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https://www.bariatricpal.com/forum/1101-vegetarian-or-vegan-eating/

I am in an unpopular subject...I don't focus on protein (haven't since about 3-4 months post op). I do get my nutrients mainly from plant based foods though. All blood work comes out fine too. I eat plenty in a day, with legumes, grains, and lots of veggies, especially green leafy veggies. You can eat a considerable more of this and feel content knowing you're eating good nutrient food. Just another idea...look in the vegan/vegetarian forums to get some ideas if want. This is not a ploy to have you come over to that side, just another idea of what foods you can introduce and still be successful...and healthy too.

Quorn is vegetarian, at least the ones sold in the US. Some products do contain milk and egg. But all products are safe for vegetarians. The vegan products have even been accredited by the Vegan Society.

@orionburn I'm on my pre-op liquid diet and I'm not the one. I will be as kind as possible in my response. You're in the vegan & vegetarian forum so do not come in here and laugh about eating animals. It's not funny or cute, and it's very disrespectful. I leave my veganism out of the main diet forums so you can leave your meat-eater jokes out of the vegan/vegetarian forum. Thanks! The evidence is overwhelming that a plant-based vegan diet absolutely is superior to other diets. (Evidence produced by real studies done by real researchers in real medical journals, not some fringe blogger types.) You're welcome to access the numerous resources in this forum to learn about this evidence if you're open-minded enough to do so. The fact that this way of eating is superior obviously does not mean WE are superior. Nobody in this forum claims to be better than anyone else. My beef with Joe Cross is that he is clearly riding the wave of interest in veganism/plant-based eating without making it crystal clear that he includes animal protein in his diet not just occasionally but every single day. That's deceptive. I think it's probable that a large swath of his followers and supporters are buying his books and products thinking they are supporting a vegan lifestyle - meaning they wouldn't be buying if they knew he's eating animals everyday. To me, that's just wrong. I'll weigh in with a different perspective from @fruitandveggies on the term "plant-based." While I do agree it's often being used as a softer way to say vegan without saying vegan, it also distinguishes a healthy whole foods diet from a vegan junk food diet. Soda and candy and all kinds of highly processed meat/cheese substitutes are vegan but they are excluded from a plant-based diet. The term "whole foods plant-based" is a mouthful so people just say plant-based, or sometimes they just say vegan for the sake of recognition. I started off not liking the term vegan but have come to embrace it so sometimes I say plant-based and sometimes I say vegan. It doesn't matter, they mean 85% the same thing and both completely exclude animal products.

I was very lucky to have a nutritionist who was used to serving a diverse populations of people with very different nutritional preferences and cultural diets. (Kosher, Halal, Vegan, Vegetarian, Etc.) She asked me what my favorite diet was....I said Mayo Clinic/Mediterranean....and we looked at some key factors of the diet and made a few adjustments to prepare for bariatric surgery, but mostly I was able to stick to my preferred plan....and even praised for it. (I do hit a higher protein goal than I was used to, but I do half of it in plant protein) I also reduced my carb side dishes to 1/4 cup instead of 1/2 cup. If it's a Vegan main dish, that's different....but a side of rice or potatoes with a protien is a much smaller portion now....and often omitted. I'm discouraged when I hear about dietitians who only offer one approach and doctors who believe Keto is the only way to go. It works very well...but it doesn't work for everyone. I think patients are more compliant with plans they are comfortable with, and can maintain for a lifetime. Glad to be working with a group that offers more than one way up that mountain! Jersey, I'm a big fan of apples with natural peanut butter, too Had some for a snack tonight. LOL...I understand chicken fatigue! Maybe try to switch things up with fish or turkey? Congrats on your 14 pound loss!

I have to say I feel very discouraged. I’m not sure why but I went into this fully optimistic and learning about the pre op diet and the things you can and cannot have after the procedure makes me very nervous. For example: I love blending spinach water ect, but I can’t because they say no liquid calories. Not even yogurt:(. I just feel this heavy weight in my chest. I don’t eat a lot of meat in general and I asked the nutritionist after if there were some vegetarian options and she said “yes, it’s just going to be much harder” . I can eat chicken, and turkey but I have never really cooked it cause it kinda grosses me out handling raw meat ( I’m weird I know. . I know all this will be worth it. Another thing is the straw thing you can’t drink from a straw... like I know that it is silly but it’s almost like they are taking away everything from you. I know I need this but I am so overwhelmed.

I use to eat Quorn but they have an ingredient in it that Vegetarian or Vegans don’t eat, don’t remember, just read and research the ingredients before you buy!!!

Weight loss surgery patients need to focus on getting enough protein, but that is not the only important nutrient. Carbohydrates have their place, too. Use them right, and you can benefit with more stable blood sugar, lower disease risk, They can even give you a better chance of keeping off the weight for good. In general, look for less processed, higher-nutrient, higher-fiber, lower-sugar carbs 1. Oatmeal. Despite its high carb count, oatmeal is one of the healthiest foods, even for weight loss surgery patients. It is a whole grain (gluten-free, if you are wondering), and is a source of soluble fiber. People who eat whole grains instead of refined ones have a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes, and weight gain. Have oatmeal with nuts or peanut butter for a little extra healthy fat and protein, and add cinnamon for a sweet flavor without sugar. No law says oatmeal needs to be sweet. Turn it into a savory bowl with a poached or hard-boiled egg, some feta cheese, and sliced cooked mushrooms. 2. Pear. Pears have a lower glycemic index and glycemic load than many other fruits, so they do not spike your blood sugar as much. They have soluble fiber, which helps lower cholesterol and blood sugar. They also provide lignans, which are heart-healthy. You can do way more with a pear than use it as a dessert or a side for cottage cheese, although those work, too! Try serving it with all-natural ham, or tossing it with mixed greens, walnuts, bell peppers, and cooked chicken breast. You can also turn it into a salsa to top fish or chicken along with diced onion, tomato, and cucumber, plus chopped cilantro and lime juice. 3. Beans. Beans are a starch you can love since they pack in the fiber and protein along with vitamins and minerals. They are linked to lower risk for certain cancers, as well. If they bother your stomach, try having small portions or using an enzyme product such as Bean-o. Kidney, pinto, garbanzo, and black beans – they’re all good! Make hummus with garbanzos and olive oil, or try vegetarian chili with beans, tomatoes, other vegetables, and seasoning. Or, make a taco salad or naked burrito with fat-free refried beans. 4. Pumpkin. Pumpkin has a medium glycemic index, but so few carbohydrates that your body will barely realize that it is there. Aside from the potassium and fiber in pumpkin, you will find amazing amounts of vitamin A in the form of beta-carotene – and that can only be a good thing after weight loss surgery. Butternut and acorn squash have a few more carbohydrates but are also excellent choices. Stir pumpkin and cinnamon into your oatmeal, or mix them into non-fat cream cheese for a flavorful, protein-packed spread or dip for apples. Add chunks of butternut squash to stew, or blend pumpkin into a soup to make it creamy. 5. Peas. Peas may have a bad reputation, but it is undeserved. Choose snow peas or sugar snap peas in the pod for a dose of vitamin C and fiber. Use them raw or lightly cooked to preserve their antioxidants and keep their glycemic load down. Use them in salads along with lettuce, chicken, and chopped vegetables, or dip them into Greek yogurt-based dips. You can also use snow and sugar snap peas in stir fry – just be sure to keep them crunchy.

1. Oatmeal. Despite its high carb count, oatmeal is one of the healthiest foods, even for weight loss surgery patients. It is a whole grain (gluten-free, if you are wondering), and is a source of soluble fiber. People who eat whole grains instead of refined ones have a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes, and weight gain. Have oatmeal with nuts or peanut butter for a little extra healthy fat and protein, and add cinnamon for a sweet flavor without sugar. No law says oatmeal needs to be sweet. Turn it into a savory bowl with a poached or hard-boiled egg, some feta cheese, and sliced cooked mushrooms. 2. Pear. Pears have a lower glycemic index and glycemic load than many other fruits, so they do not spike your blood sugar as much. They have soluble fiber, which helps lower cholesterol and blood sugar. They also provide lignans, which are heart-healthy. You can do way more with a pear than use it as a dessert or a side for cottage cheese, although those work, too! Try serving it with all-natural ham, or tossing it with mixed greens, walnuts, bell peppers, and cooked chicken breast. You can also turn it into a salsa to top fish or chicken along with diced onion, tomato, and cucumber, plus chopped cilantro and lime juice. 3. Beans. Beans are a starch you can love since they pack in the fiber and protein along with vitamins and minerals. They are linked to lower risk for certain cancers, as well. If they bother your stomach, try having small portions or using an enzyme product such as Bean-o. Kidney, pinto, garbanzo, and black beans – they’re all good! Make hummus with garbanzos and olive oil, or try vegetarian chili with beans, tomatoes, other vegetables, and seasoning. Or, make a taco salad or naked burrito with fat-free refried beans. 4. Pumpkin. Pumpkin has a medium glycemic index, but so few carbohydrates that your body will barely realize that it is there. Aside from the potassium and fiber in pumpkin, you will find amazing amounts of vitamin A in the form of beta-carotene – and that can only be a good thing after weight loss surgery. Butternut and acorn squash have a few more carbohydrates but are also excellent choices. Stir pumpkin and cinnamon into your oatmeal, or mix them into non-fat cream cheese for a flavorful, protein-packed spread or dip for apples. Add chunks of butternut squash to stew, or blend pumpkin into a soup to make it creamy. 5. Peas. Peas may have a bad reputation, but it is undeserved. Choose snow peas or sugar snap peas in the pod for a dose of vitamin C and fiber. Use them raw or lightly cooked to preserve their antioxidants and keep their glycemic load down. Use them in salads along with lettuce, chicken, and chopped vegetables, or dip them into Greek yogurt-based dips. You can also use snow and sugar snap peas in stir fry – just be sure to keep them crunchy.

Hey Tex! Thanks so much for the info. I have been looking on YouTube for bloggers who have had this procedure done and they are very few, but there are a lot of regular sleeve bloggers on there that show how they are making it work for them. I am not sure if the surgeries are comparable or not? I called my doctor today and have now got ESG set up for March the 6th. I just hope I don't chicken out again. I am a vegetarian and actually do eat pretty healthy, my problem is portion control and sweets. I LOVE SWEETS and it is my biggest downfall. It seems that I gained weight after I quit smoking over 6 years ago and when I hit menopause I just ballooned up quick. Thanks so much for taking the time to replay and I will check out your other posts. Thanks Shelia

Um... those purple labeled Optimum Nutrition powders are Weight Gainers for people who are trying to maintain a calorie surplus. People who lift heavy and lift often will use them. Bariatric patients should assiduously avoid them. In the beginning, everything will taste so funky. If you have a Vitamin Shoppe store near you, they have a wonderful policy of letting you bring back any powder/supplement that you do not like for a full in store credit. I had a woman at that store that I talked to frequently and I was upfront about being recently sleeved. She was familiar with the taste buds profile changing, thus never even batted an eye when I returned several things. I ended up with UMP protein in the beginning. After things became more normal, Optimum Nutrition Whey concentrate is my favorite. The best protein in regards to bio-availability is whey. Isolate or concentrate doesn't really matter. If you are vegetarian, soy is the best you can do. But it is a distant 2nd to whey. Collagen is worthless for soft tissue repair (muscle, skin, etc...) but may be helpful for hair, nails, and joints. Typical sources for collagen protein are your bone broths and some protein "shots" in funky fruit flavors, and pork rinds. The best protein however, is the one that you can and will use.

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 was a vegetarian also and slowly working my way back I eat mostly fish as a source of non plant protein but here's a list of plant based sources : Lentils 1cup 18g protein Black beans 1cup 14.5g Sunflower seeds 1cup 31g Tempeh 1cup 31g Quinoa(cooked) 1 cup 8g Egg 7g protein Cottage cheese 4 oz 13g Edamame 1 cup 18g Greek yogurt 5.3oz 13g Hummus 4 tbsp 5g protein Spinach (cooked) 1 cup 6g Tofu 1/2 cup 11g protein Sources : Weightloss surgery for dummies cookbook The everything after weightloss surgery cookbook

I'm 3 months post-op RNY and trying to go more plant based. I ate mostly vegetarian prior to surgery, but started eating meat again after because it's higher in protein. I've noticed that I'm not sleeping, constantly lacking energy now and have had several kidney stones recently, which is how I felt when I used to eat meat. My concern is that plant based proteins aren't as high in protein as meat. I've got plant based protein powder, though it's higher in sugar, but I don't want to do protein shakes for every meal/snack. Anyone else follow a plant based diet? What are some good options for protein? Does anyone juice post op?

There are a couple of vegan vegetarian forums on here. Give it a search. I highly recommend speak with your NUT before making changes.

My favorite diets are Mediterranean and Mayo Clinic Diet...which sound a lot like you describe. I'm not a fan of all this animal protein. I've started making vegetable soup with pea powder and brown rice powder in it (a complete amino acid)...to get more veggie protein in. I also eat a lot of nut butter, chia seed pudding, lentils, chickpeas, beans, etc. I like fungus protein, and do some soy. I also do chicken breast, fish, very lean red meat (super trimmed of all fat), eggs, yogurt, etc. But I try to balance it with at least equal plant protein. There is a whole section of this website that caters to vegetarian and vegan recipes for weight loss surgery. In the early weeks post surgery....you're going to have a problem with skins, and seeds...you won't digest them well and they can get caught in your suture line and cause problems. (even in smoothies the tiny seeds can be an issue) Forget about raw veggies and fruits...It all needs to be super soft at first. In the early weeks post surgery...you won't like bread. Or it won't like you. Bread is difficult at first, particularly whole grains. (But you will have a love affair with oatmeal:) ) By two months post-surgery you'll be able to eat almost anything. You can start reintroducing the foods you love. A word about protein.....you have special needs while you're in the weight loss phase as a bariatric patient. You will have a high demand for protein and if you are not consuming it, your body will consume YOUR muscles instead...and one muscle in particular is pretty important...your heart! Eating more protein protects us from muscle wasting. When your weight loss levels off...you can taper it down, but in the rapid weight loss months it's very important. I, too, am a big fan of phytonutrients...so I hear ya.

OMG. I’m on mushies and have been tolerating everything so far. Tonight I decided to go a little rogue and went out to Indian food with my family. I’m not sure if it’s strictly a cheat, because all the food was very mushy, but I’m sure the sauces had sugar in them. I ate no bread or starches, so I don’t feel too bad about it. I feel almost high and elated. It was so good. I got everything mild, and nothing disagreed with me. If you are in mushy stage and you’re bored of what you’re eating, I highly recommend Indian food. Of course you have to get the vegetarian stuff with no chunks of meat in them. It was sooooo good!!

So I've been making my way through the various plant-based docs on Netflix (favorite is Forks Over Knives, least favorite is What the Health although it wasn't terrible) and I came across one called Fat, Sick, & Nearly Dead. The filmmaker is Joe Cross, who I saw in another documentary as a plant-based person, so I looked him up and found the film. To give a short summary he decides to undertake a 60-day juice fast (with medical supervision) so basically eating exclusively fruits and vegetables in juice form - I can't recall if he said whether he added any of the pulp/fiber back in or if it was exclusively juice. Then after his fast he gives the impression that he went on a plant-based diet. He lost about 90 lbs in less than a year, doing a "reboot" juice fast every so often, and started traveling to promote this way of living. Now I'm personally not into juicing especially if the fiber is left out. So I didn't decide to do juicing or follow his journey or anything. However, I thought it was a decent documentary and promoted fruit & veggies so I was like, "Cool," and moved on with my life. Then Netflix recommended the sequel film, Fat, Sick, & Nearly Dead 2. So I started watching it. Well... he stated that at the end of his juice fast he had lost 90 pounds to be about 220. He's 6'2 so that's a BMI of 28. Not bad for coming from being 310 lbs. However then he said he has gone up to 240 and fluctuates between 240 and 250. That's a BMI of 30.8 to 32.1 so basically he is obese now. He said 40% of his calories come from fruit and vegetables which I thought was kinda low, but maybe he eats a lot of grains or whatever.... and then he hit me with the big one that he eats animal protein for dinner every night! To my mind this is kind of crazy to call yourself plant-based and then eat meat not just occasionally but every night for supper. I feel like he is kind of riding the trend of plant-based/veganism while sort of hiding the fact that he's still eating meat. I mean I definitely left the first documentary with the impression he was fully plant-based/vegan. And it really got me wondering if this is why his weight is still so high and he has to constantly be going on these "reboot" juice fasts to lose weight again. I wonder what would happen if he just cut out the meat and ate plant-based all the time, if his weight would go back down and he wouldn't have to reboot. I know he travels a lot which can do crazy things to your body, sleep, water retention, etc. But Dr. Greger also travels all over the place doing talks, etc. And Dr. Greger admits his diet when traveling isn't always ideal - he said sometimes when traveling he only hits 25% of the daily dozen recommendation - but he does eat only plant-based and stays healthy despite a crazy travel schedule. So what do you think? Have you seen this movie or the sequel? Do you think if you eat meat every night you are still plant-based? (This doesn't count vegetarianism because this forum is also for vegetarians, not just vegans, so I am referring only to meat here.) Would you rather eat meat and have to juice fast, or just cut the meat and eat mostly plant-based all the time for the same results?

I believe the issue is rooted in the fact that the word "diet" has two separate meanings. di·et1 ˈdīət/ noun noun: diet; plural noun: diets 1. the kinds of food that a person, animal, or community habitually eats. "a vegetarian diet" synonyms: selection of food, food, foodstuffs; More a regular occupation or series of activities in which one participates. "a healthy diet of classical music" 2. a special course of food to which one restricts oneself, either to lose weight or for medical reasons. "I'm going on a diet" (of food or drink) with reduced fat or sugar content. modifier noun: diet "diet soft drinks"

Dal is an Indian dish that can be anywhere from smooth like a soup to a thick puree, It is made from split peas or lentils but I think chickpeas can also be used. Dal is a staple in india because most indians are vegetarian and lentils are high in protein.

It was a quantum leap to accept a quirky flavour at first but I liked it (unsweetened almond milk) with egg whites and protein powder and was able to have it in other drinks and food over time. I am eventually going to be vegetarian then vegan as I make changes in steady steps.

I am 24 days out and I am eating all kinds of stuff I didn't think I would be able to eat this quickly. I eat very small amounts, but I have been eating things like stuffed vegetarian grape leaves, deli turkey meat (Boar's Head Reduced Sodium is the best) rolled up with a thin piece of swiss, low fat string cheese, and even went to a vegan restaurant and had a piece of flatbread pizza with cashew cheese, roasted red peppers, and seitan sausage (it was the best thing I have eaten since surgery, and caused 0 pain!). Two weeks out I was eating lots of cottage cheese, mashed sweet potato, Amy's Organic lentil and vegetable soups (not pureed), but also some well-chewed nuts. I probably could have started deli meat then too but I was nervous. As far as slowing your weight loss, mine did slow down around the two week mark for about 4 days, but now it is picking up again. Like the poster above said, I think it is just your body adjusting. I eat about 300-500 calories a day now and I feel awesome. Best of luck and remember to eat slow and chew well whenever trying anything new! I got cocky recently with all my success and had my first piece of food get stuck from not chewing well enough. That sucked!

I do vegan/vegetarian, WFPB, lifestyle. Slowly changed before WLS and have kept at this. It’s nice, easy, healthy, no counting, no journaling, just eat healthy food when hungry. It’s the best lifestyle for me. No dieting about it.

This is how I’ve been taught to eat as well, so I feel conflicted about my Nutritionists recommendations. I eat meat now but was a vegetarian for 8 years so I have a taste for plant proteins and don’t feel good eating meat meat meat. I’ll do what it takes though.

I actually would like to try Quorn. The cranberry/goat cheese options sounds interesting. Love that combo with chicken. I kinda chickened out about trying Quorn cuz I read that you could have super bad reactions to the mushrooms? I eat other mushrooms though without problems. In the old days I used to love Morningside Farms grillers. I actually miss them. I may have to see if there are Quorn crumbles in the freezer section. It's not that I'm looking to go vegetarian, vegan, or to up my veg/fiber consumption cuz I already eat over 1lb per day (per Dr. Weiner), but I do love to just have options and variety. One of my most satisfying meals is the combo of mixed mushrooms sauteed with garlic and greens and egg/egg whites. It's very meaty and substantial without making you queasy cuz it's so heavy and rich. Sometimes I'll add turkey sausage crumbles or will add a bit of cheese like feta or goat cheese.