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I am just wondering if anyone else here has suffered from severe anemia. Just a quick background, I had the sleeve, which leaked. Then RNY. I am vegetarian. I am wondering if the surgeries (I had stents put in when I had the leak (total of 7 attempts and then it had to be sewn in place) have damaged something that is leading to anemia? I have had anemia for a couple of years now - I had a series of 5 infusions of Iron, but it didn't do much for me. I asked my obgyn (who was checking hormones) to add in my Iron levels, and sure enough it's still low and so I am going back to see her. I KNOW she's going to flag me now for a colonoscopy, because I guess that's a conclusion you could make from my anemia. I really don't want to have to go through a whole slew of testing if this is a common thing in bariatric surgeries. Here are my blood test results - no other bloods were out of whack. Ferritin 6 Iron Binding Capacity 395 Saturation 6 Iron Total 23 Hemoglobin 11.6 Hemocrit 35.3 MCV 79.3 MCH 26.1 RDW 16 I would just really appreciate some feedback from people who might have been through the same thing.

I am not plant based but I do eat nice amount of vegetarian substitutes for red meats! they still have a nice amount of protein. I like the brand Morning Star (I think some of the items are vegetarian & not vegan however)

Lifestyle issues: none. I went vegetarian back in 1989, and have been vegan for about 7 years now. Likewise my partner. I've always been a supplement taker, so I've never been anemic or had any issues (outside of eating too much junk food and carbs, of course, leading me here!). Post-op, my labs have been consistently good, so even with the malabsorbtion factor, I've been able to nourish myself well. The only thing any blood test has found was 8 weeks ago when I landed in hospital after a bike accident and the labs showed I was low in magnesium. So I've been taking a mag supplement since then which is fixing that. Never a whisper of kidney stones. It's tough recommending any protein drinks since I'm in Australia and we don't have access to the same brands as you guys over there. The best protein water I've found that's both tasty and not absolutely drowning in stevia is MyProtein's Clear Vegan Protein. I know you can get that one internationally. It's not as much protein per serve as a shake (it's 10g per serve), but since I have to drink a couple of litres of water a day anyway, getting 3 of those in means I've got over half my daily minimum protein intake plus water, so I love the double-up. Other vegan protein waters with higher protein counts that I've tried have either been too cloyingly sweet or just straight up revolting. The MyProtein one is like drinking cordial. Minus the sugar. The Apple & Elderflower flavour is the bomb. Also: vegan protein will absorb as well as non-vegan. I promise it's a myth that you can't get enough protein from plants. Plenty of vegan athletes and body builders can attest! 💪

Hello hello... just checking in. Not much to report except a weight gain. Now up to 270... been bouncing around that for a while. I am incredibly anemic and find it hard to keep my levels up and think that I may just have to have iron infusions for the rest of my life. I'm vegetarian and I am just wondering if my stomach has become injured after the sleeve leak and then the RNY... I don't think I can absorb iron. I've been on Saxenda for a bit, but it's not doing a lot for me, except maybe keeping my weight stable, which is good I guess! I'm thinking of going on Wegovy when it's available. Apparently it's low on stock because people love it so much. How is everyone doing? I'd love to hear how everyone is. Anyone else having issues with keeping their vitamin levels up? @Goody222 you look amazing! You must feel great! Well done!! Love to all xxx

There's actually a entire forum dedicated to this topic. It doesn't see a ton of traffic, but there are definitely folks doing this: https://www.bariatricpal.com/forum/1101-vegetarian-or-vegan-eating/

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

How this salad came out to 500 calories is insane! I’m blaming the quorn meatless nuggets (vegetarian not vegan as they have egg whites in them). Even so, I’m at 1300 calories for the day even with “ice cream” for dessert.

Some ideas: Sweet Potato Chili Instant Pot Tacos (made with lentils) Cauliflower Tacos with black beans, cabbage slaw, cilantro & Yum Yum Sauce Vegetarian chili Spinach salad with red onion, Falafel “Scotch” eggs and Garlicky Lemon-Tahini Dressing Egg topped Sweet Potato/Onion Hash, Sautéed Mushrooms & Kale with Parmesan & Almonds Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms, Pear Salad with Balsamic and Walnuts Veggie Quesadilla with black beans, spinach & mashed sweet potato Vegetarian Stuffed Cabbage Whole Masoor Dal, Quinoa, pepitas Southern Veggie Plate Vegetable Kofta Curry Baingan Bharta Lahsuni Bhindi Muttar Paneer Palak Paneer Aloo Gobi Chickpea Curry Avocado toast topped with egg Cheese Stuffed Poblano Peppers Lentil Soup Briam & Greek Salad Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas with Fresh Dill and Parsley, Horiátiki Salata Vegetarian Enchiladas Suizas Zucchini-serrano fritters with black beans, avocado, fried egg, salsa, & queso fresco (a.k.a. lower carb Huevos Rancheros) Falafel wrap (can use butter lettuce if you don't want pita) Vegan Chickpea "Crab" Cakes, tartar sauce, butter lettuce & apple salad Veggie Stuffed Roasted Portobello Mushrooms with Salad Slow-Cooker Sweet Potato Chocolate Mole Soup Rajmah dal, Saag Paneer, Vegetable Pakoras Gatte Ki Sabzi, Palak Paneer Aloo Gobi, Palak Paneer, Rice Vegetable Manchurian, Chana Masala, Bhindi Ki Sabzi Grilled Portobello Mushrooms with Spinach and Manchego Malai Kofta Curry Cauliflower, Egg & Potato Curry, Palak Paneer Shakshuka, Spinach, Berry & Pistachio Salad Veggie Quiche & Side Salad Pisto Manchego, Fried Egg Coconut Cauliflower Curry Moroccan Stew with Chickpeas & Sweet Potatoes, Quinoa Huevos Rancheros & Papas Fritas, Avocado & Cilantro Vegan Sweet Potato & Black Bean Burger with shiitake mushrooms (Served on an whole wheat English muffin) Caponata, whole wheat pita chips & lentil soup Baked Sweet Potato with Moroccan Style Lentils Vegan Burger patty & Sweet Potato Wedges Moroccan Shakshuka Eggs With Lentils Menemen Veggie Enchiladas with Chile Verde Roasted Veggie Grain Bowl Spicy Sweet Potato Soup with Harissa & Sourdough Bread Vegetarian Mulligatawny Collard Greens & Black-Eyed Pea Soup Veggie Stuffed Grilled Portobello Mushrooms, Pear & Walnut Salad Soba noodles with spicy tofu and cabbage Loaded vegetarian quesadilla (use low carb or whole wheat tortilla) You'll notice there's a lot if Indian foods. I love things from the Indian sub-continent and there are thousands of vegetarian options to choose from. Same goes for many other "ethnic" foods.

Can’t really help on the vegetarian meal suggestions except for beans, lentils & barley dusges. I often throw lentils, barley or beans into soups for extra protein. What about faux meat products? I know some are fine with them but others won’t eat them. I understand the dislike of sweet things (I eat very little sweet foods) but I don’t find rolled oats sweet at all - wouldn’t eat them if they were. I use traditional oats with a spoon of seeds, make them on milk & add some blueberries before eating - 15g of protein (which is more than 2 eggs). I don’t add natural or artificial sweeteners. The natural sugar in the milk & the berries is plenty for me. And this is usually the only fruit I eat in a day & one of my two serves of multi/whole grain carbs.

Hey! I'm getting sick of my usual and looking for some new meal idea and snacks. I'm dealing a lot with craving carbohydrates and salt. I'd like to only eat whole foods and complex carbohydrates if I decide to eat them but stick mostly to protein and veggies. I'm a vegetarian but feel free to share with my your meaty meals because I can always modify them and make them veg with tofu and other plant based proteins. I usually eat eggs or a protein shake for breakfast, salads, cheese, crackers and soy products like tofu or Tempeh for dinners and lunch. I ate a lot of chips and barely drank any water this week because of my environment (which I'm about to leave thank god) but in general dont feel that great after eating things like that. I tried having oatmeal for breakfast the other day and found it really gross. I don't like sweet things or fruit but I feel like eating a half serving of fruit will help manage my carbohydrate cravings. And when I say carbs I mean like breads and chips. So i'm curious if you want to just drop your typical meal plan in the replies. I'd love to steal some ideas! I'm eating about 1200-1300 calories a day at the moment and aim for 60 grams of protein. A pretty good day for me looks like a protein shake, a snack, and a meal. Hbu? Sent from my SM-G975U using BariatricPal mobile app

Here are some more ideas for you: Vegetarian (or not!) chili Cabbage Rolls with potatoes Kofta Curry Muttar Paneer Stuffed Poblano Peppers Kafta Kabob Huevos Rancheros (skip the tortilla) Vegan Sweet Potato & Black Bean "meatballs" with shiitake mushrooms Menemen Dalia Khichdi Masoor Dal Dal Makhani Baba Ghanouj with Cauliflower or Zucchini Fritters (add protein powder) Blackened Salmon with Smashed Potatoes Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Salmon over Zoodles Mahi Mahi w/ Aji Amarillo, sauteed zucchini Thai Red Curry with Mahi Mahi Tilapia w/Pesto, Roasted Root Veggies Vegetable Beef Soup (use ground beef & no corn) Beef & Bean Sloppy Joes (skip the bun), roasted carrots Swedish Meatballs & potatoes Ground Beef Stir Fry with broccoli & mushrooms Kibbeh Harira Crustless Quiche Basically anything that uses ground meats is probably safe. Get creative with veggies to either cook with or along with the meat. Some things that may be light on protein may need some unflavored protein powder mixed in.

Vegetarian bowl: romaine, chana masala (Trinidadian style) and goat cheese beet salad

First it will take a lot of concentrated effort over a long period of time, eating huge amounts of food to stretch your tummy out again. You do need to be careful of portion sizes while you are healing so you don’t put too much stress on your tummy & the stitches, & staples holding it together. Though there are similarities in plans, there are also lots of differences plus there are also your individual needs to be considered (vegetarian, allergies, etc.). Which is why your surgeon &/or dietician should have provided you with the post surgical diet listing what foods you can eat when they want you to follow. They should also provide you with goals & recommendations around fluid, protein & sometimes also calories & macros. They should also advise on portion sizes. If they haven’t ask for them - they are supposed to be there to support you through this. As an example of differences, I was only given fluid, protein & portion size recommendations: 2L fluid, 60g protein, 1/4 - 1/3 cup food from purée. Some are advised more protein. Some are given caloric goals along the way like to aim for 1200 calories within a couple of months (I barely hit 900 at 6 months). There are differences in plan lengths, the stages & even the food. Once through the immediate post surgical stages & on solid foods, talk to your dietician about different eating plans you could follow while losing & would easily translate into maintenance as well. Best advice is: don't do more than you are able to do & don’t do more than you are advised to do just because you can. If you can’t eat something on your list or eat all your portion that’s okay. Eating more than your recommended portion or eating food not on your recommended list for each of the eating plan stages until you are at that stage is not the best decision.

Not vegetarian but the majority of my diet are fruits and vegetables (7 - 14 servings per day). My diet is 50% to 60% carbs. Beans and lentils are great from the beginning (i e. pureed stage and after), tofu as well (soft at first, then firm). I love Tofu and vegetable stir-fry dishes or soups. Anything soybean helps a lot with protein. There is always vegan protein powder too.

I’m a vegetarian in the preop phase of surgery. I had my consultation yesterday and was able to check off everything required prior to surgery (cardiologist, upper G.I., sleep study, etc.) except the nutritionist appointments and preop lab work. I wanted to ask if anyone was vegetarian or vegan postop and how well you’re doing with it. Also, please feel free to share any recipes or tips!

Ugly plate but pretty good. I made a bunch of vegetarian southern food. Vegetarian collard greens and tomatoes, low sugar Cornbread, barbecue beans, a vegan chicken nugget and a boiled egg. Hits the spot and is filling. Sent from my SM-G975U using BariatricPal mobile app

If anyone questions I’d just go with the seeing a dietician & being careful with what you eat story. I mean it is the truth just not all the truth. It is your business & who you choose to tell about your surgery is yours alone. I go out to dinner, parties, birthdays, events, etc. & no body really cares what I eat or don’t eat & I don’t feel like I missing out on anything. People have so many food preferences, eating styles, allergies, sensitivities, etc. these days you changing your eating habits shouldn’t be much of an issue. Does anyone get upset with a vegetarian who doesn’t eat the meat dishes at a party or someone glutton intolerant eating a bun less burger?? I think everybody celebrates with food but as others have said it’s all about the choices you make. What you put or don’t put in your mouth doesn’t change how you share the celebration. You can choose how much food you put on your plate & what food you will or won’t eat. I’ve had plenty, I couldn’t eat another bite or I might have some later are reasonable excuses you can use.

Good morning from broiling hot San Diego (100+ temps twice this week)! The scale finally decided to move a pound after a 4-day standstill. See, I knew it would show up eventually. Tomorrow is exciting because I have some real foods planned now that I can have soft foods. Vegetarian tuna salad + broccoli. Low-fat cottage cheese + peaches. Scrambled eggs + cantaloupe. All fruit skinless and mashed. Broccoli well steamed and mashed. I'm getting in plenty of activity with moving prep (under 3 weeks until the movers come) with regular breaks as I can't stand long thanks to a mobility disability. Doing what I can but not overdoing it.

That's awesome! I'm really looking forward to the soft phase (I start Monday), but then I love scrambled eggs. I put in an Instacart order this morning for various soft fruit, veggies to steam and mash, low-fat soft cheese, eggs, and ingredients to make vegetarian versions of the curry chicken salad and classic tuna salad recipes from The Gastric Sleeve Cookbook.

When I was in nursing school in the late 90s, during my pediatric clinicals, I took care of a baby that had hundreds of seizures a day, and they put her on the keto diet to try to help. THAT'S what the keto diet was originally for, but some fad to lose weight. I wouldn't go to any surgeon who recommended ANY type of strict diet to me that left out whole food groups. Now, my surgeon did recommended very low carbs at first, but gradually adding them in. It is a very balanced approach and no food is completely off limits, in moderation, of course. I eat mostly vegetarian so that was important to me. Now, I am not a complete vegetarian and I was willing to eat some chicken and fish to get more protein after my surgery. Anyway. All surgeons are different. If you're not happy with their plan, find another doctor who is more aligned with the way you want to eat. This has to be permanent lifestyle change, and to be successful it's important to find something you can stick with long term. Some of my family does keto and it's always all or nothing with them. One minute they're totally strict, the next minute they're living on processed carbs.. It's a total diet mentality which I don't believe in. I don't want to get on my soapbox here. Just wanted to tell you that not all surgeons are gonna say you have to do keto. Sent from my Pixel 5a using BariatricPal mobile app

Ooh! I am so used to broths (esp. pho) not being vegetarian that I was so excited to see they are plant-based! I went and ordered the Pho and the Thai Lemongrass. I could also enjoy those with soft tofu as of Sept. 5th when I move to the soft diet.

Most any sensible diet works post op and can be adapted for the immediate post op transition period as well. Vegetarian/vegan is tricky for a while because of the low protein density of most foods and the small amount that can be consumed for a while, but there are some veg protein drinks out there that can be used. Does this surgeon have an RD associated with the practice? They would be the most helpful in tailoring a diet for your needs - most understand that for a diet to be successful, it has to work for the individual. Some surgeons will jump on the latest fad diet, like keto, as a way of "tailoring" their program to the greatest number of potential patients while keeping it "one size fits all". When I went through this, there was a clique of patients on these forums who were all gaga about their surgeon because he was a strict low carb fan and they were all hooked on the low carb fad and many chose him specifically for his diet (Keto wasn't a thing then, more classic Atkins was the then current fad). A great marketing tool for the surgeon, and an OK diet for many patients, but hardly a necessity. Our program was quite flexible, aiming mostly to get maximum tolerance while keeping to the protein levels and textures required early on, Right out of the hospital we could have eggs, oatmeal, cream of wheat, sloppy mashed potatoes, refried beans, yogurt, etc. and it was quite successful for most everyone. So no need to get into any of those fad diets, or put up with docs who do.

Have a look at Dr Matthew Weiner’s Pound of Cure book & his you tube videos. He’s a bariatric surgeon who supports a low animal protein diet. It may not be anything all that new but may make you more comfortable about how to manage your weight loss post surgery. A good dietician should help you devise a way of eating that is best for you, your health requirements & your eating preferences. The biggest ficus post surgery is your prirein intake (& fluids) but I’ve never heard anyone say they were restricted to getting their protein only from animal sources. Plenty of plant based protein shakes & powders, yoghurts, milk, etc. as you know you can eat to meet the goals you’ll be given. Initially after the surgery you will be on a staged return to eating diet. This is support your healing tummy & not put undue stress on your digestive system. There are some foods we’re not advised to eat during this period. But again a good dietician should be able to advise you of alternatives. Mind you many have refried beans on their list of recommended foods during the staged return to eating stages. While I was on keto for my pre surgery diet, I was not encouraged to follow it long term by my dietician: good for kickstarting a diet but not long term she advised. I had my own doubts about it so I was glad. Many of us use the weight loss stage to devise a way of eating that best suits our needs & preferences & don’t follow any specific ‘diet’. I mean if there was a diet that worked for everyone none of us would have been obese & needed surgery. Personally I’m a low fat, low carb (2 serves of whole/multigrain carbs a day), low sugar & high protein (absorption issue). Many vegetarians successfully have surgery so your eating preferences should not be a deterrent to you either once you find a supportive surgeon & dietician.

i have two options - 50 total carbs a day or meal replacement shakes and one small meal a day. talk to your nutritional consultant to have a vegetarian preop diet to shrink your liver.

It might be helpful to remember what a true keto diet is vs. what diet culture makes it out to be. A TRUE keto diet simply means eating few enough carbohydrates that your body enters ketosis where it is no longer using glucose as its primary fuel source. It is NOT inherently a high fat, meat only diet. That is what diet culture has turned it into. There are lots of vegetarians who follow a healthy, whole foods based ketogenic diet. Additionally, the amount of carbs that allow ketosis will vary WIDELY from person to person so unless you are testing regularly, you won't really even know if you are truly in ketosis or not. Now, that being said, most surgeons will say that WLS patients eat a keto diet simply because your primary focus will be protein and your intake will be so low that by virtue of the volume and type of foods you'll be eating you'll be in ketosis. Immediately post-op, you won't be able to eat enough beans (or anything else for that matter) to get in your full protein requirement, let alone extra grains & veggies on top. That is not, however, a requirement (generally speaking) nor is it permanent. Over time, as you're able to eat more food and a wider variety, you'll very likely see your carbohydrate intake increase. I would say, it may be helpful to revisit the conversation with the surgeon and/or dietitian to ensure they understand your needs as a vegetarian and that they are able to support you and tailor the post-op diet to your needs. If they can't or won't then it may be helpful to consult with another surgeon. Ultimately, being HEALTHY post-op is the primary concern and that requires eating a metric crap ton of protein. Can you do that as a vegetarian? Absolutely! But it will require extra support and possibly some creativity and flexibility on your part. Best of luck to you!