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i'm in exact same boat - vegetarian - even before surgery HATED paying big bucks to pay for all the steak/lobster/crab whatever everyone else was eating when i was eating cheap salad/mac cheese/bread. Double my displeasure now that i will be lucky to get down 1/2 plate of a salad. LOL oh well - i am usually successful in talking everyone into going where i want to go instead of the buffets - and if i have to "suck it up" and pay for a buffet - i just tell myself i'm paying for that atmosphere/social time. It has become amusing to watch just how much others eat there - i mean talk about ripping our stomachs apart with that much food!!! LOL BEST OF LUCK TO US ALL ON OUR JOURNEYS!!!

Thanks for the replies. I think I'll take this q to my dietition and surgeon next time I meet them, as I feel there may be even a few more variables to add into this equation. I'm vegetarian, and as such my Protein digests a lot faster than meats - this gives me the feeling of being 'hungry' a lot quicker than if i ate a more round and 'meaty' diet. Please don't think im trying to find my way around anything - im all for changing habits, but if there are no significant medical risks with 1 or two sips of Fluid before eating, then my next 60 years on this earth are going to be eternally more enjoyable .

Carbs are my enemy and I don't always know how to handle them. First, I'm old school. Back when a carb was strictly a starch. Not a fruit or a veg. So, in my head when I hear carbs I may not be thinking the same thing everyone else is. Second, I try to avoid starches as much as possible but it's really hard. At work, when the company buys lunches (which luckily isn't that often), they get pizza. I try to make sure they get some with chicken on it so I just eat the toppings and throw the crust away. It is amazing how many times I am in a situation where the group food is pizza. Not just at work but in extra curricular activities/meetings, etc. It's almost always pizza. It's easy, it gets delivered, and it is fairly cheap when feeding a lot of people. And it is easy to eat on paper plates. I have a group of friends--one is a vegetarian, one doesn't eat seafood, I eat the way I am trying to eat here, etc. Again, Pasta always seems to be everyone's answer to what to bring to a dinner or brunch. In fact, it will happen today! I can guarantee the vegetarian will bring a vegetarian lasagna! Luckily, there will be scrambled eggs so I'll have that with some hot sauce on them. And then I'm good. Third, it seems that fruit and some veg are now considered carbs. I do have fruit and veg. For veg, I try to stay with celery, radishes, red and green peppers, onions, tomatoes. Those are all my go to veggies. I LOVE fruit but try to keep it to a minimum. But I don't freak out over too much fruit since it is a rare thing. Fourth. The one thing that really keeps me going on staying away from carbs as much as possible (though I do have some starch on occasion) is that before surgery, I had legs, ankles, and feet that were swollen with fluid--so swollen I could barely get my shoes on!! Lymphedema I guess it is called, or pitted edema actually. If I pressed my thumb into my leg/ankle/foot, it would stay pressed in for a bit after I removed my thumb. That is all gone now!!!!! This is the biggest thrill for me and it keeps me going. When I was in my late teens, early twenties, my legs/ankles/feet were my best asset and I have them back! You have no idea how "Huge" this is! (yes, pun intended). I attribute it to the carbs. I have stopped counting grams of anything so this topic made me realize I have to get back to basics and start counting again!! But I hate carbs, I fear carbs, I wish all the fun and easy food weren't carby.

What was the date of your surgery? April 21, 2010...3 months ago How healthy did you/do you eat? I eat healthy overall. I am a vegetarian and focus on protein from beans, soy, nuts, etc. I do eat healthy, complex carbs and don't believe in the "no carb" thing...couldn't really do that as a vegetarian anyway. I will treat myself sometimes...especially with wine! How much do you exercise? I recently joined Curves and really like it and have been doing that 4x a week. I also do a lot of yard work and gardening. How much have you lost? 47 pounds including a two-week pre-op diet. Are you happy with your results? Absolutely! Other than marrying my husband (today is our 4th anniversary!) it's the best decision I've ever made.

This is my first post but I have been reading the forum for a few weeks and it has been very helpful! Many thanks to everyone who has shared their stories and advice. I had VSG on Feb. 5th. I didn't have to do a formal liquid pre-op diet but was on a calorie-controlled diet for 6 months beforehand. I lost about 16 pounds during that time (partly from Fluid loss from a steroid regimen right before I started). While in the hospital, I gained 18 lbs (!!) in fluid. That came off within a few days post op and I've lost another 10 pounds since then. So my 12-day post op loss is 10 pounds, which seems a little slower than others I have seen (even though I shouldn't compare, it's difficult not to), especially because I have a higher BMI. But honestly, I'm very happy with that rate given how long it took to lose pre-surgery. I also am hypothyroid, which can affect the rate of weight loss. My surgeon requires 2 weeks post op of full liquids (Protein shakes, broth and liquids only--no refried Beans or yogurt like some other full liquid diets), then four days of "thin puree" (thinned out/blenderized oatmeal with peaches--consistency of applesauce, for example), and then purees. So I will be on purees in a week and am looking forward to that. The full liquid stage hasn't been bad though. I've been getting in most of my protein with Protein powder mixed into diet hot chocolate bc it is a bit easier to drink warmer temp beverages. I've been doing Water, diluted G2, hot tea, diluted crystal lite, an occasional SF popsicle, and veggie broth for liquids. I haven't had any issues with severe nausea or vomiting. Once I got through the very uncomfortable second day after surgery (my surgeon doesn't allow any liquid until after the leak test, so you feel pretty awful and dehydrated that day--I understand why he does it though), my pain/discomfort has been pretty manageable. I started taking pain meds at night only after about day 4, and then I was completely off of them within 6 or 7 days. I had incisional pain around days four to six, but it quickly passed. Haven't been bending over a lot, but I noticed today that's a little easier. I started working (I have a desk job) within about five days of my surgery. I found that I was fine to sit at my computer and type, but I just didn't have the mental focus for complex mental tasks. Although I haven't had physical hunger, I had that weak/difficult to concentrate/easily frustrated feeling you get when you skip meals or have low blood sugar. I seem to have overcome that as of yesterday and feel as if I can handle close to my normal workload. I'm assuming this is normal? Maybe this is why surgeons usually recommend you wait at least 2 to 3 weeks to go back to work even for sedentary jobs (plus getting used to the supplement/fluid routine--etc.). I have a few questions and would appreciate any insights that anyone has: * I have been a vegetarian most of my adult life (20+ years) and plan to continue with that now. Are there any resources for ideas for pureed food, mushies, or any other stages? I have been thinking about pureeing bean or lentil Soups and adding some unflavored protein powder, pureeing homemade or Morninstar veggie chili, maybe the insides of a tofu pot pie? I have eggface's ricotta bake on my list too. I relied a lot on Morningstar "patties" (vegetarian Breakfast sausage-like patties) for low-carb protein pre-op, and I had just discovered the veggie hot dogs too. I don't want to eat a ton of processed foods but these two seem to do well with my body. Do I have to wait until I'm on a full diet (6 weeks) to eat these? * At what stage can you usually start eating string cheese and Laughing Cow type soft cheese? (I will double-check with my nutritionist but curious about others). * Will check with PA/exercise physiologist, but when did others go back to swimming or water aerobics? What about the exercise bike? (I use the regular, not the recumbent). * If you had an abdominal binder, how long did you wear it? I am still wearing mine. Not sure if I still need it, but I think it's giving me a psychological sense of security. * My surgeon says that the amount of protein that you take in during the first 2 weeks affects whether you will have a lot of hair loss a few months later. Has anyone else heard this before? I've been doing pretty well, getting 40 to 60 g of protein a day plus about 64 oz of fluid. One day when I was catching up on rest I didn't get in enough fluid, and I paid for it that day and night with severe foot cramps. Learned my lesson quickly. Apologies that this intro post ended up being so long, and thank you if you have read this far! Many thanks, -TES

Strawarts, you crack me up!!! Ok, here is my day (I'm just over 1 month post-up and still on mushies): Breakfast: protien shake made with flax oil, unjury protien powder, and soymilk. Sometimes I flavor it up with almond, coconut, or mint extracts. Lunch: One cup of some pureed homemade thing like vegetarian chili, tuna salad with low-fat mayo, chicken croquettes, hummus, tofu-veggie stir fry (these are all blended in the blender) Snack: Another protien shake if I feel I need it Dinner: Same as lunch, though I have eaten out a few times and had Indian food that was already pureed, one cup only. Last night I went out and had the restaurant put risotto in the blender! Ate a cup and had one glass of wine and it was great! Weight lost: 20 pounds.

I think I'm pretty good at following the rules. It wasn't fear of it not working but I am typically the one to have side effects. I was obedient because I wanted to do my part to ensure I had a positive outcome. I am also keenly aware of how much of a slippery slope not following the rules can be. Consequently I constantly try to walk that balance between being reasonable and following the rules. So, this is where I stand: I do the following (95% or more of the time) No grazing No drinking 30 minutes before or after meals Protein first 65 or more grams protein per day Take Vitamins as prescribed 64 ounces or more of fluids per day Stop eating when full No straws (I never really used them to begin with) Nothing carbonated ( I gave up sodas 3 years ago) Go to support group meetings (not a requirement, but a suggestion) Practice mindful eating. However I do eat while watching TV. It works for me because I use it to time my eating. If it's a ½ show. I try to make my food last for the duration of the show. I am also careful to take small bites. Keep a food diary. I watch my macros. I get more from looking at things like sodium and carb levels. I don't weigh frequently because the scale make me crazy. I can usually predict a gain or stall by what I am eating. It's a juggling act because being a vegetarian, I eat a lot of Beans. It's easy for my carbs to get really high, especially if I eat over 70gms of protein. Exercise regularly. I'm currently working out 4 days a week, but I think I'm going to take it up to 5 or 6. I'm finding that I really only need Sunday's off. The rest of the time I'm just bored. I avoid "white carbs" - potatoes, Pasta, white rice, breads & crackers. I have had homefries 2 times and basmati rice once since being sleeved. I have a long way to go so I think I'm going to avoid them until I hit maintenance. I don't do the following Avoid caffeine. I don't drink it every day, but I was cleared after 6 weeks out. I probably have coffee 2 or 3 days a week. Weigh daily or even weekly. The scale drives me crazy and I start living for the scale. This is about health more than being thinner so I prefer to focus on eating well and exercising. Weigh my food. I realize that sounds crazy for someone who studies their food diary like I do, but I just don't.

No, but I did (and still do) eat organic, whole foods where possible. And I became Vegetarian at about 6 months post op. I don't recall the exact number, but my highest fill was abut 3.5cc in a 4 cc band. That didn't last too long though. I didn't like that much restriction. I like to be able to eat real food. I ended up having a total unfill to stop me from losing weight. I have maintained without any fill for over a year now. Thanks Peabody, Sunwyse, Sue and She Smiles! As promised before and after; (The after is after DH and I got home from dinner tonight)

I bought the Protein powders from my doctor at first for the convenience. I discovered EAS Protein powder at Walmart which our nutritionist approved. We were told make sure the word "blend" is not in the powder description on the label. Also, nutritionally speaking about protein (with very low carbs and sugars) Quest Protein Bars have been my choice. 1 bar will feed me and my husband if we are away from home several hours, and were to need something. There are a lot of so called protein bars that have more sugar and carbs than protein, so read those labels!!!!! You can get unjury protein powders online, unflavored. The problem I have with Unjury is I like HOT Soups and food and you can only heat it to lukewarm as far as I am concerned. Or it gets lumpy. I bought the chicken Soup packets and it sits here. I do not want lukewarm soup. I will experiment with it soon I guess as I don't want to waste it. Vegetarian refried Beans and any kind of beans is good protein and goes a long way. They will be on your diet following surgery. Best of luck!

Under the vegetarian and vegan forum. https://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/400107-proteinaholic-by-dr-garth-davis/

I think this is great to see what others are eating and makes you accountable for what you are eating. So here is what I ate today: Breakfast 1 egg with 1 oz of low fat mozzarella cheese 1 morning star vegetarian sausage Lunch 2 ounces of bay shrimp 1/2 teaspoon light mayo 1 ounce of light cheddar cheese 2 melba crackers Dinner 2 ounces of halibut 1 ounce of green beans Snack 1 proti diet chocolate carmel bar. I have not been counting calorie but instead measure all my food and counting protein. I only eat 3 ounces per meal.

I am about 4 months out now so here it goes Breakfast Wake up on time - 2 boiled egg whites Late- Protein shake Lunch- roasted chicken evening. 2 vegetarian sausages/ or shake dinner either egg if not had on the morning / scrambled with vegetables supper- 2 small pots of petit filous yoghurt for kids. Recently started feeling a bit of twinge of hunger so eat one babybel.

I cannot wait til I can have eggs or vegetarian re fried beans. It all sounds like a dream!

I don't because being a vegetarian with multiple food allergies is enough of a challenge right. I just try to eat as natural & unprocessed as possible

@@drmeow I thought you were a vet -- thanks to both you and kindle for taking care of our four-legged friends. I agree with the use of antibiotics for humane reasons and pulling the animal out of production. I am curious, what then does the farmer do with it? I will share something curious, at least it is curious to me. I always ate red meat until the day I put my Boston Terrier down. He was my first dog to go and it was done humanely when his quality of life was such that it was what was best for him. My daughter and I were with him while our vet injected him and my daughter sang a lullaby to him as he went "to sleep." Oh crap this was so many years ago and I am now crying as I type this. The event has some trauma in it for me still. Anyway the day after that I never ate red meat again. In an instant red meat completely grossed me out. I guess it opened up my compassion to a new level. I went organic shortly after I watched a few documentaries and researched information online -- I believe the Omnivore's Dilemma was one of the films that I watched. However I recall being completely upset and in tears after watching the trailer for Earthlings and telling my husband we had to eat organic. It was both the physiological (my concern for my health) and psychological (my concern for animal welfare) that caused me to change. Ugh I cannot imagine watching Earthlings. My friend who is a vegetarian said she stopped the film a few times to either vomit or cry. It is on YouTube for anyone who can stomach it. You are right about the farm-raised fish! I only eat wild caught. But like you I avoid shrimp, which I used to love, because so many sources are contaminated that I do not trust it. I will check out the foodsaver. Which of the sealers is the one that you use http://www.foodsaver.com/vacuum-sealers/ ? Thanks also for the explanation about genetics/gene expression and diet.

I am vegetarian as well. As you can imagine being a vegetarian with severe food allergies can be a bit of a challenge on a bariatric diet. Nonetheless it can be done.

There is a thing called "bariatric keto" which is basically Atkins in that it is higher protein than current keto fads call for, but Atkins is "old school" while keto is "in" and what people want to do if they are keeping up with current fads - so they label it appropriately. But, I wouldn't compare a bariatric diet (which is basically maintenance level protein and then whatever else to fill in the minimal caloric requirement one has,) to keto, or Atkins, though one can use them if so inclined, but neither is all that sustainable long term, and that is what you should be striving for. Think in terms of what your diet should be in five or ten years - if that's keto or Atkins for you, great, but there's no compelling reason that it should be either. It can be vegetarian or vegan if that floats your boat, and that will work just as well.

Being a vegetarian also I eat 4-5 oz a cheese a day, preferably with every meal. My favorite meal which I eat often is black beans with Colby cheese. There are also excellent crumbling Mexican cheeses that I prefer often. I also like paneer with spinach and low fat cottage cheese with mash potatoes. Since my surgery I cant stand Greek yogurt or my protein drinks, makes me gag. I am not allowed peanut butter until six months out. I also eat a lot of hummus and tofu.

You can always say your going vegetarian!

So Venla had a checked up yesterday!! I am always worried about her being too heavy. I don't want her to walk down this road. I am working to be active and teach her good nutrition. I want to change my family tree!! Great news!! She is in 95th percentile for height and head circumference. 75th percentile for weight!! So, she is growing and healthy!! She likes the dog food lately!! Haha. I have to remind her she is a vegetarian!!! I hope to get back to my vegetarianism as well!!

Thanks to you all. Chickpeas have too many calories. Thanks for your suggestions. One thing, I am a vegetarian but not vegan !

I personally think a big salad is good. So is a big bowl of veggie soup! veggies, raw and cooked are so good for us. I started eating more veggies just as soon as I could find the room for them. I don't stuff them in, but I slow down and enjoy them in some quantity and variety. If I put some kind of Protein on the salad (I am a vegetarian) I eat that first...

I have the same problem Kim.....meat is hard for me to eat. I was a vegetarian pre-op, so this is a huge overhaul for me lol. I can do chicken and turkey so far. I eat a lot (a lottttttt) of cottage cheese, its a good option once you are able to eat it (I am not sure what your surgeons eating plan is) Drinking Protein is a good way to get it in as well...I still drink a shake now and again. Welcome to the loser's bench

I recently made a huge pot of veggie soup and added pea protein powder and brown rice protein powder. The two combined make a complete amino acid (good quality protein) and it thickens your soup like it's stew. Tastes really good and is very filling. Put some crunchy wasabi dried peas on top like crackers....was delicious. Vegetarian is tougher post WLS, but it can be done. Talk to your nutritionist about doing it safely if that's your preference:)

I'm currently in pureed stage and refried beans are great so far. Chili is also on my list, so I second what SummerTimeGirl mentioned about finding a vegetarian/vegan chili. My hospital also recommended blending up some soups for pureed stage (adding in some protein powder if needed). At the hospital I had some pureed green beans and they were super yummy. The texture didn't bother me as much as I thought it was going to, so maybe cook and season some veggies you like and then puree into a mash potato sort of consistency? I also did a ricotta bake. It has ricotta, parmesan cheese, basil, salt, and pepper in it. Then a bit of marinara/pizza sauce over the top. I don't usually like ricotta cheese on it's own, but the bake tastes more like lasagna to me. Really nummy option -if- you like lasagna but maybe don't like ricotta solo. Just throwing it out there as I'm not sure if it was just ricotta that you hated, or if ricotta in things was also a no-go.