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Hi allamess, no wonder you feel miserable if you're hungry and lightheaded all the time! I 've been banded for a month and found in the early days I needed to eat more than three meals a day because I would get so full from a small amount of food. I'd have a LITTLE healthy snack between meals to stop that horrible low blood sugar feeling. As for recipes, if you are wanting to stay away from breads etc maybe you could try some vegetarian recipes. I have found recipes with lentils and chickpeas, and tofu to be fabulous since being banded. They help with your Protein intake, and tend to be nice a moist so I haven't had any problems with them going down. If you do a google search for dahl, vegan burgers, 'neat' balls, chickpea stew you will find zillions of recipes that I've found are perfect for bandster eating because they are so nutritious, and very filling. OH, and they tend to be low fat, low calorie too .... how cool is that?? Susie

Just a quick response since I am not pescatarian or vegetarian. There are vegetarians on this site who can help you. You might get more responses if you post in the food and Nutrition Forum. I THINK there is a vegetarians subforum. As to how much fish is safe to eat I think it varies depending on the fish and where it comes from. The Environmental Defense Fund has some good information on their website. Also, I live in Kentucky and our Department of Fish and Wildlife has info on their website about locally caught fish. If you eat local fish you might want to see if your state has something similar. Best of luck.

LOVE HUMMUS>>>I use red lentils with my vegetarian...makes a lovely sauce... thanks for the recipe

June 14, 2008 Down 4 pounds in 24 hours is quite amazing to me, however, I realize that the pounds are going to just drop off here at first. Yesterday was my first day on a Pre-Op two week diet. I had 1 Slim Fast Optima, 1 Weight Control Quaker Oatmeal, a serving of grapes, 1/2 an apple, 1 can of vegetarian vegetable soup, one 8 oz glass of skim milk with a packet of Carnation Instant Breakfast (no sugar added) mixed in, and 1 cup of no-fat cottage cheese. Oh and of course plenty of water, which I love. Actually, it wasn't so bad. I kept myself busy with reading, computer work, laundry. That's the key. I need to redirect my life. I'm looking into starting my own web site so that will take some time. This morning I got up at 7:00 and took a walk with the dogs. We walked down to the pond, which is a little ways away, downhill. The dogs loved the water and romped and played. So they got their exercise too. The trudge back up the hill was a killer, but I know it will get easier with time. If I consider my alternatives, (heart attack, stroke, diabetes, death), I rather like this hiking up and down hills. The Slim Fast tasted better this morning: Strawberry Cream, which I thought would be delicious, turns out NOT to be. Plus I had a yogurt, Activia, which I didn't get in yesterday. All the foods I mentioned are all that I will eat for the next two weeks. This was given to me by the dietitian. Why, I bet I lose 20 pounds even before surgery! The dietitian explained to me that the reason for this diet is to help the liver to lose weight. Fatty tissue built up around the liver is not good and hinders absorption of proper nutrients. I know there is more to it than that. I will need to research that again. So, I'm off and running. Well, actually, not running yet. That will come later, I hope.

There are many vegetarian protein powders available at health food stores that contain pea protein or other lactose free proteins- Vega is one brand I have seen there.

Alex has reorganized the food and Nutrition forum to make it easier than ever to find information and recipes for whatever stage of your journey you are on, no matter what surgery you are having or had! Also make sure to check out the special sections for vegetarians, gluten free, and other special diets. We ask for your patience as we manually categorise existing recipes into the new categories. Please jump in and share new ones and use the Search function to find old favorites!

My doc's nutritionist freaked when she found out I'm a vegetarian. She immediately told me to stay away from pineapple and celery because they can be 'stringy.' She did admit at our post-op meeting that I'm the only vegetarian they've ever had. I love pineapple and sometimes put in in my daily Protein smoothie. With celery, the problem is the strings, they worry about it somehow getting entangled in the band. As long as you chew, there shouldn't be a problem. You can also de-string celery, which I do if I'm eating celery raw. I did this before the band, as well. I hate those strings A celery recipe is a snap to create from scratch!

My weight has been the one thing I can't really control in life. I come from a long line of tall, big-boned giants in my family. (Seriously, my dad is a non-athlete and needed a knee replacement the size of a football player's.) I am 5'9 and have always had long legs and curves, even at my highest weight. I developed earlier than other girls when I was in my teens, and owned a size 12 (Between 165-185 lbs) until my sophomore year in college. I've always loved my body and felt that it was beautiful even if I was more voluptuous than other girls in school. During college I ate more. I discovered that beer and wine were good. (You know, before you realized they contained boat loads of empty calories?) My sleep patterns changed and the stress of tests, papers and social life added up-- and so did the pounds. By the time I graduated I was larger (Size 18-20, 240-260 lbs) but still had my curves. Dieting became more of a priority now, but the dieting almost made it worse. I would lose weight, regain. Cut carbs, try intuitive eating, then go to a doctor, go to the gym and try to get on a new plan, try the South Beach Diet, Eat Vegetarian... you get it? Right? I felt like my energy was sucked up with trying to lose the pounds and it was discouraging thinking about it. I worked hard at my career while still trying to work out and eat less carbs. I was supervised by a doctor, personal trainer and nutritionist-- but somehow I just couldn't stop the lose and regain cycle I had started. Every time I stepped on the scale, I was more than 20 lbs heavier than the last time. I wore nice clothes to the office, but as my weight creeped higher and higher-- my heels got lower and lower-- because my sitting and walking posture were losing strength. I felt my muscles weaken and it was weird for me. (By this time, I was about 300-320 lbs.) I added more time in the gym to help keep me active and to prevent myself from becoming completely glued to my office chair or in meetings. I gave up alcohol and only drank water.For a year and a half before my wedding, I worked out 4-5 days a week (cardio and strength). My diet was balanced, (whole grain, lean meats, vegetables, occasional treats) but between working out, going to work 40-55 hours a week-- I ate way more when I came home. Not out of stress, but because I felt HUNGRY. No fast foods, no crazy fried foods-- just balanced meals choices... but HUGE portions. I ended up losing 5 pounds in a year and a half for my wedding. Then gaining 15 while on my honeymoon-- my highest weight. (376 lbs.) So let's fast forward to today: I am a successful profession in marketing. I have some competitive skills and work well with others. I am able to look people in the eye with the same confidence I have always had. I love myself, and I love my life. I just want to be a winner of my own health, too. I am working out in the gym still, eating a balanced diet, now reducing my portions and I weighed in today at 358 lbs. I am currently at a size high 24 and low 26. I still wear heels to work, but low ones. I am at a point where I can walk up and down stairs, quickly through hallways and to my car with a bit of a heavy breath-- but still doable. My chair is snugger than I would like it to be, but it works. I pass on the endless parade of employee birthday cakes, but still participate in the celebrations. My struggle now is trying to control the urge to eat at night and keep my calories in check. It's hard. It's hard not to be tired after work. It's hard to be as focused on my duties, be a leader and ensure I take care of my body with the proper nutrients and exercise it needs. I have some aches that I didn't have before. My lower back gets tight and my joints crack more. This is a new development and one of the reasons I am moving forward with the VSG surgery. Working out IS HARDER at this weight, and it still feels like I am not getting anywhere. However, I am staying positive no matter what. I have decided that I am going to take control and apply this tool (the VSG, is a tool-- not a cure-all) to my gym routine and eat like my nutritionist instructs. Protein, small amounts, stay away from those starchy carbs. I only drink water and iced coffee with a little light cream in the morning. I am already learning to love my scale and thinking of it as a unit of measurement. (The same way I would measure success at work.) I can still be my big-boned, tall self at work-- I just need some help and taking these next steps will help me do that. Anyone else struggle with the weight and work? (In the office or at home?) I'd love to hear about it. I will continue to write more. The good, the bad and the UGLY It's here we can all share these experiences and learn from each other.

Ok, vegetable soup is in the crock pot, although vegetable stew will be closer to the truth. Used vegetable broth rather than beef or chicken so I will be able to share it with a vegetarian co-worker.

Just look up recipes, and make them your own. You can make virtually anything low carb, low fat, vegetarian, or whatever you want by switching ingredients. I like to use staples over and over in different meals to save time and waste. Taco Salad (Spinach, Tomato, black beans, cheese, cilantro, red onion, avocado slices, seasoned turkey or veggie crumbles) Asparagus Enchilada Burrito (leftover seasoned turkey or veggie crumbles, cheese, roasted asparagus, black beans wrapped in Flatout Multigrain w/ Flax flatbread with Las Palmas enchilada sauce (1/4 cup - can eat 1/2 in a sitting) Roasted poblanos stuffed with leftover seasoned veggie crumbles, spinach, cheese, mushrooms and Las Palmas enchilada sauce ( 1/4 cup) Trident Wild Caught Salmon Patty w/sautéed spinach and quinoa Spinach Salad w/leftover Trident Wild Caught Salmon (spinach, tomato, red onion, cheese, chopped roasted asparagus, Olive Garden light Italian salad dressing) Chicken and Shrimp Skewers (Chicken pieces, shrimp, tri-colored bell peppers, red onion in pieces) fajita style leftover Chicken and shrimp fajita taco on Flatout flatbread with avocado, spinach and fat free refried black beans leftover fajita Chicken Caesar Salad (spinach, shredded parmesan cheese, caesar dressing, chopped red onion, chicken)

Thank you all....its tough....in Ireland therapy is not so common.....I did go to a psycho therapist here for 2 years....and basically I was told you are the master of your destiny.....so don't eat the bad things......I was never allowed sweets or crisps as a child...we did not have fast food or Drive Thru's ....so when my mother got sick in my teens we had to eat fast food as my father did not cook.....definitely crave carbs having PCOS.....love anything Italian.....don't eat meat as a vegetarian....missing bread.....pasta.....and pizza...would have eaten lots...I am a size 12 which is good....I think I have to have the will power now....and get back on track....thankfully I have this site as support

Sunkist may sound like a good idea, but it is definitely NOT vegan nor vegetarian. It contains collagen and cassienate.

I lost 5.5 pounds on the test recently. It was all water, but happy for it. As soon as I brought back some carbs, part of it came back, but not all of it! I also gained renewed faith in eating protiens. I am a vegetarian, so I have been using whey based protein powders... I reallly don't like the veggie ones much, mostly the texture. I used many kinds of fake meat, Explore Asia brand high protein pastas, nuts, eggs and egg whites, I use Dixie Diner brand Beef, turkey, chicken NOT! products, morning star frozen meatless meats, tofu (you can use in a shake as well) Trader Joes meatless products (just look at the protien to make sure it is up there) I have been following the 5:2 on and off for over a year, and am now doing a version of the 5 day test on my "fast" days. So far so good. I have found the no flavor soy protein powder OK to cook with, like in oatmeal, baked in muffins and such... check out the world according to eggface for good high protein recipes.

So my neurologist put me on topomax (or is it topamax?) for my migraines and last night was my first dose (before bedtime). He forewarned me that the most common side effect was appetite loss, and i just shrugged it off because big deal, right? Well no. Being banded for me means I do not get hungry. I have to remind myself to eat, so a drug that surpresses my already non-existent appetite is no biggie, or so I thought. I realized a half hour ago that today I had 2 cappacinos (yes, I know we arent' supposed to have caffeine, but I'm a bad girl), less than a cup of salad w/ vinagarette dressing, less than a 1/4c of pulled pork (just plain), and that was it. UHhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhm, thats so not me. I have no desire to lose weight the unhealthy way. Anyone can force themselves to stop eating, and what good does it do? Eventually you fall off the wagon and binge an then -pow- all your weight is right back on. I chose to eat healthy. I never deprive myself of things---NEVER. Even chocolate, sugar, soda, whatever. I just hold myself accountable for it. For instance, if I have to give into my temptation and eat half a package of m-n-ms (220cals for 1/2; 440 for whole), I know that for dinner I better be eating fish or chicken breast and it better be dry, no pretty sauces for me, gotta keep the calories down. This forces me to forego the m-n-ms (my weakness) because I love to cook and I love to have fab dinners, not boring "I'm on a diet" dinners. Its all give and take. I eat not so good things in moderation and am sure to fill the rest of my day with exceptionally healthy things. Which, is really easy for me since I could probably be a vegetarian if need be. Like if tomorrow meat sky rocketed in price, it wouldn't bother me, I just would eat more broccoli & spinach <3 Anywho, I am very upset over what this medication did to my appetite today and I am planning on paying better attention to it tomorrow. But, if for some reason I find myself unable to get my diet back to where it needs to be, I'll be calling the neurologist and he'll be changing my meds. I'd rather suffer from the occasional migraine than make myself sick from not eating properly. <3 tiff:tongue_smilie:

So my neurologist put me on topomax (or is it topamax?) for my migraines and last night was my first dose (before bedtime). He forewarned me that the most common side effect was appetite loss, and i just shrugged it off because big deal, right? Well no. Being banded for me means I do not get hungry. I have to remind myself to eat, so a drug that surpresses my already non-existent appetite is no biggie, or so I thought. I realized a half hour ago that today I had 2 cappacinos (yes, I know we arent' supposed to have caffeine, but I'm a bad girl), less than a cup of salad w/ vinagarette dressing, less than a 1/4c of pulled pork (just plain), and that was it. UHhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhm, thats so not me. I have no desire to lose weight the unhealthy way. Anyone can force themselves to stop eating, and what good does it do? Eventually you fall off the wagon and binge an then -pow- all your weight is right back on. I chose to eat healthy. I never deprive myself of things---NEVER. Even chocolate, sugar, soda, whatever. I just hold myself accountable for it. For instance, if I have to give into my temptation and eat half a package of m-n-ms (220cals for 1/2; 440 for whole), I know that for dinner I better be eating fish or chicken breast and it better be dry, no pretty sauces for me, gotta keep the calories down. This forces me to forego the m-n-ms (my weakness) because I love to cook and I love to have fab dinners, not boring "I'm on a diet" dinners. Its all give and take. I eat not so good things in moderation and am sure to fill the rest of my day with exceptionally healthy things. Which, is really easy for me since I could probably be a vegetarian if need be. Like if tomorrow meat sky rocketed in price, it wouldn't bother me, I just would eat more broccoli & spinach <3 Anywho, I am very upset over what this medication did to my appetite today and I am planning on paying better attention to it tomorrow. But, if for some reason I find myself unable to get my diet back to where it needs to be, I'll be calling the neurologist and he'll be changing my meds. I'd rather suffer from the occasional migraine than make myself sick from not eating properly. <3 tiff:tongue_smilie:

SF jello pudding; homemade SF custard feels very warm and soothing on a new pouch. Yogurt, cottage cheese (small curd)....mix a little SF jelly in it; refried beans (vegetarian) ricotta cheese (mix a little spaghetti sauce in it to make it tasty); well-cooked cauliflower (mash it up).

I say I prefer vegetarian options because it's usually something with veg and cheese that you can mash.

Oh nooo! It will get easier, I promise! Especially if you can eat some real foods, not just liquids. I went vegetarian for two years; I started because I wanted to impress a boyfriend (lolol) and so it was initially really hard to start and ignore all the delicious foods I was used to eating. Eventually as I got rid of all the stuff I couldn't eat in my house and only bought the right foods/frequented the right restaurants, it got so easy I never had to think about it. Even smelling meat didn't make me want it, and I bet it gets like that with non-doctor-diet foods for you. It's gonna be okay!

I wrote that in the heat of the moment. Let me clarify a few things. We are a family with two young boys, one parent that works full time and the other is a busy business owner trying to evolve. We are committed to being home with our children, so we never use daycare. Having time to myself is a very rare occurance. The children are too young to take to the meetings. Excercise happens early in the morning at the gym or during naptime at home. My infringing on his worktime creates an automatic conflict. And he's vegetarian. Nothing means more to him than my health. He has shown encouragement and support in his own way. I wish it was more. I wish he would try to be healthful along beside me, even if it has to be on his terms. It seems the further I get into this, the more he pushes away from that lifestyle leaving me feeling alone. Which makes me want to eat.

I went back on MFP and copied what I had at 2 mths post -op. I was only aiming for 60 gms of Protein at the time. In retrospect the only thing I would change is to increase my protein count. Breakfast Cvs Pharmacy - ¼ cup whey Protein Powder chocolate Maxwell House - Decaf Original Roast coffee Swiss Miss - Classics - Milk Chocolate, 1 envelope Carnation - Evaporated 2% Lowfat Milk Egg (Whole) - Raw, 1 Egg, Large Almond Breeze - Unsweetened vanilla, 0.5 cup Kraft Regular Mayo Tblsp - Kraft Regular Mayo Tblsp, 0.5 Tbsp lunch Orgain Organic Nutritional shake - Iced Cafe Mocha, 11 oz 2 Snack Wonderful - Pistachio, 1.5 oz 130 6 11 5 125 2 dinner *I'm vegetarian, if you are omni, just use chicken breast and real bacon Beyond meat - Chicken-Less Strips, 4 ounces Light Life - Fakin Bacon, 1 strips Spinach - Raw, 0.25 cup Swanson - Vegetable broth, 0.5 cup *I'd add a scoop of unflavored protein powder to this Totals: 844 calories 70 carbs 60 protein and 26 sugar

My advice is to call the nutritionist at your doctor's office and explain the difficulty you're having. When I did this, the nutritionist told me she'd rather me eat 4 oz of solid Protein (chicken for most, soy for vegetarian me) than to full fledged cheat. I still lost 12 lbs and even at a high BMI, my surgery was a snap. See if you can break the rules with your doc's permission. If you can't, you WILL make it through this. The band is SO SO worth this sacrifice. I'm thinking about you!

It's being catered at a banquet hall (not a restaurant) so I'm sure there aren't really any special requests other than maybe vegetarian.

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.

I am an independent Ambassador with Plexus and RNY post surgery PT. We have a great protein powder in chocolate and vanilla called P96 as it's only 96 cals helps with sustained energy, helps control hunger and curb cravings, builds lean muscle, 15 g of hi quality whey protein, gluten free, 100% vegetarian, Non-GMO vanilla. After surgery, we need to repair the gut flora in our stomach and intestines and 70-80% of our immune system lies in our gut. That means that's where our health lies. We need to take such great care of increasing the good gut bacteria and microflora and ridding the bad bacteria as well as keeping some of the good. What Plexus products do is to assist with this process by increasing this process by pre and probiotics in amounts more than is offered in stores plus they do much more. And we have biotics to help with pain, mood and stress, and nerve pain, heart health, vitamins, and as a Nurse these REALLY REALLY WORK!! Let me know if I can help your stomach in this process.

I am not a vegetarian, but I can appreciate how annoying that must be to be asked such a question.... I hope you hear from your insurance company soon...that would be great...I was denied by insurance company, but went ahead and did the self-pay...I am so glad that I did....I couldn't be happier...been banded one month tomorrow...