Search the Community

I am a vegetarian as well and am pre op, I heave considered veganism as well but since we need a lot of protein early on I will probably wait until 6 months post op as I get a substantial amount of protein from dairy currently.

I've been doing really well with Protein post-op. I almost always manage 80-90g of protein a day (a bad day for me would be 75g), but since I'm a vegetarian, I hadn't yet had that really long term full feeling people talk about having with meat. Well, today I was ecstatic to find that my local vegan grocery shop started selling Beyond Meat* and of course I bought some of the chicken so I could try it! I made a chicken salad and dished out my usual 3-4 tablespoons. It took me about an hour to finish (ate half, waited 40 min, ate the other half), and now two hours later, I still feel (almost uncomfortably) full. Now I get what everyone means about the full feeling that comes with dense protein! Like I said, I haven't had trouble getting in protein, but tofu and chickpeas (and even other meat substitutes) definitely sit differently. *If you're curious about Beyond Meat, have a look at this video from the TODAY Show: Or read the wonderful Mark Bittman's op-ed from 2012 http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/11/opinion/sunday/finally-fake-chicken-worth-eating.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0 Oh, and I might just add, the chicken salad I made was AMAZING! If I hadn't made it myself, I wouldn't have eaten it because I would have been convinced there was really chicken in it.

Welcome. There is a wealth of information to be found here. Read around, use the search feature. There are several types of WLS on this board. Different doctors have different protocols and the patients themselves vary based on health, BMI, fitness level, etc... Some of us are vegetarians, some are paleo. In short, no two stories is a like. I personally had an uncomplicated surgery. No pain or need for narcotics in the hospital or upon discharge. Meet with your doctor. Follow his instructions. If you don't understand something ask him to clarify. We can offer opinions, but you need to trust the person you've chosen to manage your care.

I eat-about 3 Gardein's "chikn" nugget things ( they are fake chicken, I'm a vegetarian) with half a can of green beans.

I saw the Taco Soup recipe! That sounds sooo good, but I'm looking for more. Does anyone know how to cook up some mean tofu?? I've never made tofu before, but would love to learn how and make it good! I like to use Boca crumbles and Morningstar bacon. I plan to go to Whole Foods to see what other meat alternatives would be RNY-friendly. I also need recipes that my 2 1/2-year might eat. She's sooo picky--worse than me! LOL

As far as I know, a mix of different Proteins is usually desirable. Protein from different sources behaves differently, some are absorbed fast, others are absorbed slowly, so a mix of slow and fast basically has you covered for a longer amount of time. I believe they also contain different amino acids so a mix gives you a full profile of those. Some info about protein blends: Protein blends provide a timed-release effect when combining proteins that digest at a faster or slower rate. Whey protein digests fast, is high quality and is ideal for building muscle and immunity. Milk (casein protein) is slow digesting and delivers amino acids to your muscles over a longer period of time, helping prevent muscle breakdown. Egg white protein (egg albumen) is medium digesting and has an excellent amino acid profile. Soy protein is a vegetarian source of protein that may help reduce heart disease, is rich in phytoestrogens, but is not as good as whey, milk or egg for building muscle. And some more info here: http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/perfectprotein.htm I was told to use protein isolates and not protein concentrates by my nutritionist. Since we are all working hard to get protein in vs. a body builder who eats and drinks a ton more protein than we do, I trust them that it makes a difference. If I can eat 150-300g of protein, I can probably go for the cheaper concentrate - but if I am working hard to get in 60 - 80g, I want to make sure that my protein is the good stuff - and good stuff, from what I understand is the actual usable part because of some protein types, the body can only absorb 80% or less and of others 90% or more. So the 10g of protein you make drink may only be 8g if it's concentrate or 9g+ if it is isolate. Here is some more information about isolate vs. concentrate: http://www.bodybuildingforyou.com/protein/whey-protein-isolate-concentrate.htm

Mashed beans, lentils and tofu are all soft foods. Basically, if you can cut it easily with a fork, it is considered a soft food. In fact, other than raw veggies, I can't think of anything vegetarian that wouldn't be considered a soft food. I was actually eating tofu, hummus and refried beans in my pureed stage. However, I'd stay away from the mashed potatoes unless you are adding unflavored protein powder to them. Otherwise they are just empty carbs. and feel free to continue drinking protein shakes if you need to in order to get your 60-80g of protein in. I drank them regularly for several years.

I'm looking for suggestions and information from other vegetarians or vegans about their experience with lap band given the limited protein intake with the lifestyle.

I’m also bipolar. Had my gastric bypass last July. Ive been sad for a few months now,since Christmas,I think it was due to being around family at that time of the year. But I am aware that I invited 21 people to my home to celebrate Christmas Day,so maybe that was a manic episode and the sadness I’m feeling now is the low (?). I’m feeling quite confused. The good news is that I need a lower dosage of clonezapam at night. I’ve gone from 3mg to 2mg (a significant amount) I think in 2/3 days time I’ll reduce my dosage to 1.5 mg. I was on 175mg quetaipine and now I’ve reduced it to 125mg. These are the positives. Im not so clumsy during the day anymore from feeling drugged,I’m also more alert. I can definitely say though that surgery didn’t make me depressed. I did suffer from a few nervous days post surgery but I think everyone who has surgery feels that. It’s normal. Good luck with the surgery. Eating less bad carbs and sugar has changed my tastebuds,vegetables and fruit are delicious and sweet. I feel cleaner now from eating the healthy food. I don’t rely on potatoes like I used to,to feel sated,it’s great,as I’m vegetarian. Apologies for writing too much !

Well since my last Dr. appt. I was told to increase my Protein. So now it consists of one Protein Drink in the morning/some kind of meat at work (depends on what crap they make)/ Cottage cheese and peaches for snack/ Soup of the day at work for dinner. When I get home it is another Protein shake and a yogurt. I am still having a hard time eating meat, I honestly would become a Vegetarian if I wanted to put that much effort into it. But that is why I am at two shakes a day. That pretty much sums up my typical meal plan for a day.

I too pureed everything. Being a vegetarian it was a bit of a challenge. I found that CVS whey powder had 26 grams of Protein. So every morning I started with a shake made with unsweetened almond milk and a scoop of almond butter. It was a nice boost to start the day, clocking on at 31 grams of protein. I also used prosource noncarb Liquid Protein. I'd but the neutral flavor and add it to herbal tea. Moving onto food, I made a soft scrambled egg with a tiny bit of shredded cheese and a tsp of 0% plain greek yogurt. Once a week I made Soups using Beans or root veg like squash or sweet potato, spinach and corresponding protein powders. I mixed salsa with greek yogurt, or mashed a bit of fresh fruit and had that with greek yogurt. I also had plain veg broth at night as a treat if I made my protein goal throughout the day. Even now I prefer to start my day with a Protein Shake. I usually woke out in the mornings and the big protein boost give me enough energy to work out but isn't too heavy on my stomach that I get sick.

I am almost 3 months post surgery and a vegetarian. Breakfast is a Protein drink or protein smoothie then a greek yougurt for snack. lunch is string cheese, 1 oz almonds and some fake meat (tempeh or seitan usually). Snack is 1/4 apple with nut butter and dinner is tofu or refried Beans or eggs with veggies. Lots of Water and some G2 = 800-1000 calories and at least 80 grams of protein. Once or twice a week I have a protein bar instead of lunch when busy at work. If other vegetarians have ideas for easy protein, please share.

Wow, you are definitely in a difficult situation, especially when you are 3 months post-op. In your situation, the first thing I would suggest is talk to your NUT. This seems definitely like a complex situation where you need serious dietitian help. With not being able to eat meat or Protein shakes (or Protein powder I assume), it would seem you will have to get all your protein from plant sources, such as tofu, edemame, Beans, chickpeas (even as a paste dip [hummus] with something like sliced cucumbers), quinoa, hemp seeds, seitan, etc. Just like a vegetarian. Google for vegetarian protein and see what you come up with. Quinoa is a great substitute for rice, and I love edemame (you can get it steamed or even baked for a crunchy taste). Chickpeas can be either eaten plain, baked for a crunchy treat, or pureed into hummus. However, note that you will have to consume quite a bit of these foods to get in your recommended daily protein allowance. Unfortunately, meat sources are the best high-density protein sources out there. Can you eat fish? That may also be an option for higher protein. Try cod, tuna, haddock, and halibut, which are high-protein. Careful of any breading, which will add carbs and maybe fat to them. In order to ensure you get in your required protein, as we were taught from the beginning, start every meal with your protein first. If you have room after the protein, then other fruits/veg (such as broccoli, squash, bell peppers, bannanas, berries, etc.). If you still have room after that, then the other carbs (potatoes, corn, whole-grain bread, whole-grain crackers, etc.). It is really important to get in your daily protein when eating these low-density-protein sources, so eat that first. Also, ensure you are taking your Vitamins. With eating so little, you cannot get your necessary vitamins from food, so you need to take your supplements. As far as Fluid intake, I don't know what to say. Can you tolerate straight Water? If so, sipping that all day may be the only option. If you can handle flavored water, of course Crystal Light or something similar (I'm sure you've tried that).

I think Proti is what my surgeon's office sells. I bought some, got them home, and then noticed gelatin in the ingredients...so not vegetarian. Bummed me out! Probably not an issue for most people, but since I'm a vegetarian, I had to return them.

I'm sorry, but time to fire him and hire a new doctor. He sounds like an ignorant @sshole. "not big enough food particles" and "chewing too much"? Really? I mean, c'mon, that's the most asinine thing I've heard today. Seriously, the vegetarian lifetyle is very healthy and there is nothing wrong with veggie burgers. In fact, they're a heck of a lot healthier than beef burgers. You need a surgeon with an ounce of common sense. Yours sounds like a first class idiot.

I am 14 months post op from a gastric bypass and I have only lost 72lbs!!! I have been at this weight about 6 months post op. I am in the gym 3-4 times a week since April. Lifting weights. And doing cardio. I am a vegan/vegetarian. I have lost inches, but not in numbers. I am all out of ideas on what to do to get me to lose some weight. I am now struggling with my nutrition intake from dieting so I have to basically up my calorie/protein intake. Has anyone else experienced this. Or is it just me 😔😔😔😒😒😒

Hi everyone, So I have been researching weight loss surgery for a while and have settle on the sleeve. I have a "low" BMI, only 32, but I want to prevent it from ever getting any higher. I am 27 and have been overweight my entire life. Familiar story I am sure, I have vacillated from 170 to 230 lbs, depending on how active I am and how strict about dieting. I have tried so many other options, prescription diet pills, Atkins, Weight Watchers, I have a personal trainer I see once a week, I eat mostly vegetarian, I have a dog I walk everyday, but nothing ever lasts. I overeat and whether the food is healthy or junk, too much is still too much. My body wants to be a size 16, but I want to be a size 6. I will be self pay, so I have been primarily looking into surgery in Mexico. I have relatives who lived in Mexico for a long time, including my aunt who is an RN, and they are comfortable with the choice of Mexico if I do proper research and find an experienced surgeon. The only reservations I am getting from people is that I am so young and I could try other options first, like more exercise and dieting! My family, nuclear and extended, has a history of being overweight, not drastically obese, but almost everyone is at least slightly overweight. I am tired of being too embarrassed to wear a bathing suit or be confident with my figure around my boyfriend (he loves me no matter how I look and is an angel). I spend a lot of my time on the California coast with family and friends, but I haven't gone in the ocean since I was probably 8 years old because that would require me wearing a bathing suit. Really depressing! I am not in the dark about what a serious decision this is, surgery always carries risks, I have a family friend who died while undergoing elective plastic surgery, but I feel the risks are small compared to the lifelong risks associated with obesity, both mental and physical. I am a little nervous about making a drastic change to my body, undergoing major surgery, and the way it will change my lifestyle, but I am so excited about the way it will change my health and my future. I have basically settled with Dr. Aceves, I live in Southern California and would like a doctor close to the border so I can travel by driving. If anyone reads this who has used cosmeticredit for financing, can you let me know how you liked it? Were there really high or hidden fees? I have savings for a deposit (I am a graduate student so my income literally is fixed), and I could put the entire operation on a low income credit card if I went to a less expensive doctor, but if I use Dr. Aceves I will have to use financing. That is another argument I have to contend with, everyone thinks I am nuts to take out a loan for this when I still have student loans, but I see this as an investment in my future that will pay for itself. I am hoping to have the surgery done in March because I will be moving to New York City at the end of March for 6 months to a year before coming back to sunny California. So hopefully I will have good news to update about a scheduled surgery date soon. I really appreciate this forum as a resource. I am trying to absorb as much info as I can so I know what to expect afterwards. Thanks so much.

Heres the thing; The only time I've both felt healthy and was able to maintain my weight, I was vegan. I miss it. My first priority RIGHT NOW is to lose weight (40lbs by October), but I'd like to do it without eating meat and my system is sensitive to dairy, so while I can eat certain things (hard cheeses, yogurt and cottage) without too much problem, I can't have a lot of it. The surgeon wants me to go on a ketogenic diet. I'm ok with that but really upset with the amount of meat they are suggesting. I don't want to drone on and on, because I don't want people to think I judge them for their dietary choices, it just really bothers me to eat meat and the amount that they are suggesting is ENORMOUS! (most meat has no carbs and is high protein) I spiritually can't do that. I'm willing to give in and eat meat several times a week in order to add variation and follow the diet more easily, but that is the most I can do. Does anyone else on this diet have any suggestions of other things I can eat? Because right now the list is dark leafy greens,mushrooms, seitan(if made with vital wheat gluten and not flour) and tofu. I can do a lot with these, but if any one has anything to add, I'd deeply appreciate it.

BariatricPal Newsletter#subject#> body,div,dl,dt,dd,ul,ol,li,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6,pre,form,fieldset,input,textarea,p,blockquote,th,td { margin:0; padding:0; } table { border-collapse:collapse; border-spacing:0; } fieldset,img { border:0; } address,caption,cite,code,dfn,th,var { font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; } caption,th { text-align:left; } h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 { font-size:100%; font-weight:normal; } q:before,q:after { content:''; } abbr,acronym { border:0; } address{ display: inline; } html, body { background-color: #d8dde8; color: #5a5a5a; } body { font: normal 13px helvetica, arial, sans-serif; position: relative; } h3, strong { font-weight: bold; } em { font-style: italic; } img, .input_check, .input_radio { vertical-align: middle; } legend { display: none; } table { width: 100%; } td { padding: 3px; } a { color: #225985; text-decoration: none; } a:hover { color: #328586; } div.outer { margin: 0 auto; padding: 14px; } table.wrap { max-width: 800px; margin: 0 auto; } td.logo { background-color: #0f3854; padding: 8px; } td.content { background-color: #fff; font-size: 14px !important; color: black !important; line-height: 150% !important; padding: 8px; } ul { margin-left: 25px; } Hey BariatricPal Members! The holidays are nearly upon us, and that can mean hectic times with family, shopping, and cooking. But before all that happens, we still have a few days. That’s a good time to take a deep breath and refocus on health and weight loss. Here’s what to look forward to in this month’s newsletter to keep you grounded. The BariatricPal Store and Other BariatricPal News Member Spotlight: Meet MichiganChic! Notice: The Holidays Are Coming! Sit back, relax, take a few deep breaths, and enjoy the newsletter. Then come talk about it on BariatricPal before dashing off to the busyness of the season! Thanks for all your support. Sincerely, Alex Brecher Founder, BariatricPal The BariatricPal Store and Other BariatricPal News We’re still excited about the launch of The BariatricPal Store. More importantly, so were you! We are thrilled with the success we’ve had in just the first few weeks since the store opened. Elsewhere in the BariatricPal world, BariatricPal was at Obesity Week in Los Angeles in early November. The BariatricPal Store: Your Nutritional Needs We’ve got you covered with the bariatric nutritional supplements and meals you need at the lowest guaranteed prices. Be sure to stop by for: -Protein powders, bars, and shakes -high-protein, low-carb Snacks -high-protein, low-calorie hot and cold breakfasts and Entrees -bariatric Vitamins Check out the store blog for the latest store news plus the occasional coupons and recipes. You can also save money by earning points through BariatricPal Rewards. Come by the store if you haven’t already. We hope you’ll be a regular customer and let us keep supporting your weight loss surgery journey success. Obesity Week: The Front Line of the Fight Against Obesity Obesity Week took place November 2-7 in Los Angeles, California, and BariatricPal was there! The conference is jointly sponsored by the Obesity Society and ASMBS. The purpose is to discuss new research on causes of obesity and obesity solutions, including presenting the latest research on bariatric surgery techniques, follow-up care, and other guidelines. BariatricPal had a booth at the Exhibit. We were able to reconnect with surgeons and other leaders in bariatric surgery, and meet new ones. We got caught up on the latest in weight loss surgery, and came away with a ton of new ideas…keep watching for improvements on BariatricPal! Insure Nutrition We are always thrilled to welcome a new newsletter sponsor into the BariatricPal family, and this month, Insure Nutrition is giving us the pleasure of doing just that. Our latest sponsor, Insure Nutrition, is an online company that specializes in getting health insurance coverage for nutritional supplements. Its Post-Bariatric Surgery Nutrition products includes Premier Protein Shakes in chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry flavors and OptiSource High Protein drinks in caramel and strawberry flavors. Checking if you are eligible is easy. Insure Nutrition encourages you to use its online form to find out if you qualify. Our sponsors help make BariatricPal newsletters and other services possible. We encourage you show your thanks by considering them first for your bariatric needs. unjury and Opurity BariatricPal is proud and excited to announce two new sponsors for our newsletters. The new sponsors are Unjury, a supplier of wonderful tasting, highest quality protein supplements, and Opurity (from the makers of UNJURY), highest purity Vitamin supplements for bariatric surgery patients. Their support lets us keep BariatricPal newsletters coming to you each month. Unjury was founded by a master’s degree dietitian who has been helping patients since 1974. It is committed your health. You know the importance of getting enough protein after weight loss surgery, but you also know that meeting your protein goals can be challenging. Unjury makes your task not just easier but actually enjoyable. Product flavors include Chocolate Splendor, Chocolate Classic, Vanilla, Strawberry Sorbet, chicken Soup Flavor, and Unflavored. These ready-to-use protein powders come in single-serve and multi-serve containers, and contain high-quality whey protein to keep you full and nourished. Launched in 2007, Opurity is dedicated to using the purest ingredients in its supplements. Opurity Bariatric Multivitamins have two unique big advantages: First, each multivitamin requires only one tablet per day*. Second, Opurity is so dedicated to quality that it is unique in using no ingredients from China. Choose from chewable orange-berry multivitamins for gastric bypass and gastric sleeve patients or for lap-band patients.Opurity also sells chewable calcium, vitamin D and folic acid/vitamin B-12 chewables. All supplements come with a 100% satisfaction guaranteed. They return policy is: “Yes you can return it.” Support from Unjury and Opurity helps us continue to bring you the services you enjoy on BariatricPal, so please support these two brands! When looking for your bariatric surgery supplements, first visit Unjury.com and Opurity.com. Purchasing from these companies helps support BariatricPal. Thanks to Unjury and Opurity for your generous sponsorship, and thanks to BariatricPal members who support our partnership! *You still need calcium and sublingual B-12. Back on the Boards… Meanwhile, back on the boards, there’s always a lot going on! BariatricPal members have been asking about getting back on track, going back to work post-op, and the pre-op diet. If you’re looking for some motivation, consider joining an Exercise Challenge or a Holiday Challenge. And, for a little light reading, why not check out the WLS Magazine with recent articles on Lap-Band Myths and The Good Towels? Get involved – it may even help you lose more weight. (That’s science talking, not us). Member Spotlight: Meet MichiganChic! This month’s spotlight is on MichiganChic. MichiganChic had been overweight most of her whole life, and morbidly obese for 27 years. At 5’4” and 325 lbs., she could feel the threat of health issues. Her blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol were all creeping up. As a registered nurse, she knew what was coming, and didn’t want it. She also wanted to “fit in” – whether into a chair or into a group of people. She was sick of standing out in a crowd, and found it embarrassing. She dreaded social situations, knowing she’d be the one to be noticed. She got the gastric sleeve in December of 2012, and is thrilled with her choice. No wonder – she’s lost 144 lbs. and is down to 162 lbs. and a BMI of 27. Now, she can look forward to social situations, not dread them. Her life does not revolve around food; instead, food is something to nourish and to be enjoyed – but not as the “main event.” It hasn’t been a completely smooth journey. These are a few of the challenges MichiganChic experienced. -a surgical infection that took seven weeks to heal. -the struggle coming to grips with the fact that the lifelong change is…for LIFE. -getting over an “all-or-nothing” mentality when it comes to weight and eating. -accepting her body at a healthy weight, even if over a BMI of 25. The highs have outweighed the lows, though. The feeling of freedom overrides everything. She can do what she wants, without her weight holding her back. And beneath that is the knowledge that she earned that freedom for herself. One instance that stands out for her is her job offer from 2 years ago. She would not have even considered responding to the recruiter at her high weight…but 100 lbs. lighter, she interviewed and got the job! She’s also proud of her completing her first 5k recently. MichiganChic uses the BariatricPal forums every day to stay focused by talking to like-minded members. She doesn’t want life to “get in the way of success.” She knows that there’s sure to be others who are thinking about the same things she is, and she loves interacting with “people from all walks of life, and varied experiences and opinions.” For members who are struggling with their weight loss, MichiganChic reminds you to be honest with yourself. It’s hard to break years of habits like overeating and mindless eating. For herself, she knows she needs to track every bite of food. At the same time, it’s important to forgive and forget when necessary: nobody’s perfect. MichiganChic, congratulations on your weight loss surgery success. You have really earned the freedom and happiness you now have. Thanks for sharing your story and journey with us. If there’s anyone you want to see in our member spotlight, please let us know in the Member Spotlight Forum! You can also PM Alex Brecher with your nomination – just put “Member Spotlight” in the subject line. Don’t forget you can nominate yourself, too. A Little Soup…Because You Deserve It When the weather gets chilly, there’s nothing like a warm bowl of soup to warm you up inside and out. If you’re not careful, a bowl of soup can turn into a bariatric nightmare. A bowl of full-fat broccoli and cheese soup with a breadstick, clam chowder served in a bread bowl, and cream of tomato soup with grilled cheese can have hundreds if not thousands of calories. That can leave you feeling guilty and worse than before you had the soup. Instead, go for a soup that’s just as satisfying, but healthy at the same time. That way, you’ll feel warm from the soup and from your pride at nourishing your body. Here are a few easy ideas. -Vegetarian chili with Beans, diced onion, tomatoes, bell peppers, and celery, and chili seasoning from a packet. Optional: lean ground turkey or soy crumbles, with shredded low-fat cheddar melted on top. -“Asian” inspired soup with chicken broth, ginger, soy sauce, and garlic, plus tofu, napa cabbage, Water chestnuts, broccoli, green onions, and mushrooms. -Squash or pumpkin soup with cooked pumpkin or butternut squash, black beans, cilantro, chili powder, and vegetable broth. Puree it for a good meal on the Pureed/Mushies Post-Op Diet. Thanks for reading the newsletter and for all of your support. BariatricPal is continually getting bigger and better, and that wouldn’t be possible without our members. A sincere thanks for your inspiration and for all you do to keep us going!

There's also an entire sub-forum: https://www.bariatricpal.com/forum/1101-vegetarian-or-vegan-eating/

I'm 9 months post op, 98 lb. weight loss and was feeling wonderful until last Monday. I had just had my Dr. visit on Friday, and everything was great! Except my hair loss is getting worse and so noticeable:( Has anyone had success with stopping hair loss? After dinner on Monday night I had a trip to the ER after having a severe gall bladder attack. I thought I was having a heart attack! So scary! It has calmed down, am now following a vegetarian diet plan. I see my surgeon on Wed. so I guess the decision will be made about GB surgery. As of now, I don't know how many gallstones I have. My regular doctor told me one was 4 milliliters. I would live to hear from any fellow gastric sleevers who have had these problems too.

Hi, I became a vegetarian last September (the month I had surgery.) I am now a vegan. I have never had problems getting Protein in (50-80 GRAMS A DAY.) I typically have a shake for Breakfast w/ soymilk, a large salad full of veggies w/ chickpeas for lunch, and my dinners switch up: 1. kale, sweet potato, & white bean coconut Soup 2. whole wheat Pasta w/ Beans & veggies 3. brown rice/quinoa with refried beans & roasted veggies (or skewer veggies 4. veggie burger meatloaf w/ roasted potato/carrots, celery & onions 5. Veggie Quesadilla 6. Falafel 7. veggie frozen dinner (like Amy's) 8. squash, zucchini, onions sauted with add in rice & kidney beans 9. veggie chili 10. boca chicken patty with corn on the cob 11. Saag Tofu (Indian saag panner dish made with tofu) I have great vegan cookbooks. My favorites are "La Dolce Vegan" by Sarah Kramer and "The 30 minute Vegan" by Mark Reinfeld & Jennifer Murray. Amanda

I've been a vegetarian in the past, and now I eat a primarily vegetarian diet, but I do eat fish occasionally. I'm not seeing why being a vegetarian would be a problem; if it's too hard to get enough Protein from the small amounts of vegetarian food you can eat with good restriction, you can always supplement with a Protein shake. Is it possible that your nutritionist isn't very educated about vegetarian diets? Just like meat-eaters, some veg*ns have a healthy diet and others don't. Just thinking this out... 1/2 c tofu scrambler for breakfast: 9 g protein 1/2 c black Beans w/1 tbsp LF sour cream: 8.5 g protein 8 oz skim milk: 8 g protein 1/2 c quinoa: 12 g protein OK, so that's 37.5 grams of protein and about 680 calories. Add a protein shake and get up to about 57 grams, 840 calories. The protein goal I got from my dietitian was 50 g/day, so I could easily meet that goal with the off-the-top-of-my-head diet I laid out here, right?

Not at my local Mexican joint--I specifically asked the manager, because I'm a vegetarian. When I buy them to eat at home I get the "vegetarian" or "fat free" refried beans in a can--they are both lard-free (you can read the ingredients to be sure, but they can't be fat-free or veg if they have lard). You don't have to worry too much about fat at this point bc you are eating so little, but I still recommend asking whether they have lard when you eat out if it is a concern.

Welcome to VST! You've come to the right place for VSG questions. There are a ton of threads on here about what to eat at the various stages, including some threads for vegetarian sleevers if that is applicable for you. Use the search function in the upper right side of the page to look up what you specifically need to know. Hopefully, your doctor has given you at least basic guidelines to use for eating. With those, you should be able to put together a diet you can safely use. This surgery, like any other WLS, is only a tool. The weight will fly off to begin with, but it's up to you how well you use this tool you've been given! Good luck!