Search the Community

So i went to get a fill today, cause I'm hungry every two hours no matter what rules i follow. I get there and the surgeon (who I've only met once to give a two second unfill and send me on my way in nov.) asked what I was doing (meal wise) on a daily basis and interrupted and started talking about how i shouldn't be drinking caloric liquids- NO ****!!! Then went on to tell me I'm chewing too much, and my veggie burgers aren't a good choice for protein cause they are "just pieces mushed together" therefore breaking down and moving through my band faster.!!! Not only did he comment on how I'm "really restricted" on my food choices for being vegetarian, he says cheese isn't big enough particles (his words) to stay in the band but beans are a good choice because the skins remain in my band and help stay full longer---Ok?!!?? So i have a stomach full of bean skins instead of a mixed cheese wrap with tomato and onion?!?!!?!?! He gave me .25cc and of course said "I don't think this is going to help"...O really a-hole??!?! I feel awesome with the hunger now- despite leaving the office in tears feeling so beat down and like a big loser!

O yea I even told him "ok im confused, if you are supposed to chew your food to the consistency of applesauce, doesn't EVERY food become the same..ie veg burger or cheese or whatever" He says it;s different, yet never suggested anything other than beans that i could eat- I tried to explain that the veg burgers i get are not just vegetables smashed together, but are soy protein...couldn't even finish cause he interrupted with "yea,I've had them before" what a d-bag He should have asked me what other vegetarian "meats" are out there....

Wow, if medical students had to take a course in Bedside Manner (which they don't), he must have flunked out. And he gets one million extra demerits for the "I don't think this will help" remark. Very little in what he told you is consistent with my understanding of appropriate food choices with the band. And that business about the skins of Beans remaining in the band just doesn't make sense anatomically. No part of any food can make it into your band. The only thing that goes into your band is saline solution. If he meant that it stays in your stoma, that's still a dumb statement. No food should ever stay in your stoma for longer than a few minutes. If it does, something's wrong. If meant that complex carbs like beans offer better satiety because of the Fiber content (which is true for everyone, not just bandsters, and that's because of what happens to them in the intestines, not the stomach), then I don't understand why he thinks that veggie burgers (which contain - hello? - fibrous veggies and (depending on the product) healthy soy protein) are a poor choice. Did anyone in that practice explain all these arbitrary food rules to you before your surgery? Did they tell you that you being a vegetarian was a problem for them? Does he employ a bariatric dietitian? If so, you need to consult with that person, and if you get the same line of crap, it's time to look for another bariatric practice to do your aftercare. Jeez Louise, that p*sses me off. I feel like kicking a dog now, except at the moment they're all being as good as gold.

I dunno, I'm not a vegetarian. But what comes to mind is black bean or veggie burgers, without the bun of course. Quinoa, farro and tempeh are complete proteins and tempeh is lower in carbs than quinoa and farro. Maybe something like this, except with a meat substitute. I've made these before with turkey, they're good. I add fresh pico de gallo instead of jarred salsa. Sorry I'm not more helpful with vegetarian protein sources. https://www.skinnytaste.com/turkey-santa-fe-zucchini-boats/

I'm vegetarian and dairy free, and I'm looking to get sleeved this summer. I have a friend who's been vegetarian for her whole life and was sleeved 4 years ago, she's healthy as a horse and has kept off 130lbs. It's definitely possible, so do your research and good luck! Also, I sympathise about the whole "easy way out" perception. I'm 100 pounds overweight, but my friends say I'm "not that big" and I have to defend my decision with the myriad of health benefits it offers. Don't let other people's perceptions keep you from doing what you think is best, but data can help quiet them down. Sent from my SM-G920P using BariatricPal mobile app

I think it would be very hard to stick to a vegetarian much less vegan diet and get in your protein and other nutrients. (You may be saying...but you don't really need as much protein as people think....I know that's what I said in the beginning...but it's not as much of anything.) Having practiced both vegan and vegetarian for a short time, I can't imagine adding that restriction on top of the restriction of volume. Please do lots of research before moving forward. [emoji173]

Not really. I just don't care. Maybe it's from years of being the lone vegetarian in the crowd so often, I simply don't care.

Just ate some from my local Chinese place. I ordered it vegetarian w/ a little extra egg for Protein. Seemed I could eat quite a bit (maybe 3/4 cup) & I don't feel like I'm going to throw up, which is RARE for me!! So, experts chime in here.......CONS??? If there aren't any than I highly recommend it

I am 13 months post revision band to bypass and lately nothing seems to taste right. Meat in particular tastes weird. I don’t have an issue eating it, it doesn’t get stuck or make me sick but it tastes and often smells weird. For example the lamb mince we ate tonight tasted very gamey. I used to love pork and would often order it when we went out but the last couple of times that hasn’t tasted right either! At this rate I am going to end up vegetarian which could be a problem as there are a heap of veggies I hate ( the bitter ones) , don’t really like eggs ( I can do the yolks so long as they are runny) and only eat small quantities of cheese. On top of that if I try to turn my hubby veggie he will rebel! I can’t live on yogurt nuts and seeds! Has anyone else been through this and how did you deal with it?

The only people I know who have gained back their weight were not following the program. This isn't a cure all. You still have to put in the work by making good eating choices and exercising regularly. My only challenges were finding what I could eat as a vegetarian with multiple food choices and the mental game of making good food choices on a daily basis. Other than that I've had a relatively easy time of it. Despite having a high BMI going into this I had no co-morbs and I had been exercising regularly prior to surgery.

I wish that I could help. I don't have a brand. I get the roasted, lightly salted edemame from a local grocer (how rare is that nowadays). It's in bins that you scoop out like where the nuts are. Sorry. I hope that you find one that works for you. I'm a vegetarian & would be lost without them.

i start mushies on Sunday i bought vegetarian chili, black bean soup, lentil soup, apple/apricot sauce, I have greek yogurt, ff pudding, s/f jello my nutritionist said eggs also she also said ground meats in sauces...so i am gonna buy some of my fave turkey meatballs and sauce eggface also has a baked ricotta I wanna try oh yeah cottage cheese

I have a lapband, but I understand your pain. I want to tell you, failing to lose has many causes--I know, I lived on less than 1000 calories a day for years and never lost an ounce. My lapband didn't help me lose much and my first doctor wouldn't give me a fill. So I found another who did. I am practically wheelchair bound (can only hobble around the house). So I started to lose--slowly. the big help was I didn't regain what I lost. One thing I've never heard a doctor explain to me is that excessive hunger can be giving you a message. So many diets I went on ended with me lying in bed, weak and starving within weeks. What I didn't realize was that my body was telling me those diets weren't nutritionally what I needed. I've tried low fat-high fiber, low calorie, vegetarian, all raw salads, lot's of nuts, praying the weight away, self-hypnosis, bodybuilding, lots of exercise...you get the idea. All of them failed because I wasn't listening to my body. When I got so hungry I would eat nails if there was ketchup to put on them, my body was telling me I was on the wrong diet. This isn't a normal,"Gee, that looks tasty." But was more like a weak pathetic cry from my bed that I was dying and had to eat. I kept experimenting and discovered a ketogenic diet helped, but I gained everything back quickly. As I worked with the keto diet, I learned I wasn't drinking enough water, and I wasn't sleeping enough. But the high protein with lots of greens was definitely a better choice than the others. Then I got the lapband, and the slow weight loss with no restriction was discouraging. But it was a tool. And once I got restriction, I used that tool. I mostly stayed on the ketogenic diet. Lots of protein was just a necessity for me. The fat I ate made the diet more enjoyable. The lapband made me eat small bites, or I spent days puking. If I got sick, I had to reduce what I ate because sickness caused my stomach to swell, and I puked. Over the last ten years I've lived on the ketogenic diet, except for two years when I lost control, (I gained 50 pounds and found I had cancer. I believe the sugar cravings after being in control so long were a result of the cancer.) Back in control, and the 50 pounds went away. I've managed to lose 160 pounds. Not a large amount, and I still have over 100 pounds to go. But I am happy not to be the woman I was. I don't know if the ketogenic diet will help you, but I'm sharing my experience to show you have to experiment to find the right diet. And you have to sleep enough to lose weight. So, get the junk out of your house--the chips, crackers, cake mixes, candy, soda, snack food, juices (fruit juice is just liquid sugar water with a few minerals, eat whole fruit instead), and the alcohol (You can go back to 1 drink a day after you've lost weight). And start the eating pattern you feel best on. Just practice eating a healthy diet for a bit. Don't eat much at a time and keep any easy to snack on food (like grapes or nuts) in the refrigerator. Then start working your tool. go longer between small meals, see what happens when you delete starches, or what foods change how you feel. I had to stop vegetarian because beans make me uncontrollably hungry(love those beans, yumm, yumm). Your body is unique, and just because you haven't found what works for you doesn't mean you're a failure. It just means you haven't found the balance of diet, sleep and exercise that works for you. The important thing is NEVER GIVE UP. After 10 years with the band, I'm revising to a sleeve this spring. I love my band, but there is evidence it doesn't do well after 10 years or so. I feel I will do even better on the sleeve.

Hi Kamie and vegan friends!! I love finding more people veg oriented here, i had my vsg a month ago, at the same time, Im starting my compassionate vegan journey im have been a vegetarian for a lot of time but after watching the documentary Earthling, and reading and watching dr. Garth Davis wanted to start my new life with this little stomach and less food anxiety as a vegan , has been wonderful, practically no side-effects, no vomits, no nausea, no diarrhea, or dehydration etc... I think respecting other beings life is a beautiful way to cohabit this world, and politically speaking also the way to go.. But im writing in this forum in order to see if there is another vegan available to share their food dairy and progress with me? I´ve been logging my food in cronometer because provides me with specific nutrient information. if someone is interested in that please write me a personal message hugs!! and tons of great vibes for all!!

A few years ago, I had invited guests for Sunday dinner - roast beef and all the trimmings. Just as the guests were arriving, I removed the roast from the oven to let it 'rest'. I sat it on the counter, and went to greet my guests. After the hello/how are you stuff, I returned to the kitchen to get the wine. I thought something was odd but couldn't quite figure it out. Returned to the guests, had our wine, and then we all traipsed to the kitchen so that I could finish preparing the meal. It was then I noticed there was no meat resting on a platter. I thought, 'You are losing it, girl. It is still in the oven'. Nope, not in the oven, not on the counter, not in the sink. Still not clueing in, I thought maybe I have really lost my mind, and it is in the dishwasher. Nope. Then and only then did I notice that my 100 lb Lab was no where to be seen. I went looking and found him in his kennel licking his lips.... You just gotta laugh! We had a vegetarian dinner.

I've been a vegetarian for 2 1/2 years. I'm glad to see that there are others out there in the band world! I was beginning to think I was the only one! Everyone says, "when's the last time you saw a fat vegetarian?" but in fact I was plenty fat before I became vegetarian. I actually lost about 20 pounds just by cutting meat. My nutritionist pre-op was not happy that I wasn't going to include meat in my post-op diet. I just told her that I had no intention of changing that part of me and that she would just have to be creative and figure out a meal plan where I got enough Protein. I eat a lot of meat substitutes (boca, morningstar, tofu, gardein) and have never had a problem meeting my protein requirement. I do still drink organic milk and eat some chesse. I will eat things that are made with eggs, but I don't eat eggs by themselves. I would love to turn completely vegan one day. It would be great to hear any new resources you may have. I'm always looking for new recipes.

So excited to find this thread!). I've been a vegetarian for the past 17 years. My nutritionist is excited to work with me since she said I'm her first vegetarian bander. I was surprised that I am her first since she has been working with band patients for 10 years.

Thank you Susan. I would be very curious why a Dr would suggest not being vegetarian after WLS, it's so easy to be vegetarian these days. And you can get more than enough Protein, which is usually the concern. I was a body builder and regularly got 100-120 g per day, only supplemented with a single protien drink after my workouts (40 g) three days a week. Once you know everything has protein, including fruits and vegetables, it's easier to get those numbers up. Tools like The Daily Plate help as well as they track it for you and you can enter on the go. I regularly eat ground soy (tacos, shepherds pie, Macaroni/tomato/fake beef, ground turkey patties), stuffed chick'n breasts from Trader Joe's, chick'n patties for a high protein snack, veggie hot dogs, burgers, seasoned and fried tofu (5 lbs of tofu only uses a total of 2-3 tbsp of oil)**, etc. And that doesn't even include Beans, which are great mixed with pretty much anything. It's just so easy not to eat meat these days but still get all of your nutritional needs met. ** I'll post the recipe if anyone is interested in it, it was inspired by the tofu preparation at the Los Angeles Athletic Club, the tofu can be frozen, thawed, and microwaved and added to anything for protein.

I have lost about 90%, will get to 100% this year I think. It is trial and error to a degree, Honestly, what has worked for me after a 22 pound regain last year and LOTS of long stalls, are Southbeach phase one (I'm a vegetarian and that worked pretty good to knock off 5 pounds) Then I started the 5:2 which is a semi fast for two days a week...would not recommend this until you are at least a year out though. You are not out of the honeymoon yet, but it has done the trick for me.... I think the most important thing for me is to stay accountable all the time. I even write down what I eat on vacation, just so I remain conscious of what Im doing even if Im eating what I want. I wear a fitbit, and keep track of my activity as well. When left to my own devices, I eat too much, and move too little to keep this body. My Dr also asked me if I would be happy losing 50 pounds. I said yes, but 90 would be better. I am now at 82. He did not even want to set a goal for me so I would not be disappointed in my final weight. Research shows that at three years sleevers keep off less than 75% EWL. I have seen too many people here lose 100% of their weight to think it is not possible. Keeping it off is also hard to do for many and a much longer job.

While I appreciate your "links" to all these horrible cancer related posts, I find it overkill. We are all adults here and hopefully wise enough to conduct our own research to know what side effects could come about. Honestly, if you were to read every medical journal out there, you would find a link to cancer with everything we put into our bodies. So, thank you for these posts, but allow us to conduct our own research. For myself, I have / do conduct my own research before I change my lifestyle. And the truth is - your diet doesn't need to be all Vegetarian or Vegan to prevent cancer.

Sorry, that was for @Creekimp13, not sure how your name got "quoted" - very weird, but my pc and phone have been acting up.... apologies to you. I didn't say or imply anyone was a vegetarian / vegan, just stated that being one wouldn't prevent cancer either.

The raw food diet I'm familiar with does not include meats. It's a vegetarian diet. I was a bit enamored of this a couple years ago and managed to last about a month during the summer. I had to quit because I started having intestinal issues...which apparently is not uncommon for people who stay on this. The only problems I see at first glance is that raw vegetables, unless made into smoothies (and now you're drinking your meals again), can be a problem with the band once you get closer to your sweet spot. I didn't hit my sweet spot until about 7cc but raw vegies became a thing of the past for me at around 4cc. Also, if you have any kind of blood sugar problem, the fruit may cause blood sugar swings which will lead to cravings and hunger. I'm not sure how you'd get your Protein in. I know vegetarians get it by combining things like Beans and rice and tofu (which are all cooked), but I don't know where you'd get it from fruits and vegetables. YMMV. .

I have a 9 cc relaize band, it has 8.25cc's in and I have restriction but theres not one thing out here that I CANT eat. . Not what I expected from the band but thats ok. I chew my food well and definately take my time eating my meals. Cunner, I loved the 2nd paragragh of your post,,I can see the bowl and loaf of bread,lol. I did what you did years ago, and went vegetarian and loved it but found I was eating alot of bread, crackers, cheese as well as my veges and fruit. I didnt gain weight, but moved in with a meat and potatoes man,,lol. Im still with him and he is actualy supporting me with the meals im trying. He will NEVER try them,,lol ,, but thats ok. I have a great nutritionist, and she said if it works and i dont get ill or have issues regardgin the band and gettting stuck to try it and see how it goes. I beleive she is a vegetarian. But to switch back If I have ANY issues at all. Protein, I am eating nuts and Beans soaked to soften them. as well as the fresh off the farm dairy products (cheese and milk) There are also veges out there that are a great source of Calcium and protein both. Melody, I agree with you on drinking meals. I dont have a problem with that and the recipes I have right now are alot different from what I was using before the surgery and after. I am making everything home made (except for the green powder) and it seemed to hold up very well this morning when I had my first one. I definately dont want to have them all the time. I tried, the other day a 14 grain raw Cereal that was very good with dried cherries and raisins with some chopped walnuts and raw milk. I am using supplemens as well just to make sure I dont deplete anything. You guys are great!

My surgery was at 7:30a.m. on the 12th. I think I was the first one. I was so nervous! But it went pretty well. What caused you to have to stay the night? My aunt lives in Phx, so I was able to leave- provided that I stayed at her house, not leaving the area for 24 hrs. I lost 13 during the pre-op diet, and by my first post-op visit I had lost another 6. However, it's hard to say where I'm at now, based on my scale, because the scale at the doc's office is quite different. I had initially asked to schedule my next appt. for June 19th, but then I read on his website somewhere that he prefers not to do fills on Fridays, in case there are any complications (ie. needing an unfill or something like that). SOOOOO-- I called back and scheduled it for the 18th (Thurs). because I really want to get my first fill at that time. I'm not sure exactly how it works, like if he evaluates and then decides, but I hope to get the fill. I don't want to have to turn around and drive back to Phx a week or two later. It's not easy for me to get off work. I"m burning up a lot of my leave time. Also, I really feel like I'm having to try much harder lately to not eat more than I'm supposed to. Right after surgery it was easier, but I suppose that's due to some pain, plus maybe swelling in the stomach. I know I'll always have to make wise food choices/portion control, but I think it's just time for a fill. What kinds of things are you eating? I've been having cottage cheese or oatmeal in the mornings, and usually vegetarian refried Beans w/salsa, or really soft chicken for lunch/dinner. I know this is long- but one more thing-- did you end up going to any support group meetings? I haven't yet, but I might try to go on the 18th if they are having one. Lisa

What is it about a builder that they cannot manage to buy trousers that cover the crack in their a*se? Builders bum (definition: the top pf the buttocks showing when a pair of trousers is worn too low or when the wearer is bending over). Can't their wives buy a bigger pair of trousers? Have they all gained vast amount of weight since their trousers were purchased? Why can't they wear clothes which protect their dignity (and my sensibilities)??? Anyway, the sheds have been demolished and the game is on. The canine culprits (culprits for what? just everything) have enjoyed extra walkies and no doubt I am burning a few extra calories by taking them out for all those "comfort breaks". The back garden no longer has a lawn (oh well) a shed (errr) or a garden door so it is well and truly open to all comers. Never mind! Within 8 weeks we shall have a functional ground floor bedroom and bathroom for my boy - and life will be a lot easier. Does anyone else have junk food Thursday? We try to eat healthy, but on the grounds that if you are good most of the time you can be less sensible occasionally, we have junk food Thursday. On Thursday, when I am ebbing from the stresses and strains of maintaining my busy, noisy, psychotic (did I really say that, that can't be right) family through the week, but haven't quite reached the haven of the weekend, we relieve the tension by lessening the stress of preparing the evening meal. We have junk food. Well, lets be a bit more honest: they have junk food. I can't eat enough of anything to make it worth the extra calories and I don't like the salt resultant Fluid based weight gain inthe morning weigh in so I abstain. Arern't I a good girl? But basically anything froma packet counts. Favourites are noodles, chips (translation from Uk to US: french fries), supermarket pies, crispy pancakes, veggie burgers, veggie hotdogs (for the uninitiated: we are vegetarians - you'd never have guessed would you?) and occasionallly a take away (translation; take out) in the form of pizza, a curry or even a Chinese! I would strongly reccommend this practice. It results in kids who don't feel deprived but don't expect it all the time, which results in healthier bodies - and wife and Mum who is marginally less frazzled. Happy kids, happy Mum - husband eats everything - rather too much of everything but what are you gonna do? Somehow, knowing that Thursday is coming makes eating healthier through the rest of the week (including the weekends) less of a chore. Useful tip?