Search the Community

Hi guys, might be hard for some to believe but I'm a vegetarian who is about to get the VSG surgery. (crazy how I still have weight issues) But I'm wondering if people can successfully consume the food items I have listed below. If it does work for people, I plan to do this for a while I guess :S (2) 30g premier Protein shakes (http://www.premierprotein.com/sites/premierprotein.dev.manifest.com/files/styles/height_150/public/ProductImage_PP_Shake_11oz_Tetra_Choc_DC_US.jpg?itok=t1EYFNlt ) (1) 14g Greek Yogurt ( http://printablecouponsanddeals.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Chobani-Greek-Yogurt.jpg ) Would you guys be able to fit all 3 of these things in a whole day to satisfy a day's worth of protein? And how long would it take for someone to finish the premier Protein shake which is 11mL. Can you guys also tell me how far long are you? And lastly including consuming all of these items, would you be able to eat more than just this (fruits/veggies) in a whole day? Sorry for a lot of questions, but I would appreciate the response! Thanks

I'm not a vegetarian but GENEPRO Protein powder is flavorless and you can put it in anything! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

At my 6 month post gastric bypass follow up my labs were all good except my GFR came back low. I have never had kidney issues before. I was thinking about trying to get more protein in from plant sources. If you are post GB surgery and are vegetarian are you able to get in the recommended grams of protein per day? If so what is your main source of protein? Thanks in advance.

If you're not already a member, pleas search for & join "WLS Vegetarians" on Facebook.

Hi, my surgery is July 20th! Of course I'm on the liquid pre-op diet now and will be on liquid right after surgery. But what vegetarian soft foods did those that are post eat? I'm trying to plan ahead. I don't want to purée foods-that totally grosses me out. I would mash legumes but that's about it and I'm not sure if that's even ok? Wondering if anyone has a go to list of soft high Protein foods they could share? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Michilingi congrats on your date! I'm not really gonna cheat. Last night I was just in a bad state. Today was easier. I was even able to exercise. My guidelines were really brief. Basically 3 carnation shakes, sugar free Jello (I'm eating vegan jello because I couldn't do hoofs), 1 low sugar yogurt or sugar free pudding a day, broth once a day ( I'm having homemade veggie broth because I'm a vegetarian), Water, crystal light, 1 serving of fruit, sugar free Popsicles. It didn't say you couldn't have them but I saw online most people's diets said you can have sugar free fudgicles so last night I got those and feel better. I can't take anymore fruity taste. I know I can do this and it will be worth it not wow were the first two days hard. Do you have a similar pre-op diet? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Idk I only know that today my dr told me to try to see if i can handle a tiny bite of turkey. I have been a vegetarian since I was 12 but i have been so hungry and week that I tried it. It was as uncomfortable as swallowing my protein shake but it held off the stomach burning until my next bite 2 hours later. It takes a while day to eat 1/2 piece of lunch meat. I am supposed to get puree next week. As much as I chewed the turkey I'm sure my teeth pureed the meat for me. But ask your doctor because from looking at these forums different doctors have different recommendations. Ask your doctor. Sent from my XT1028 using the BariatricPal App

Hello ladies and gents, fellow bariatric patients, I'm currently scheduled for a revision from the gastric sleeve to the gastric by-pass on July 26th. I was hoping there were some people on these forums who might have gone through similar experiences so they would be able to tell me what to expect. Here's a background on my surgical journey... I had the gastric sleeve done in 2013 with a preoperative weight of 276lbs (I am female, 5'5") and for the first three months everything went textbook well, healing-wise, weight loss wise- everything. Then, suddenly the weight loss trudged on very slowly and I began having issues digesting. Specifically, terrible GERD, stomach pain, vomiting, horrific constipation, onsets of feeling extremely faint and heart palpitations. This continues on for the remainder of a year until my doctor (who claimed all of this was normal) ordered a barium swallow test. The test showed slow gastric emptying and pyloric spasms which would explain the stomach pain and vomiting. We ordered two different endoscopies with two different doctors who concluded everything was otherwise normal. My surgeon encouraged me to simply exercise more and continue high Protein, high Fiber, low carbohydrate dieting- which I did. Fast forward two frustrating years I ended up having a thirty three pound regain, from my lowest weight of 203lbs. I was vomiting at least 4-5 times a week and unable to handle most meats (especially beef), noodles and many "rich" or "thick" foods. I was forced to eat mainly carbs since it seemed to be the only thing I could keep down. Today, I've since become a full blown vegetarian weighing around 212lbs and struggling to get my digestion and weight under control. I'm sick of having to go into the bathroom in a public restaurant in front of family and friends because I couldn't handle a dish. I have horrible heartburn, constipation and I vomit LESS (maybe once every week or so) but only because I avoid the foods that seem to trigger it. I have low self-confidence and feel like I've somehow failed to make myself healthier. I have a new surgeon who suggested a revision, which he explained should improve upon my digestion and help me lose additional weight. He also preformed another endoscopy and found that the gastric sleeve did not shape correctly... I'm afraid this surgery. It is a new surgeon, a more invasive procedure, a deeply more "body altering" decision. All of these things leave me feeling rather anxious as what to expect. I don't want something to go wrong with this procedure too and I don't want to feel like I made the wrong decision... again. But I feel MISERABLE now. I know it cant go on this way... Has anyone else been through similar symptoms before? Had a revision from sleeve to bypass? Have any advice? Sent from my Nexus 5X using the BariatricPal App

I'm down over 100 lbs since rny on March 7. I've also begun to hit the gym (6', male, down to 306 lbs from 410 lbs and a peak of 432 lbs). I started lifting weights last week. I lifted on a 5-day split for 20 years, maintaining a solid 190-210 lbs on my frame before some health issues started the downward spiral. I'm doing a push/leg/pull split on M/W/F with cardio on T/Th/Sa and rest on Sunday to provide adequate recovery. I'm surprised at how easy it was to navigate my workout at my old gym! My calorie intake is now up to 1400 per day with 80-100 g of Protein. I'm vegetarian, so most comes from dairy, Beans, grains, and the rare egg. I drink a supplement on occasion. I'm able to eat salads again. Some store-bought veggie meat replacements still don't sit well, so I avoid those. I ate a bean tostada from a taco place yesterday and loved it! It was only $0.89 and I was full, lol! Sent from my LG-H810 using the BariatricPal App

I am a gluten free lactose intolerant vegetarian that is 8 days post. My doctor told me to attempt to chew a piece of lunch meat the amount you would give to a 1 yr old. I have what feels like constant hunger pains that are not alleviated by it was uncomfortable but at least I have a bit of energy to already do more than go to the bathroom. I was consuming less that 300calories for the last 3 weeks pre thru post. So I am horribly malnourished..hydrated but mal nourished. Dr advised me to try to take in anything not acidify, sugary grainy or fibrous. So I will try to eat 1 bite every 2 hours plus a Protein drink if I can manage (if I can do that I will be up to 450cal/day) dr said I was indeed hungry and my body is in starvation mode so I will not lose weight of i don't get my calories in. Sent from my XT1028 using the BariatricPal App

I wanted to add a positive account of my 2 weeks post-op, to give pre-op folks some comfort. After minor episodes of mild incision pain and occasional bouts of nausea as my new stomach got used to digestion again over the last 2 weeks, my body is feeling almost completely normal again. I am in awe of its ability to heal itself. - My incisions are 4 very small cuts (belly-button, sternum, left and ride side of torso) which do not hurt at all anymore. I have some itching occasionally, but I understand that this signals healing. - I can drink Water in normal larger sips now (and even if I forget and take a larger gulp, there is no discomfort) - I have almost completely gone off the taste of Protein shakes (can only manage Core Power banana milkshakes even though, as one user pointed out, these are higher in carbs, so I don't drink more than 1 a day). I get most of my protein through my vegetarian puree diet (Beans, tofu, cottage cheese, (no eggs)) and through adding GENEPRO to my 3-daily cups of tea. - I feel fullness/restriction much better now that I'm on purees (compared to when I was on full liquids - I have to guess if I'd had enough Soup as that flows through rather quickly). A couple of times I've eaten my pureed dinner a bit too quickly and have felt nauseous for 15-20 minutes. That's something to remember with the VSG surgery - your body can feel so normal after a while that you 'forget' about the limitations of your new stomach. - I've lost 14 lbs since surgery and 20 lbs since my highest weight. But mentally, I want to focus on healing rather than weight loss at this stage. I know the weight loss will come - it can't not! I see and feel slight changes in my shape already. - I took 4 weeks off work (because luckily, I could) but could have easily gone back to my office job this week. - I walk 2 miles every evening and while I'm not allowed anything more strenuous for another 4 weeks, I did help pack and unpack furniture and other bits while our home was being decorated these last 2 weeks. I also flew to the Caribbean and back (for a convalescing vacation) without any issues. Take comfort from no-complication stories like mine - as miserable as you might feel a day or two after surgery, your body is designed to snap back quicker than you think.

Thank you @@goblue9280 It is good to have another friendly face here. I have already joined Dr. Garth's FB page. About a year ago, I realized that I really could live as a vegetarian. It was a surprising revelation. As surgery gets closer and the importance of nutritional diversity more apparent, I would like to try it again. As I have Primomo, the FB resource and my nutritionist will be important to stay the path. Feeling blessed to be surrounded by y'all and such a kind group of people. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Let me know if you ladies have any specific questions. I don't know how the other docs are, but Garth is very big on recommending a vegan diet. It can be a bit difficult at times since probably 99% of the WLS docs out there push a high protein (from meat/dairy) diet. there is a good WLS vegetarian group on Facebook that I'd recommend jointing if you are going that route... you can ask anything on there and get good feedback quickly.

Hi guys, I was wondering your experiences regarding hair loss. My surgery is in 2 weeks, and one of the BIGGEST things I'm worried about is having hair loss with already thin hair. -- How severe was your hair loss on a scale from 1-10 (10 the worst, and 1 not much at all). -- At what month also did you see a decrease/stoppage of hair loss, and re-growth? I mean did you guys notice your hair feeling back to normal? For those of you who didn't have much hair fall, can you please relate to me what you guys did? May be hard to believe but I am a vegetarian, and I'm just worried if my hair fall will be even more extreme after the surgery because of this? Thank you all!

@@Vsg_lma @@AvalonNeeCee @@jas84047 @@rainnie1976 @@nads64 @@Heatherrc1 @@Cubancountrygirl @@thinner-me @@bnm4 @@faithful @@rainnie1976 @@nevadapinkprincess @@LauriTX75 @@wheezysmom @@lorilove @@ExcitedButNervous @@Jessicacherry3 @Nurse52 @@jjbowersock @@mgilleo @@lorilove @@Vsg_lma @@mataz78 @@evett @@laceygorrell @@Tricebhasstyle @@AYRW71 @Mention @@nataliearias @@Remix @@Bullydog Mom @@MaryPh @@marypups @@oceanlover I tried to tag everyone but I only made it to page 16 before I got bored. Anyway, some of us are hitting one year today, and some later in the month like myself. How is everyone doing? At goal? Still working towards goal? Are you exercising? Have you switched to any diets like vegetarian, vegan, Keto, Or Paleo? How happy are you with your sleeve? How has your life changed?

I've heard great things about Dr. Garth @tellej12 He has a vegetarian Facebook page and electronic presence with lots of positive information. It is good to see another with the Davis Clinic! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Soft foods are 3 weeks away for me (can't wait - hell, I can't wait for puréed foods next week), but I'm vegetarian (no eggs) so my protein options are sadly limited. But I'm pretty good at jazzing up tofu a million ways for my vegan husband and me, so will need to stick to that largely. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I want a forum exclusively for albino, dwarf, lesbian, Eskimo women who are vegetarians, are cross-eyed and have a lisp. But alas, I will be excluded from that group, I don't have a lisp.

Hey Fam, Officially surpassed fifty pounds lost year over year (386.2 to 335.0) on my own today. On Thursday (6/23) I was approved for VSG, and over the past month, have lost over 10 pounds in 25 days. I've cut out most dairy and am seriously limiting bread products. Am drinking Soylents 2x per day; cut back on fast food significantly, and once per day am eating a heavier meal. In addition to dairy, have largely tried to limit refined carbohydrates. Obviously, caloric intake has been cut back but not substantially, and the last three days I've had (1) huge burrito per day (two carnitas and guacamole Th-Fri, one vegetarian today)—and if you know what South San Diego burritos are like, they weigh at least 2 pounds on their own and can't be less than 800 calories. I drink loads of Water (80-100oz), and snack on fruit as the norm. Have any of you experience higher levels of weight loss with higher consumption? The biggest things I've cut have been (aside from the TORTILLAS THE LAST THREE DAYS haha) would essentially be gluten, and all dairy, with complete nutrition in the Soylents, and high fat/protein/fiber. Note: very active morbidly obese body—I run, do yoga daily, surf, swim, and dance daily. This probably is a loaded question since all bodies vary. If my clothes weren't loosening and the scale mirror weren't reflecting the loss both at home and in the clinic, I'd be arguing with this too. All love, let me know your thoughts. Have to update everything already (), but this is a mirror selfie, 335.0 from a few minutes ago. On my way to buy dark chocolate covered bananas from the market as a treat with the produce run! Talk soon. —K Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

@@ixico Stalls are normal in this process but two months of stall at 4 months would get anyone concerned. I want you to read Embrace the Stall. I can't quote it here probably because I am iOS. Can someone add a link?? Or just search for embrace the stall. There is a board for vegetarians and vegans. I recommend you reach out to them. They might have some great protein advice that us omnivores just can't help you with. Good luck!

Maybe I will start tracking just to see exactly where I am on macros. I've downloaded myfitnesspal to see if it'll help. Thank you for that suggestion. I was vegetarian for some time when I was younger but I wasn't preop. My surgeon basically prescribed a vegetarian/vegan diet due to the studies that have been done. He's part of Garth Davis' clinic here in Houston. I'll throw my stats out there since I was a low bmi to qualify. preop: 230 surgery:217 current: 170. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

@@ixico Yeah - in this case I would not listen to your surgeon. You need to be getting 60-80 grams of Protein (maybe even more if you are doing an hour of hot yoga). In order to know how much protein, fat, calories, carbs, etc. you are getting - you need to track your food. You also need to be sure to get plenty of fluids - and in the TX heat with doing the hot yoga - I would think that you need more than 70 ozs. Your body may be in starvation mode. Are you vegan or vegetarian - is that why you're on a plant based diet? I would seriously consider getting a 2nd opinion on what plan you should be following - because this one doesn't seem to be working very well (I'd go crazy if I didn't lose for 2 months - at only 4 months out). Good luck and keep us posted!

So I had my first meeting yesterday and I thought I would write out what happened and what my timeline looks like for those looking at what to expect. This is my experience of course and will, I am sure, vary depending on your doctor and insurance. My Stats: Name: Cari Age: 32 BMI: 54 Doctor: Alan Schuricht , Pennsylvania Hospital, Penn Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Program Insurance: Amerihealth NJ PPO I went to the information session on Sat 6/18/2016 at Penn Presbyterian Hospital. The following Monday I called the bariatric center and asked for an appointment with Dr. Schuricht (my SIL had her surgery with him so I decided to use him) My first appointment was Tuesday 6/21/2016 The intake nurse: Took my Blood Pressure (147/77) Height 5'9" Weight 369.9 Last Menstrual cycle date asked about any current conditions, medication, pain etc (no conditions) I was then moved to the exam room where I met a nurse practitioner. She took: A detailed family medical history A detailed personal medical history Explained who my team was and what they would all do for me Then she gave me a print out of all the appointments I would have to make and explained what each were and what the requirements were for my insurance (however she wasn't 100% sure and the coordinator would later explain it to me more clearly) Then the Surgeon came in I met with Dr. Schuricht He asked: What surgery I wanted and why He agreed that he thought I was a good candidate for sleeve He then talked to me about how I should expect things to go and what the expectations were for my efforts. He told me he could only help me and I had to want it and said the key to success was follow through and follow ups. Then the nutritionist came in She took A detailed dietary history (what i'd done to loose weight and how successful I was) She asked me about my medical history again and dietary restrictions (i'm a vegetarian) She went over what I was expected to do over the 3 months of managed weight loss (I don't have to loose but I can't gain) She explained how I could start preparing my body for after surgery: Get into the habit of eating several small meals a day Get more Water We set some goals for our next visit 10 mins of walking a day 3 meals a day at least Smaller portions Then I met with the coordinator and she scheduled my visits and explained my insurance requirements including 3 nut visits (this one counted as the first then 2 more 30 days apart), a a Psych eval, 1 support group meeting. She also explained their requirements as a surgical center. My dates are as follows: July 22nd 7:45am Upper GI contrast scan 10:00 2nd nutritionist visit August 5th 10am Psych evaluation 1pm Cardiac Clearance August 19th 9:30am 3rd and final nutritionist visit 10:45am Respiratory and pulmonary clearance. Then somewhere in there I have to go to one support group meeting and a nutrition class 2 weeks before the surgery once I have that date. So there you have it a snap shot at a first visit and the reqs through amerihealth.

I have to say that I am definitely a vegetarian after being sleeved. I can't eat any kind of meat, it makes me nauseous and throw up. I can't even stomach the smell of it. I was a little sad because meat was a huge part of my life. However, I'd much rather be thin than eat meat and I do find a lot of great vegetarian options. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I'm so jealous of anyone sleeved by Garth Davis.. I follow him on facebook and I wish I could call him up sometimes with questions. I've been vegetarian/sometimes pescetarian for 3 years. I was just sleeved 3/28. My experience so far has been great. I absolutely endorse a plant based diet Sent from my SM-G930T using the BariatricPal App