamin, minerals and nutrients. Not realizing I had put myself on a low fat/no fat diet. Why, because I wasn't using any butter or oil in or with my food. Well, a few week ago I had eaten two sardines and felt a little funny in my tummy. I let it pass. #1. Well, on Tuesday nite I had a grilled eggplant and zucchini wrap for dinner. #2. For lunch Wednesday, I had more eggplant and zucchini wraps with cheese (more oil). #3. The big one for snack/lunch on Thursday I had sardines made with mayonnaise and crackers. Needless to say, I was so glad I decided to leave work that day. A few hours later I was no good to myself. Oh, to top it off, I had began a detox cleansing. You see where I'm going w/ this. I was a mess. In talking to my daughter who is a vegetarian, I was informed that I had deprived my body of fat. That this is the theory of the Atkins Diet the first 2 weeks. So,I had put body in fat overload. So, now that I'm back on my feet, I'm feeling much better and I'm now back to eating fish again. Lesson learned, do more research before I try this again. Thanks for taking the time to read all this. Be well and plan a great week.

Hi all, Well, a wee bit of history ... I'm 35, I've lost over 100 lbs twice before, and of course, gained it back. Always had a weight problem. I was anorexic in high school. Do NOT wanna go that route, again. I had a complete hyst due to endometriosis when I was 26. The slam in to menopause did not help my weight struggle. Around 30, I was diagnosed w/fibromyalgia. :bored: I went vegetarian 27 Dec 2008. Lost 2 whopping pounds, since! :eek: I'm not vegan ... I've thought about going vegan, but I live in a small town, outside of New Orleans. Going vegetarian is hard enough in this area! I work full-time and am a full-time student. I really don't have the time to cook as I should. I get one day off a week, if I'm lucky. I usually spend that day curled up in the fetal position, recovering. Or, cramming for tests. I am want to teach biology and the classes are grueling. I know if I loose the weight, my pain levels will go down. Right now, due to the pain, it is hard to stick to an exercise program. And there is a battle between my pmc doc and ob/gyn whether I should be on HRT, or not. Managing weight is easier when I am on HRT, but my PMC is worried about breast cancer risks. I've tried about every diet there is. My doc first brought up the lap band about a year ago. I balked at the idea, at first. So did my hubs. But, now that I am ready, my doc isn't so enthusiastic about it. I have tricare-prime. I found a surgeon in our area that accepts in it in my area and is certified to do the lap-band surgey. Now, I just have to get my doc to un-dig his heals. If tri-care approves the surgery, I have to schedule it around college breaks ... Sorry for the novela ... :thumbup: Kristine

Thanks everyone for the support, I work out 3 times a week. I'm always working on something so I don't sit for very long period of time. I don't eat a lot, and I'm a vegetarian eat fish occasionally, being a vegetarian has limited of what i can intake that won't make me throw-up. I'm talking about the food that i like to eat, I'm sure there is plenty of vegetarian food out there but not all taste good. I use to be a quite eater, i know and I have work on that for a year before my surgery, and i feel like i have made great stride,(quite eater) mean I eat alone at night when things are very quite i have stop doing that sometime i crave for cheese and that use to be my down fall at night. liquids and soup seen to be the only thing that i don't throw-up, and that get tiresome. my 3 favorite thing are rice, potatoes, cheese i have taken 1 out of my diet and that i s rice I'm a work in process for the potatoes and cheese i now only eat them once a month small potion. I'm hanging in there thanks for the help.

Nope..I do take melatonin but this has been going on for yrs.. Also I just found a can of vegetarian vegetable soup in the bed I guess I couldn't open it when I was sleeping so I brought back with me..

Okay Julie, you're not totally without a fix. A hotel I stayed at in Houston actually had bathroom scales available via the concierge desk. It never hurts to ask. If necessary, scoot out to the local store and buy a cheap one to keep in the hotel. You can leave it with the concierge for the next scale whore who needs one. (grin) The next part depends on location and type of hotel. Most hotel restaurants are used to a few "bizaare" requests, like bringing a child's menu for an adult, or letting said adult order from just the appetizer menu. You won't be the first bandster to travel there, unless you're going to Outer Mongolia. The hotel I'm going to in Orlando in April has already reassured me they'll have a mini-refrigerator waiting in my room for my shakes and special foods. (Call ahead and reserve one, especially if you're going to a convention.) I have a roomie on insulin for the Romantic Times Convention, so the fridge is doubly necessary. Also, I've already bought and packed a couple boxes of Crystal Light On the Go. I'm driving down, so I'm taking a case or two of my own water rather than pay for the high-priced bottled water available in the hotel shop. However, when in Houston I bought the darn water at the same price I would have paid for my usual double-chocolate latte. I ground my teeth to keep from ordering the coffee, and whimpered all the way out the door. The probably thought I was insane, but I made it out alive! LOL! My biggest problem at conventions are the "special parties" thrown for convention-goers. Chocolate and pastries are prevalent, but I managed to put a bug in a few ears well in advance that "healthier choices" like crudites for the vegetarians and low-carb items might be wise. I joined up with the diabetics and vegetarians I knew to come up with alternate ideas to give to the grateful party planners. Hopefully, there will be something better. Speaking of my vegan and diabetic friends, I deliberately sought out those folks like myself with special dietary needs. There will be a large table of us at the convention, sharing out the food. The one vegan was pitifully grateful to find out she doesn't have to starve by herself. The three bandsters and two diabetics I found (and I) have all promised to give her our vegetable side dishes from our restaurant meals if she polices us away from the carbs. "Fair dinkum!" as the Australian diabetic emailed me. LOL! A little bit of advance planning helps a great deal! Good luck!

I have been struggling with my weight for years, since I was about 13 it seems like the pounds went on and my self-esteem took a hiatus. I’ve used food for comfort; through difficult times in my life it seems that a large portion was something I could always count on to make me feel better. However after what seemed like an endless sea of failed diets and continuous pounds gained, I am finally ready to lose it all for good. I am looking forward to a better future, a future of finally being free. As many of you may know excess weight can often feel like a prison. I feel as if I’ve tried everything: TV diets, gyms, jenny craig, vegetarianism and even at times not eating at all. At this point, however, it seems like the lap band is my only hope; my final hope. Turning 21 in less than two months I should be at the peak of my life, enjoying every moment. But because of my weight, as well as other non-related health issues I find myself wishing the days would go by quicker and that everyone was blind. I avoid mirrors, avoid certain stores and truly, I’m missing out on what really is the bigger picture. I’m tired of beginning sentences with “I wish.” “I wish I could fit into that gorgeous dress.” “I wish he thought I was gorgeous.” And the ever famous, “I wish I had her body,” I’m sick of it all truly. It’s hard to be so young and weigh this much, feeling this way doesn’t exactly help things either. As I look at my outside self questions like “How did I let it get this bad?” arise. A few months ago, just when I thought I’d forever be conditioned to being a plus-size girl, suddenly came about a solution. The lap-band. So with the support of friends, family and I feel in many ways, God, I head into the next stage of my life. To start a new and become everything I can be. So on March 24th I feel as if I am getting a second chance. But not just a second chance to be thin and healthy, truly; a second chance at life.

I have been struggling with my weight for years, since I was about 13 it seems like the pounds went on and my self-esteem took a hiatus. I’ve used food for comfort; through difficult times in my life it seems that a large portion was something I could always count on to make me feel better. However after what seemed like an endless sea of failed diets and continuous pounds gained, I am finally ready to lose it all for good. I am looking forward to a better future, a future of finally being free. As many of you may know excess weight can often feel like a prison. I feel as if I’ve tried everything: TV diets, gyms, jenny craig, vegetarianism and even at times not eating at all. At this point, however, it seems like the lap band is my only hope; my final hope. Turning 21 in less than two months I should be at the peak of my life, enjoying every moment. But because of my weight, as well as other non-related health issues I find myself wishing the days would go by quicker and that everyone was blind. I avoid mirrors, avoid certain stores and truly, I’m missing out on what really is the bigger picture. I’m tired of beginning sentences with “I wish.” “I wish I could fit into that gorgeous dress.” “I wish he thought I was gorgeous.” And the ever famous, “I wish I had her body,” I’m sick of it all truly. It’s hard to be so young and weigh this much, feeling this way doesn’t exactly help things either. As I look at my outside self questions like “How did I let it get this bad?” arise. A few months ago, just when I thought I’d forever be conditioned to being a plus-size girl, suddenly came about a solution. The lap-band. So with the support of friends, family and I feel in many ways, God, I head into the next stage of my life. To start a new and become everything I can be. So on March 24th I feel as if I am getting a second chance. But not just a second chance to be thin and healthy, truly; a second chance at life.

So I thought I found the perfect lunchtime meal. Delicious, cheap, low cal and easy: miso Soup with sauteed greens and tofu or grilled cod. However, I have now eaten this every day for over a month. I'm so tired of it. So what is everyone else eating? I'm not a vegetarian, but I'm not a huge meat loving person. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

HI All, just checking in. Glad another person has returned. Now the rest will hopefully be stopping by. Juli, how are things going? Have you taken all of your preop tests? In my anniversary date soon approaching, March 27, I'm noticing I'm about to sabortage myself. I told myself that I'll eat this or that and then that'll be it. And when I do, it's always the junk food. Also, bending on emotional junk food eating. I caught onto it today. As I'm finishing off a bar of candy. But, as always I know it's just another phase I'm going through. Now I just have to learn to find a way to not let it control me. I did notice one time that if I eat enough Protein, I don't have that much of a craving. I haven't been eating the daily amount of protein lately. Just eating mostly vegetable, Beans and legumes, with some carbs. So, back to the drawing board. I was boarding on doing the vegetarian way for a while. So, back to the drawing board. Hope to read positive things from you.

The only thing I can think of is when I don't get enough protien my sleep is messed up. I have been a vegetarian for 18 years so it's always something I have had to work on. I am sure you are up on your protien too but maybe see if you can get an extra 20 or so grams in. Like a protien shake in the afternoon. I know we aren't supposed to snack but give that a try and see if it helps. Good luck to you! ~A

If you want to find out about a way of eating that is amost entirely vegetarian, Grab a copy of the "The PH Miracle for Weight Loss", or the original version of the book, which simply the "PH Miracle", by Dr. Robert O. Young. This book is not about Vegetarianism per se, but the principles it teaches in terms of eating make it a book in that category. It's about "eating alkaline", and I will tell you that this book changed my life, and my entire outlook on food and Water. HH

can you guys give me some advice on what food to buy and tips??? Or whats a day in your shoes being a vegetarian?? I come from a small town. So, we dont have any fancy organic grocery stores. We got a Walmart and a Vons thats as good as it gets hahaha.

I'm starting my 14-day pre-op liquid diet that consists of 2 cans of slim fast protein, low carb shake, sugar free carnation instant breakfast with 1 cup skim milk, cup cottage cheese, 1 cup dannon light and fit yogurt, 15 oz can vegetarian vegetable soup, quaker oatmeal weight control oatmeal, 3 servings of fruit (1/2 cup each serving), and 48-64 ounces of water or sugar free drinks, no caffeine, no carbonation. I have to have all this every day for 2 weeks. Is anyone doing the same diet or something like this? I know every surgeon and weight loss center is different. Any tips and advice? Thanks!!!

I just ate Chipotle the other night... got the burrito bowl vegetarian style with bean and no rice. Ordered with the guacamole and the yummy tomato and onion salsa and all of the fixins. It went down just fine. You might have to improvise, but trust me, you can eat anywhere... and last night, Chipotle could not have tasted better. YUM.

Hello All I did hear back from Liz today. I will have my pre op classes on APril 2, 2009. Five appointments in all on the same day!! I have to be there from 7:30am -5pm but at least it will be over. 8-10 pre op 10-12 Nutrition class 1:30 Dr. Baggs 2pm-See Robin one on one for Vegetarian nutrition 3:30 See Tom for final approval Glad it is all on the same day but seem far away right now. But I am actually leaving for Africa in two weeks and when I get back it is only a week to pre op and two weeks to surgery. I am working on my FMLA at work today and getting the medical leave approved.

Well, I for one believe that humans are by their nature split in their personalities; that it is possible for one's mate to cheat on one and yet love one dearly; that it is possible to for one to have an abortion and yet be respectful of life. It is this basic incoherency in the human character that psychologists spend their time in university studying. As an example of this dichotomy: Hitler, the character who had all those Jews demonized and killed off in the most brutal fashion, was also a vegetarian and adored animals. Here was a man who was capable of being tender towards all animals and merciless towards all Jews. Go figure, eh.... He was also a christian, they say.

I finally broke my several week long plateau! I will eventually break down and splurge on the Wii Fit for the scale(it's supposed to have the most accurate scale on the market, and check your BMI and fitness age-- not to mention, it's fun!!), but according to my $7 Taylor non-digital scale, I've lost 5lbs since I last weighed myself two weeks ago. I know it doesn't seem like much, but it feels great to know that I'm doing this the right way! I've been fluctuating a lot and having some ups and downs since I last saw the doc. My last fill was in November '08, which put me up to 8cc's in the 10cc band. I'm starting to get used to it now, and food isn't getting "stuck" as much. It leads me to believe that I'm losing restriction in the band and need to get another fill. I have an appointment to see my surgeon next month for a check up. I get a little anxious every time I see my surgeon, and I don't feel like I've lost enough weight. I know it's just a mental thing and I need to get over it, and remember that I'm doing this for myself. I'm glad that I'm finally getting into a routine that works for me. I'm getting in plenty of exercise now-- I'm hitting the gym 3 times a week, getting in some outdoor activity, and going to yoga on the weekends. I feel like a different person. What I really want to do is look into joining a sports team, or find a running/biking buddy, or just joining SOMETHING where I do FUN activities with others, so I'll get out and do them more often. I'm thinking about joining a Nia class or signing up for the upcoming Houston Aids Walkathon. I'm practically living off of protein shakes and salads now. I really enjoy my trips to the local farmers market. It's all part of my plan to eat healthy, minimally processed, "clean" foods. I am eating whole foods, lots of vegetables, and cooking all of my meals from scratch to avoid preservatives and excess salt/sugar. Eventually, I'd like to stop supplementing with protein shakes, but for now, I feel like I need the added boost they give me. I went from barely eating anything because it was uncomfortable, to eating 5 small meals a day to help fuel my metabolism. I think that my plateau was due to the fact that I wasn't eating enough good calories. I've been reading a lot about the science behind weight loss, and now I'm feeling on track. Also, I've been reading a book by author Michael Pollan entitled "In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto" that has really changed my perspective on what I put into my body. Here's an excerpt from the book for a little insight into what it's really about: “Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants. That, more or less, is the short answer to the supposedly incredibly complicated and confusing question of what we humans should eat in order to be maximally healthy. We are entering a postindustrial era of food; for the first time in a generation it is possible to leave behind the Western diet without having also to leave behind civilization. And the more eaters who vote with their forks for a different kind of food, the more commonplace and accessible such food will become. This is an eater’s manifesto, an invitation to join the movement that is renovating our food system in the name of health—health in the very broadest sense of that word.” Pretty good read, in my opinion. Some people call him a "stealth vegetarian". I don't necessarily agree, but then again, I've always loved eating my veggies so maybe I just don't see it. Just pick it up, and give it a read, decide for yourself... He also wrote another book called the Omnivore's Dilemma, which I haven't read yet, but is supposed to be very good.

I finally broke my several week long plateau! I will eventually break down and splurge on the Wii Fit for the scale(it's supposed to have the most accurate scale on the market, and check your BMI and fitness age-- not to mention, it's fun!!), but according to my $7 Taylor non-digital scale, I've lost 5lbs since I last weighed myself two weeks ago. I know it doesn't seem like much, but it feels great to know that I'm doing this the right way! I've been fluctuating a lot and having some ups and downs since I last saw the doc. My last fill was in November '08, which put me up to 8cc's in the 10cc band. I'm starting to get used to it now, and food isn't getting "stuck" as much. It leads me to believe that I'm losing restriction in the band and need to get another fill. I have an appointment to see my surgeon next month for a check up. I get a little anxious every time I see my surgeon, and I don't feel like I've lost enough weight. I know it's just a mental thing and I need to get over it, and remember that I'm doing this for myself. I'm glad that I'm finally getting into a routine that works for me. I'm getting in plenty of exercise now-- I'm hitting the gym 3 times a week, getting in some outdoor activity, and going to yoga on the weekends. I feel like a different person. What I really want to do is look into joining a sports team, or find a running/biking buddy, or just joining SOMETHING where I do FUN activities with others, so I'll get out and do them more often. I'm thinking about joining a Nia class or signing up for the upcoming Houston Aids Walkathon. I'm practically living off of protein shakes and salads now. I really enjoy my trips to the local farmers market. It's all part of my plan to eat healthy, minimally processed, "clean" foods. I am eating whole foods, lots of vegetables, and cooking all of my meals from scratch to avoid preservatives and excess salt/sugar. Eventually, I'd like to stop supplementing with protein shakes, but for now, I feel like I need the added boost they give me. I went from barely eating anything because it was uncomfortable, to eating 5 small meals a day to help fuel my metabolism. I think that my plateau was due to the fact that I wasn't eating enough good calories. I've been reading a lot about the science behind weight loss, and now I'm feeling on track. Also, I've been reading a book by author Michael Pollan entitled "In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto" that has really changed my perspective on what I put into my body. Here's an excerpt from the book for a little insight into what it's really about: “Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants. That, more or less, is the short answer to the supposedly incredibly complicated and confusing question of what we humans should eat in order to be maximally healthy. We are entering a postindustrial era of food; for the first time in a generation it is possible to leave behind the Western diet without having also to leave behind civilization. And the more eaters who vote with their forks for a different kind of food, the more commonplace and accessible such food will become. This is an eater’s manifesto, an invitation to join the movement that is renovating our food system in the name of health—health in the very broadest sense of that word.” Pretty good read, in my opinion. :thumbup: Some people call him a "stealth vegetarian". I don't necessarily agree, but then again, I've always loved eating my veggies so maybe I just don't see it. Just pick it up, and give it a read, decide for yourself... He also wrote another book called the Omnivore's Dilemma, which I haven't read yet, but is supposed to be very good.

Gino - since you are a vegetarian - then you are going to have to look for more ways to get the protein in thru beans and I guess protein supplements (I think there may be a thread on the main forum page for vegetarians)- since I am a carnivore :0) I don't know what other items have good protein values. I use WW or saralee lite bread 45 c per slice.. Rose - I haven't been dancing in ages - mostly due to the reasons you just stated "age appropreate places" I like hip hop & RB - but hate going to clubs where there is nothing but 20 yr old - The Esmaralda in Indian Wells has a club - went there for my 50th - a little older crowd and I think in Palm Desert McCormicks is another older crowd place. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TODAY !!!!! Hope you have a great day and glad your DH surpised you... Ichthy - Prayers for a safe surgery and speedy recovery. Don't worry about the weight loss right now - I don't think you are getting enough calories - you are a guy so lucky you you get to eat more than us girls:tongue: Holly - I don't really do protein bars now a days and the ones I have are from months ago - Pure Protein choc and they have been in my fridge for months - so I am not afaird of the Peanut Butter issues - I rather eat real food instead of pt bars - but in the beginng I did supplemnt my pt with some clear liquid pt drinks I got from my doctors office -

I hae a hard time getting the protein. Not much of a meat eater. Can't eat eggs and seafood. (alergies) i do love my oatmeal and eat it most mornings. Lunch is probably the hardest but i will work on it. I love grilled red pepper sandwichs. What bread do you find the best? I will work on eating the meat for dinner usually can get a little down. Over the years i have become more and more a vegetarian. I do do dairy. Love soups too with beans. I love hearing what you are eating thanks

Hi Im new here, I need to lose over 100lbs. I have a few questions hope someone can answer.Dont have money, does state funded Medi-cal pay for this? I have sleep apnea(well my oxygen drops)diabetes, and have had about 8 operations on my body.. bad arthritis, bad back, knees etc. 2) I have diabetes, but at the same time I can get really bad low blood sugar that comes on suddenly, would this be a problem.? 3)How long are you in the hospital and how long before you can resume normal activities? 4)Im vegetarian, will that complicate things?I eat alot of cheese and drink lots of my cows milk- thats partly why im fat.Otherwise I eat healthy. Just cant exercise really,because of broken back etc 5) Ive heard that some doctors require the patient to loose 30lbs before they will do the surgery - is that true? (If I could loose 30lbs on my own I wouldnt get surgery.) Hoping for some advice, anyone had surgery at UCSF medical center in SF. calif appleaday