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what's on ur menu? just wondering if a vegan or vegetarian menu is healthy with a lapband.

what's on ur menu? just wondering if a vegan or vegetarian menu is healthy with a lapband.

Admittedly, there are a lot of factors in getting proper versus poor nutrition. I, personally, can do it on 900 calories, most days (when chocolate doesn't get in the way). I'm 5'1, vegetarian, and an avid food logger. I always get 5 servings of fruit & veggies on that amount, as well as enough protein. I can't say what's right for anyone but me. But what I can say is that if your surgeon and/or your nutritionist (like mine) are telling you that 800 or so calories is where they see the most success during the weight loss phase, there are indeed people out there who are examples of this. It seems incomprehensible to the pre-bandster that that amount of food is nourishing and satisfying, but it is -- for many. Laurend, my advice to you is to not worry about it. You'll find what range is right for you, whether it's 800, 1200 or 1500 calories. It'll come together for you with what feels right once you're in the middle of it. There's a lot of flexibility with the band.

I am not currently a vegetarian, but I was one for nine years. And I don't eat eggs (I just hate them with a passion- no idea why I do, but I do), and I also do not eat any chicken because I do not like chicken. Its a texture thing and I have sensory issues. I actually substitue fish for chicken in some recipes. Or I use fake chicken. One thing I recommend is getting an issue or two of vegetarian times magazine. I still get it, even as a meat eater, because it has a lot of good healthy recipes in it. Do you like fruit smoothies? When I make them I add benefiber and sometimes other stuff too like Protein powder. And splenda to sweeten. My husband can't even tell. Because I am lazy I sometimes buy fruit that is pre chopped. I also buy frozen vegetarian stuff. One brand, Amys I think it is, will also have some vegan stuff. Our grocery store sells these veggie stirfry kits. Really easy since it is all in the bag already and pretty tasty. I also tend to be a fan of the south beach diet Protein Bars. Salads are good I think- not necessarily lettice salads but bean saldas and so forth. I have gotten some great recipes for various ones from my veggie times over the years. They are also good to bring to potlucks or to stick in the fridge. I love seafood- and this includes tuna for me. Its a pretty versatile canned food. I also like to make stuffed peppers. Only I don't put sausage in mine. I make my mixture with either Beans and corn or with the fake sausage. I prefer the soy sausage to the real stuff. I also throw in some feta. We have a food sealer. So when I make a meal I usually put extra servings into individual sealed things and those can go in the freezer and stuff. Tofu really does rock. You can almost sneak it into everything too and not even notice sometimes. One snack I've discovered are soy crisps. They are healthier then rice cakes and I think they are pretty yummy. Especially with hummus. Only I forget to buy hummus or whatever. But the soy crisps I can just reseal with the food sealer and they last and last whereas the hummus goes bad.

Ginger, I'm vegetarian and don't cook much either. We sound a lot alike, actually. I didn't eat fish before being banded, but, on the encouragement of my band surgeon, am trying to eat it once a week now. It's a struggle as, to me, fish is meat. Anyway, I start my day off almost every day with a 1/2 cup cottage cheese. I get the "Friendship" brand that comes "whipped" and it is SO GOOD. It's blended smooth so that there are no curds and it is light and airy. I like it better than yogurt and it is so high in Protein. If it's cold, I might eat it with a cup of tomato Soup. Starts my day off with only 80 cals, but 16 grams of protein. I also eat the "Health is Wealth" soy chicken patties. I put them in the toaster and eat them with a side of veggies (usually steamed in the microwave). Sometimes I can't even eat a whole patty. They're fabulous nutrition -- again 16 g protein (I think) with only 1.5 g fat and lower carb and cal (110) than the Morningstar brand (150). Other lunch staples for me are: (1) NutriSystem vegetarian sloppy joe (you can order them without joining the program if you call). These are so tasty and very portable if you're ever traveling and worried about having something band friendly; (2) Mrs. Paul's "healthy select" fish sticks. They're like 170 cals and great protein for 6 sticks and I usually only cook 3 or 4; (3) crab cakes from the deli (the only fish I truly like and crab is fabulous nutrition); (4) Amy's black bean burritos (I eat 1/2 and put a lot of salsa and plain yogurt on it to boost the protein). I don't usually eat dinner. Lunch is my big meal. If I do eat dinner, it's usually a cup of soup or a SF Jello pudding (put the "dulce de leche" flavor in the freezer and eat it like ice cream -- yum)! Hope that helps and please share your ideas with us too! Take care,

Help...I am 5 months post op and am also having problems with the right food choices. I am a vegetarian (no beef, pork, chicken, etc.). I do occasionally eat fish. With that in mind, I need some healthy food choices. I eat alot of salads, but need a change of pace. I find that I am starting to make unhealthy choices, ie. macaroni & cheese, macaroni salad, etc. I absolutely cannot eat eggs, grits, oatmeal or bread (makes me PB). Pasta goes down fine...but I am not losing as fast as I would like. Approx. 1lb per week. Anyone else a vegetarian?? If so, what do you eat? I also am not much of a cook...I'm a grab n go kinda gal :help: <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

Help...I am 5 months post op and am also having problems with the right food choices. I am a vegetarian (no beef, pork, chicken, etc.). I do occasionally eat fish. With that in mind, I need some healthy food choices. I eat alot of salads, but need a change of pace. I find that I am starting to make unhealthy choices, ie. macaroni & cheese, macaroni salad, etc. I absolutely cannot eat eggs, grits, oatmeal or bread (makes me PB). Pasta goes down fine...but I am not losing as fast as I would like. Approx. 1lb per week. Anyone else a vegetarian?? If so, what do you eat? I also am not much of a cook...I'm a grab n go kinda gal :help:

Mostly normal foods. My brother is a vegetarian so he cooks really healthy meals but I still have some of those old habits of picking on stuff at work all day. I stopped eating ice cream, cookies and chocolate bars. So I started buying some pecans and almonds, some high fiber cereal so I could pick in little bites. I can't eat ANY type of dairy anymore. I've tried to drink nonfat milk so I can eat some cereal but even that doesn't work. The lettuce always goes down slow and ends up frustrating me. But i've tried almost everything just to test myself. I can't really eat chicken because it gets stuck and becomes painful eventually. That's how i've ended up eating some bad foods rice, pasta stuff like that. However, on a lighter note I've been reading some nutritional books to learn how to mix my foods properly. Its a learning process, I have to train myself to change habits I've had all my life, its hard but worth it I'm sure.:scared:

Below is a quote from a thread from March 2006. It seems to make sense. Yet many bandsters discuss soy Protein preferences and use soy protein supplements and drinks all the time. So, I'm "corn"-fused. Is soy protein good for you? If anyone has any information or opinions on this topic I would appreciate hearing about it. Thanks ================================================= Soy Proteins are vegetable proteins. The body only absorbs about 30% of the ingested amount. whey proteins are animal proteins and the body absorbs about 80-90% of them. Quoting the following article on isolates: http://www.bodybuildingforyou.com/he...n-powder-1.htm "Due to the nature of the ion exchange process, the most valuable and health-promoting components are selectively depeleted. Though the protein content is increased, many of the most important subractions are lost or greatly reduced." So, you can see why soy isolates would have even fewer benefits. You are basically paying a lot for a whole lot of nothing.. except gas pains. This is an excerpt from a NESTA certified training manual for personal trainer certification: "Although considered complete proteins, the human body does not possess the necessary enzymes to break down vegetable proteins and most of it ends up in the colon where bacteria gain access to it. Research has shown that most of the gas once thought to come from the Fiber found in vegetarian sources of protein such as Beans, is now known to be caused by the undigested vegetable protein instead." If you are interested in reading more on this subject, check out my post on this thread: http://lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=14199 =========================================== __________________ Mark Banded 1/17/07 Dr. Kirshenbaum http://www.lapbandrockies.com/ 340/330/190

Below is a quote from a thread from March 2006. It seems to make sense. Yet many bandsters discuss soy Protein preferences and use it all the time. So, I'm "corn"-fused. Are people using soy protein because they don't know the true facts and would switch to whey if only they became Enlightened? Or: Are people using soy protein because they know the true facts and disagree that soy protein is bad? Or: Some other reason? If anyone has any definitive information or informed opinions on this topic I would appreciate hearing about it. Thanks ================================================= Soy Proteins are vegetable proteins. The body only absorbs about 30% of the ingested amount. Whey proteins are animal proteins and the body absorbs about 80-90% of them. Quoting the following article on isolates: http://www.bodybuildingforyou.com/he...n-powder-1.htm "Due to the nature of the ion exchange process, the most valuable and health-promoting components are selectively depeleted. Though the protein content is increased, many of the most important subractions are lost or greatly reduced." So, you can see why soy isolates would have even fewer benefits. You are basically paying a lot for a whole lot of nothing.. except gas pains. This is an excerpt from a NESTA certified training manual for personal trainer certification: "Although considered complete proteins, the human body does not possess the necessary enzymes to break down vegetable proteins and most of it ends up in the colon where bacteria gain access to it. Research has shown that most of the gas once thought to come from the Fiber found in vegetarian sources of protein such as Beans, is now known to be caused by the undigested vegetable protein instead." If you are interested in reading more on this subject, check out my post on this thread: http://lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=14199 ===========================================

Changes in diet can sometimes lead to hair loss Tuesday, September 13, 2005 By Tara Parker-Pope, The Wall Street Journal Dieters hoping to lose weight are discovering they're losing something else -- their hair. The little-talked-about secret of the dieting industry is that a successful diet can also trigger hair loss. As Americans struggle with obesity and tackle countless fad diets, some dermatologists say they are increasingly hearing complaints from perplexed dieters about thinning hair. After Esther Sokol, a New York City records manager, lost nine pounds on the Atkins diet a few years ago, her hairdresser noticed her usually thick hair was beginning to thin. It was only after talking with doctors and hair experts that she learned her diet was the likely culprit. "Diet was the only major change I'd made," says Ms. Sokol. Hair loss can be triggered by a variety of factors including pregnancy, stress, surgery and age-related hormonal changes, to name a few. But few people realize that weight loss can also cause hair to shed, likely due to a nutritional deficiency. Although Iron deficiency is often associated with diet-related hair loss, a range of nutrient deficiencies can result in thinning hair, dermatologists say. Changes in levels of zinc, magnesium, Protein, essential fatty acids and Vitamins D, B and A can all trigger episodes of shedding hair. The problem affects both men and women, but women are more likely to notice it and seek treatment, say doctors. The fact that so many different nutrients can be the culprit in hair loss means any diet can take a toll on the tresses. The threat of thinning hair shouldn't discourage patients from losing weight, but it should convince them to avoid fad, quick-reduction diets, says Wilma Bergfeld, head of clinical research for the department of dermatology at the Cleveland Clinic. Such diets often lack proper nutrition, and rapid weight loss in itself is a stress on the body and can also trigger metabolism changes that affect hair growth. For hair health, doctors say the best weight-loss plans are reduced-calorie diets that promote gradual weight loss with healthful foods from all of the food groups. Diets low in protein and iron, such as vegetarian diets and very-low-fat diets, often result in deficiencies. But high-protein diets like Atkins that initially discourage fruits and vegetables can also trigger hair loss, says Dr. Bergfeld. The typical patient complains of thinning hair after losing about 20 pounds in a relatively short period of time, she says. "We see it all the time," says Dr. Bergfeld. "If you start eating only one thing and you're not well balanced, you get into trouble." A spokesman for Atkins referred questions to the company's Web site, which addresses hair loss in its frequently asked questions section, noting that any weight-loss plan can trigger hair loss. The site contends the Atkins diet is the "least likely" to cause hair loss. However, dermatologists say no scientific study has ever determined whether certain diets are more or less likely to cause hair loss. In a healthy person, hair typically grows about an inch every two months. Hair has a three-phase life cycle -- the growing phase can last two to five years. A second, less-active phase lasts only about six weeks. A final resting phase lasts three to five months, before the hair falls out and new hair grows in. About 15 percent of hair follicles are in the resting phase at a time. Abrupt changes in nutrition can disrupt the hair-growth cycle, causing hair follicles in the growing phase to convert to the resting phase too soon. This can mean a 20 percent to 30 percent or more increase in the number of daily hairs shed. For many people, diet-related hair loss is temporary and may last only about two to six months. Once a person starts eating a more balanced diet, hair eventually comes back. In some people it may take one to two years to regain a full head of hair, dermatologists say. Some dieters aren't even that lucky. A hair-shedding episode triggered by dieting may become a chronic problem if the dieter has a genetic predisposition for thinning hair, says Dr. Bergfeld and other doctors. In addition, hair loss triggered by dieting can be exacerbated by hormonal changes, stress or medications -- sending patients into a chronic cycle of hair shedding. Ms. Sokol says she stopped the diet and has since regained the weight -- but her hair has never recovered. She says that if she had been aware of the link between weight loss and hair loss she probably wouldn't have tried the diet. Dermatologists say they often advise dieters to take a Multivitamin with iron and keep weight loss to a pace of one to two pounds a week. Dieters with a family history of thinning hair or baldness should be especially careful about proper nutrition and slow weight loss. Patients considering obesity surgery, which often results in rapid weight loss, should also talk to their doctor about ways to protect their hair. In addition to nutrition supplements, patients who experience thinning hair after dieting or for other reasons are advised to avoid chemical treatments like bleach or permanents that weaken hair. Minoxidil, the active ingredient in the topical treatment Rogaine, is often recommended for chronic hair loss, although it doesn't work for everyone and has to be used consistently or the hair shedding will return, notes Brooklyn dermatologist Morris Westfried, medical director of the New York Hair Loss Center who published one of the first reports on minoxidil. For men, the oral medication Propecia may also help improve thinning hair. Hair extensions and transplants are also an option, but they can be expensive.

Changes in diet can sometimes lead to hair loss Tuesday, September 13, 2005 By Tara Parker-Pope, The Wall Street Journal Dieters hoping to lose weight are discovering they're losing something else -- their hair. The little-talked-about secret of the dieting industry is that a successful diet can also trigger hair loss. As Americans struggle with obesity and tackle countless fad diets, some dermatologists say they are increasingly hearing complaints from perplexed dieters about thinning hair. After Esther Sokol, a New York City records manager, lost nine pounds on the Atkins diet a few years ago, her hairdresser noticed her usually thick hair was beginning to thin. It was only after talking with doctors and hair experts that she learned her diet was the likely culprit. "Diet was the only major change I'd made," says Ms. Sokol. Hair loss can be triggered by a variety of factors including pregnancy, stress, surgery and age-related hormonal changes, to name a few. But few people realize that weight loss can also cause hair to shed, likely due to a nutritional deficiency. Although iron deficiency is often associated with diet-related hair loss, a range of nutrient deficiencies can result in thinning hair, dermatologists say. Changes in levels of zinc, magnesium, protein, essential fatty acids and vitamins D, B and A can all trigger episodes of shedding hair. The problem affects both men and women, but women are more likely to notice it and seek treatment, say doctors. The fact that so many different nutrients can be the culprit in hair loss means any diet can take a toll on the tresses. The threat of thinning hair shouldn't discourage patients from losing weight, but it should convince them to avoid fad, quick-reduction diets, says Wilma Bergfeld, head of clinical research for the department of dermatology at the Cleveland Clinic. Such diets often lack proper nutrition, and rapid weight loss in itself is a stress on the body and can also trigger metabolism changes that affect hair growth. For hair health, doctors say the best weight-loss plans are reduced-calorie diets that promote gradual weight loss with healthful foods from all of the food groups. Diets low in protein and iron, such as vegetarian diets and very-low-fat diets, often result in deficiencies. But high-protein diets like Atkins that initially discourage fruits and vegetables can also trigger hair loss, says Dr. Bergfeld. The typical patient complains of thinning hair after losing about 20 pounds in a relatively short period of time, she says. "We see it all the time," says Dr. Bergfeld. "If you start eating only one thing and you're not well balanced, you get into trouble." A spokesman for Atkins referred questions to the company's Web site, which addresses hair loss in its frequently asked questions section, noting that any weight-loss plan can trigger hair loss. The site contends the Atkins diet is the "least likely" to cause hair loss. However, dermatologists say no scientific study has ever determined whether certain diets are more or less likely to cause hair loss. In a healthy person, hair typically grows about an inch every two months. Hair has a three-phase life cycle -- the growing phase can last two to five years. A second, less-active phase lasts only about six weeks. A final resting phase lasts three to five months, before the hair falls out and new hair grows in. About 15 percent of hair follicles are in the resting phase at a time. Abrupt changes in nutrition can disrupt the hair-growth cycle, causing hair follicles in the growing phase to convert to the resting phase too soon. This can mean a 20 percent to 30 percent or more increase in the number of daily hairs shed. For many people, diet-related hair loss is temporary and may last only about two to six months. Once a person starts eating a more balanced diet, hair eventually comes back. In some people it may take one to two years to regain a full head of hair, dermatologists say. Some dieters aren't even that lucky. A hair-shedding episode triggered by dieting may become a chronic problem if the dieter has a genetic predisposition for thinning hair, says Dr. Bergfeld and other doctors. In addition, hair loss triggered by dieting can be exacerbated by hormonal changes, stress or medications -- sending patients into a chronic cycle of hair shedding. Ms. Sokol says she stopped the diet and has since regained the weight -- but her hair has never recovered. She says that if she had been aware of the link between weight loss and hair loss she probably wouldn't have tried the diet. Dermatologists say they often advise dieters to take a multivitamin with iron and keep weight loss to a pace of one to two pounds a week. Dieters with a family history of thinning hair or baldness should be especially careful about proper nutrition and slow weight loss. Patients considering obesity surgery, which often results in rapid weight loss, should also talk to their doctor about ways to protect their hair. In addition to nutrition supplements, patients who experience thinning hair after dieting or for other reasons are advised to avoid chemical treatments like bleach or permanents that weaken hair. Minoxidil, the active ingredient in the topical treatment Rogaine, is often recommended for chronic hair loss, although it doesn't work for everyone and has to be used consistently or the hair shedding will return, notes Brooklyn dermatologist Morris Westfried, medical director of the New York Hair Loss Center who published one of the first reports on minoxidil. For men, the oral medication Propecia may also help improve thinning hair. Hair extensions and transplants are also an option, but they can be expensive.

Changes in diet can sometimes lead to hair loss Tuesday, September 13, 2005 By Tara Parker-Pope, The Wall Street Journal Dieters hoping to lose weight are discovering they're losing something else -- their hair. The little-talked-about secret of the dieting industry is that a successful diet can also trigger hair loss. As Americans struggle with obesity and tackle countless fad diets, some dermatologists say they are increasingly hearing complaints from perplexed dieters about thinning hair. After Esther Sokol, a New York City records manager, lost nine pounds on the Atkins diet a few years ago, her hairdresser noticed her usually thick hair was beginning to thin. It was only after talking with doctors and hair experts that she learned her diet was the likely culprit. "Diet was the only major change I'd made," says Ms. Sokol. Hair loss can be triggered by a variety of factors including pregnancy, stress, surgery and age-related hormonal changes, to name a few. But few people realize that weight loss can also cause hair to shed, likely due to a nutritional deficiency. Although iron deficiency is often associated with diet-related hair loss, a range of nutrient deficiencies can result in thinning hair, dermatologists say. Changes in levels of zinc, magnesium, protein, essential fatty acids and vitamins D, B and A can all trigger episodes of shedding hair. The problem affects both men and women, but women are more likely to notice it and seek treatment, say doctors. The fact that so many different nutrients can be the culprit in hair loss means any diet can take a toll on the tresses. The threat of thinning hair shouldn't discourage patients from losing weight, but it should convince them to avoid fad, quick-reduction diets, says Wilma Bergfeld, head of clinical research for the department of dermatology at the Cleveland Clinic. Such diets often lack proper nutrition, and rapid weight loss in itself is a stress on the body and can also trigger metabolism changes that affect hair growth. For hair health, doctors say the best weight-loss plans are reduced-calorie diets that promote gradual weight loss with healthful foods from all of the food groups. Diets low in protein and iron, such as vegetarian diets and very-low-fat diets, often result in deficiencies. But high-protein diets like Atkins that initially discourage fruits and vegetables can also trigger hair loss, says Dr. Bergfeld. The typical patient complains of thinning hair after losing about 20 pounds in a relatively short period of time, she says. "We see it all the time," says Dr. Bergfeld. "If you start eating only one thing and you're not well balanced, you get into trouble." A spokesman for Atkins referred questions to the company's Web site, which addresses hair loss in its frequently asked questions section, noting that any weight-loss plan can trigger hair loss. The site contends the Atkins diet is the "least likely" to cause hair loss. However, dermatologists say no scientific study has ever determined whether certain diets are more or less likely to cause hair loss. In a healthy person, hair typically grows about an inch every two months. Hair has a three-phase life cycle -- the growing phase can last two to five years. A second, less-active phase lasts only about six weeks. A final resting phase lasts three to five months, before the hair falls out and new hair grows in. About 15 percent of hair follicles are in the resting phase at a time. Abrupt changes in nutrition can disrupt the hair-growth cycle, causing hair follicles in the growing phase to convert to the resting phase too soon. This can mean a 20 percent to 30 percent or more increase in the number of daily hairs shed. For many people, diet-related hair loss is temporary and may last only about two to six months. Once a person starts eating a more balanced diet, hair eventually comes back. In some people it may take one to two years to regain a full head of hair, dermatologists say. Some dieters aren't even that lucky. A hair-shedding episode triggered by dieting may become a chronic problem if the dieter has a genetic predisposition for thinning hair, says Dr. Bergfeld and other doctors. In addition, hair loss triggered by dieting can be exacerbated by hormonal changes, stress or medications -- sending patients into a chronic cycle of hair shedding. Ms. Sokol says she stopped the diet and has since regained the weight -- but her hair has never recovered. She says that if she had been aware of the link between weight loss and hair loss she probably wouldn't have tried the diet. Dermatologists say they often advise dieters to take a multivitamin with iron and keep weight loss to a pace of one to two pounds a week. Dieters with a family history of thinning hair or baldness should be especially careful about proper nutrition and slow weight loss. Patients considering obesity surgery, which often results in rapid weight loss, should also talk to their doctor about ways to protect their hair. In addition to nutrition supplements, patients who experience thinning hair after dieting or for other reasons are advised to avoid chemical treatments like bleach or permanents that weaken hair. Minoxidil, the active ingredient in the topical treatment Rogaine, is often recommended for chronic hair loss, although it doesn't work for everyone and has to be used consistently or the hair shedding will return, notes Brooklyn dermatologist Morris Westfried, medical director of the New York Hair Loss Center who published one of the first reports on minoxidil. For men, the oral medication Propecia may also help improve thinning hair. Hair extensions and transplants are also an option, but they can be expensive.

If you're thinking of the Jamba Juice by Kohl's - then it is a Qdoba. There is a Chipotle up the road in front of Meijer if people prefer that. I personally would choose Qdoba - they have a great vegetarian tortilla Soup.

I am another vegetarian now vegan that became fat. As a matter of fact, I struggled with finding an eating program that would satisfy all the nutritional requirements -- my friends are all trying to get me to switch. Anyway, I am forced to restrict grains as I found out at the same time as surgery that I have allergies to all grains except buckwheat -- a forced way to restrict my carbs. If anyone is interested, I have a menu plan that has been "approved" by the nutritionist. I can't figure out how to attach it. If anyone wants it just email me.

i love forums. when i got a pug, i was obsessed with a pug forum. the information you get is just amazing. and now, after weeks of research, i decided on lap band so i found a lap band forum! even though i know i want this, i know i can't get it done here in NV. insurance doesn't cover it. i have been especially lucky in the sense that i don't have any health issues... but how long can that last? i am 5'1 and over 200lbs. i have been on weight watchers for 7 months and have lost 15lbs. i am practically a vegetarian - no red meat, no dairy. my life consists of veggie burgers, whole grains and sugar free. and yet... no real weight loss. i am at the point in my life where i want to settle down and have kids. my husband is excited for me to be happy again. i'm seriously considering going to Mexico for the surgery... but when you say that, the first thing most people think of is some filthy backwater clinic in the middle of nowhere. after my research, i know that the majority is NOT like that... but... i still worry. i want the best that i can get. so far 2 names stick out - Dr. Ortiz and i can't remember the other off hand, (rumbart?). i would like to do it sooner, rather then later. i think i'm just rambling now. i just wanted to say hi and how glad i am i found this forum!!! your stories are totally inspirational!!!!!!! :clap2:

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=600 align=center bgColor=#ffffff><TBODY><TR bgColor=#b2e7f4><TD vAlign=top width="100%" colSpan=2><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR bgColor=#b2e7f4><TD style="FONT-SIZE: 13px; COLOR: #000000; LINE-HEIGHT: 18px; FONT-FAMILY: Palatino Linotype, Georgia, Times New Roman" vAlign=top>Frozen chocolate Cheesecake Bites! (2 Bites: 40 calories, 0g fat, 100mg sodium, 6.5g carbs, 0g Fiber, 1g sugars, 2g Protein = 1 Point!) Meet our new favorite use for ice cube trays. Ingredients: 3/4 cup Cool Whip Free 5 tbsp. fat-free cream cheese; softened 1 tbsp. SPLENDA, Granular 10 tsp. HERSHEY'S sugar free Syrup Directions: Using a fork, vigorously mix Cool Whip, cream cheese and Splenda until smooth and well blended. Evenly distribute mixture into 10 sections of an ice cube tray. Tap tray firmly on the counter a few times to get mixture to settle flat. Next, top each with a teaspoon of chocolate syrup. Tap tray again to settle. Place tray in freezer until Bites are solid -- at least 2 hours. Once frozen, Cheesecake Bites should pop out easily (if not, run the bottom of the tray under the faucet for a few seconds to loosen them). Makes 10 Bites! </TD><TD width=20></TD></TR><TR bgColor=#b2e7f4><TD colSpan=5 height=10></TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=5 height=20></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR bgColor=#b2e7f4><TD vAlign=top width="100%" colSpan=2></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> 2. Prepackaged crab cakes (love crab cakes. They give me my protein, they are easy to eat even on tight days and there are endless recipes or pre-packaged ones available. Also salmon in any form. Can find them at Trader Joes or Henry's) 3. Tilapia fish with homemade tartar sausce out of yogurt and relish 4. Chili Beans from Wendy's 5. The bean and cheese burrito from Taco Bell with out the tortilla Tex-Mex Cheesy chicken Chowder Ingredients: 1 cup chopped onion 1 cup thinly sliced celery 2 cloves minced garlic 1 tbsp oil 2 cups milk 1, 16 ounce jar chunky salsa 1, 8 ounce package Velveeta 1, 4.5 ounce can diced chiles <DIR><DIR><DIR><DIR>1 ½ skinless, boneless chicken (bite-sized) 2, 14 ounce cans chicken broth 1, 32 ounce package frozen Ore-Ida diced potatoes 1, 2.64 ounce package country gravy mix </DIR></DIR>corn chips (optional) </DIR></DIR>In 6 qt Dutch oven, cook and stir onion, celery, and garlic in hot oil over medium heat for approximately 5 minutes or until onion is tender. Add chicken, then cook until chicken is no longer raw. Then, add broth and diced potatoes. Bring to boil, then reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for approximately 12-15 minutes, until potatoes are tender (stirring occasionally) In separate pan, dissolve gravy mix in milk (until it’s gravy lol), and then add this gravy/milk mixture into the above pan of ingredients. Then, stir in cheese, salsa, and chiles, and then reduce heat to low. Cook and stir until cheese is melted. This can be served over cornchips, but without it’s great too! Nutritional Info: (Based on a 1 cup serving, and this recipe above will make about 16) 303 calories 15 g fat 35 mg cholesterol 857 mg sodium 26 g carbs 2 g fiber 16 g protein *** find a low-sodium chicken broth, skim milk, lower fat ingredients, etc..) Obviously you can choose the kick of the salsa and chiles. Also, I like to use the canned chicken (usually a white/dark meat combination), because for me it goes down easier. :hungry: :hungry: :hungry: :hungry: :hungry: Almost Veggie Chili <HR><TABLE height=233 width="73%" border=1><TBODY><TR><TD width="66%">Ingredients</TD><TD width="9%">Calories</TD><TD width="6%">Fat(g)</TD><TD width="9%">Carbs (g)</TD><TD width="10%">Protein (g)</TD></TR><TR><TD width="66%">3/4 pound ground turkey</TD><TD width="9%">582</TD><TD width="6%">32</TD><TD width="9%">0</TD><TD width="10%">66</TD></TR><TR><TD width="66%">1c diced onions</TD><TD width="9%">53</TD><TD width="6%">0</TD><TD width="9%">17</TD><TD width="10%">0</TD></TR><TR><TD width="66%">1 can of diced green chilis</TD><TD width="9%">10</TD><TD width="6%">0</TD><TD width="9%">2</TD><TD width="10%">0</TD></TR><TR><TD width="66%">4-6 cloves of minced garlic (I buy the processed kind because it's easy) </TD><TD width="9%">18</TD><TD width="6%">0</TD><TD width="9%">4</TD><TD width="10%">0</TD></TR><TR><TD width="66%">2 cans of drained pinto, kidney, black or garbanzo beans (your choice -- mix it up!)*</TD><TD width="9%">414</TD><TD width="6%">1</TD><TD width="9%">76</TD><TD width="10%">26</TD></TR><TR><TD width="66%">1 can of diced, stewed tomatoes (buy the Mexican style, if available) </TD><TD width="9%">71</TD><TD width="6%">0</TD><TD width="9%">17</TD><TD width="10%">2</TD></TR><TR><TD width="66%">1 small can of tomato paste</TD><TD width="9%">139</TD><TD width="6%">1</TD><TD width="9%">33</TD><TD width="10%">6</TD></TR><TR><TD width="66%">1c diced carrots</TD><TD width="9%">53</TD><TD width="6%">0</TD><TD width="9%">13</TD><TD width="10%">2.6</TD></TR><TR><TD width="66%">1c various veggies -- zuchinni, corn, bell peper-- whatever </TD><TD width="9%">28</TD><TD width="6%">0</TD><TD width="9%">8</TD><TD width="10%">1.5</TD></TR><TR><TD width="66%">chili powder, cayene pepper, cumin, black pepper to taste 1/2-1 teaspoon ea</TD><TD width="9%">x</TD><TD width="6%">x</TD><TD width="9%">x</TD><TD width="10%">x</TD></TR><TR><TD width="66%">1-2c of chicken stock</TD><TD width="9%">38</TD><TD width="6%">1</TD><TD width="9%">1</TD><TD width="10%">5</TD></TR><TR><TD width="66%">Total servings: appx 13 -- Breakdown per serving</TD><TD width="9%">108</TD><TD width="6%">2.5</TD><TD width="9%">13</TD><TD width="10%">8.3</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> Brown first 4 ingredients in a large soup pot with a small tad of vegetable oil or cooking spray. Add rest of ingreients to pot, with just enough stock or Water to cover contents. Simmer for 2-3 hours. Serve with melted cheese and fresh onions on top. Variations: Vegetarian: Replace turkey with texturized vegetable protein or tofu, and chicken stock with vegetable stock. Usually veggies have their favorite meat replacement. Or skip the replacement and add another can of beans or more vegetables. Also be sure to add a tablespoon of either Peanut Butter or miso soup concentrate to the mix. You won't taste it, except that it thickens the soup and gives it a good mouthfeel. This was the secret ingredient to my Vegan Chili which I lived off of for the 2 years I was a vegetarian. Meat-Lovers: Replace turkey with beef; add 2 strips of bacon to the chili for flavor. If you want more meat, subtract a can of beans and replace with meat. Others: You don't need to follow this ingredient list exactly. My cafeteria often puts in leftover chicken breast, in tiny chunks, instead of ground turkey. If you have some old brocolli or green beans, they can do well here as well. Chili is like a casserole -- supurb left-over management.

hmmm. Difficult dilemma. Being a meat eater, it is hard for me to come up with ideas for Protein. Nuts, Beans and tofu maybe, however that seems it would get boring after a week or so. I wonder if a vegetarian site might be more help. I myself just recently realized that eggs were so high in fat. I didn't really know this, I guess I should have but I just found out that a single egg has 27 grams of fat. Eeek! Good luck, sorry I couldn't be more help. P.S. I guess there is also Protein shakes and supplements.

Although I have read on other postings that many folks swear by Wendy's chili, our nutritionist said that chili (or anything) made with hamburger is hard to digest at this stage because of the gristle in it. I would probably avoid it just because of the fat content. Maybe try fat free vegetarian chili? You could also blend tuna or chicken with a little mild salsa. Maybe try some salmon blended with dill and fat-free mayo. I like applesauce and cottage cheese blended together, too. One other thing I do is cook boneless chicken breasts in my pressure cooker with a can of chopped tomatoes (any style--Italian, Mexican, etc.) or with chicken broth. The chicken breast doesn't get as dry this way, so it'll go down more easily. I was also told no more soda--bye, bye Diet Coke, hello sexy lady! :party:

I am tired. Physically, mentally...you name it. It's all tired. I know what I have the opportunity to do here. I just can't find the jumping off point, the selfish self-caring button inside me to get motivated to care for myself. I have been blessed with a job that has an insurance company that will most likely pay the majority of the bill for a surgery that I can use as a tool to help shed this other layer of body that is encasing what I should be. I live where one of the best centers and doctors for this surgery happens to be. There are many things to consider. The mere fact of another abdominal surgery is a tremendous one. 3 c-sections and a gallbladder removed has already left enough trauma to that area. Having a permanent device implanted is causing a bit of a phobic reaction. Normal fears of surgery, allergies to meds I have experienced, etc. have all surfaced. The fact that I have a painful disability in my heels that cause me to have limited exercise ability. Also a torn miniscus in my knee that needs surgery, ironically caused from the physical therapy to my heels. My addiction to carbs and sugars is causing me to consider whether I can make this worth it. It is so serious that I have considered going to a physician for some kind of anti-compulsion meds to see if this will curb the cravings. It may be my lack of energy because of sleep apnea that leads me to sugar and caffeine. I seldom want protiens, maybe this is why the vegetarian lifestyle is so easy for me. There are plenty of healthy vegetable protiens but I only seem to want carbs, even after a detox or a fast. So much to consider. It is so obvious to others that I need to do this. Even my dad, who is anti-everything, is supportive of it. I have at least a month to make the decision. If I cannot get my sugar problems under control I don't see how this will work.

I am tired. Physically, mentally...you name it. It's all tired. I know what I have the opportunity to do here. I just can't find the jumping off point, the selfish self-caring button inside me to get motivated to care for myself. I have been blessed with a job that has an insurance company that will most likely pay the majority of the bill for a surgery that I can use as a tool to help shed this other layer of body that is encasing what I should be. I live where one of the best centers and doctors for this surgery happens to be. There are many things to consider. The mere fact of another abdominal surgery is a tremendous one. 3 c-sections and a gallbladder removed has already left enough trauma to that area. Having a permanent device implanted is causing a bit of a phobic reaction. Normal fears of surgery, allergies to meds I have experienced, etc. have all surfaced. The fact that I have a painful disability in my heels that cause me to have limited exercise ability. Also a torn miniscus in my knee that needs surgery, ironically caused from the physical therapy to my heels. My addiction to carbs and sugars is causing me to consider whether I can make this worth it. It is so serious that I have considered going to a physician for some kind of anti-compulsion meds to see if this will curb the cravings. It may be my lack of energy because of sleep apnea that leads me to sugar and caffeine. I seldom want protiens, maybe this is why the vegetarian lifestyle is so easy for me. There are plenty of healthy vegetable protiens but I only seem to want carbs, even after a detox or a fast. So much to consider. It is so obvious to others that I need to do this. Even my dad, who is anti-everything, is supportive of it. I have at least a month to make the decision. If I cannot get my sugar problems under control I don't see how this will work.

I have had a misconception of fruit & veggies with the band. I thought that veggies had to be cooked to mush first and have been totally afraid to try fruit. I recently was told by local fellow bandsters that fruit and veggies are best eaten fresh/raw. My doctor said the same thing the other day when I went to see him. He said that a lot of folks adapt a vegetarian lifestyle with the band. As far as what things I have tried (because I was afraid to try anything) have been apples no peels, I can't eat the skins off tomatoes either. I have successfully eaten grapes and mandarin oranges from the can. I haven't tried fresh oranges, although they were my favorite this time of year prior to banding. My problem has been that I've been scared to death to try anything, primarily eating Protein, Beans and crackers (to have with my tuna salad etc.) I went to the store yesterday with some new ideas and bought some romaine, cucumbers and radishes to get started on trying new things.

Hey yoo incredible people here!! I am really so happy for being here with u, everytime i ask something u just give me the best advice! My question today is about shakes,I just got three different shakes i want to know what do u think about them and i wanna know how and when i should use them and what exactly is their benfits first one: WellBetX "weight loss shake" appetite control and Glucose banance with PGX Second one:Jarrow Formulas: Gentle Fibers Soulble and Insoluble fibers vegetarian/vegan "Rich in Antioxidant flavonids and lignans Third one: Lewis Labs: Fabulous Fiber :instantly dissolving granules and contains psyllium seed corn and milk So what do u think of them and if u dont like them please tell me anyway what is the benfit of shakes, can i replace them with a whole meal like lunch and dinner? what is the best way to prepare them? thanks a lot:)

Today: Breakfast: Protein shake Lunch: leftover Chinese peanut chicken and brocolli (about two ounces chicken and two brocolli florets) Dinner: Vegetarian patty with hot sauce, salad, Soup Yesterday: Breakfast: Protein Shake Lunch: 1 cheese stick and a small handful of pretzels Dinner: 1 cup gnocci and one meatball

Jeez, that is brutal--6 weeks?! Each doctor is different but my post-op situation was not that harsh. For mushies I fell in love with vegetarian refried beans, cream of wheat, low-fat/low-sodium cream soups etc. Plus, a lot of people in my support group said they had no problem blending up regular foods like meatballs w/ sauce and chilli (not my thing but some people can handle the look, especially if they're hungry enough!)