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I lived in Japan for a year. People in Japan have the second longest longevity in the world, right after Monaco (Mediterranean). Both the Japanese diet and Mediterranean diet are high in complex carbs and much lower in protein than the American diet. They eat carbs and veggies...and live to be an average of 85 and 89, respectively. I follow a semi-vegetarian lowfat diet because I feel better, my cholesterol is perfect on it, and I want to be healthy and active like a old Japanese lady:) Japan has one of the lowest cancer rates among developed nations, too. And one of the lowest rates of cardiovascular disease.

I have one afterthought... The dietitian at the bariatric practice that sleeved me also included bread and crackers on the list of approved foods I was given. However, just because we're allowed to eat a certain food doesn't necessarily mean we should. I didn't touch bread until after reaching my goal weight. The sooner you eat animal-based proteins such as chicken and fish, the faster you'll start losing. Meats have an extremely high thermic effect, meaning your body must expend a tremendous amount of energy in the form of calories to burn them off during digestion. If you are a vegetarian, this is going to be a potential problem and you will need to be ultra diligent finding tolerable non-meat sources of protein (e.g. beans, flatbread, cottage cheese, eggs) to torch the metabolic fire.

I saw your other note about the book, all I can say is "good luck!", lol. You know that's something that was brought up by her on-call surgeon and I suppose that may have contributed to it or it's the circle thing where you have a hard time getting stuff down and eat the softer stuff, so I'm not totally positive if we can find out the exact reasoning behind it. I posted it on the forum you are on to see how common it was. She's a partial vegetarian but has started eating fish/seafood and that's pretty soft too. So she doesn't eat any red meat or poultry. I wonder if that has anything to do with it? She was never a big Protein drink person though and really needs to supplement more. Who knows, I do know that I could tell a long time ago that things were not just right, mother's instinct, but convincing doctors/PA to do something is a whole other ballgame sometimes. Same surgeon team but felt like was being blown off at times. Up to last week she was eating cooked veggies and baked fish or tuna from the pouch but has always had a hard time with her supplements and meds. Since I have the lap band it's sometimes hard to relate as it's almost night and day when it comes to a lot of our issues. I was concerned because the doctor's office would say she's doing well because she'd lost so much weight but I was like, "hey, she's really not thriving like she should be" you know and they weren't getting it. The last time I spoke to the surgeon at the hospital yesterday he even said that her weight loss was too fast for her, she's six feet tall and started at almost 360 lbs and is under 260 lbs and her surgery was 5/27. She can start soft foods again tomorrow and hopefully build up to solids again but I feel better knowing they're going to do another endoscopy just to be on the safe side to stretch the opening even though they are not fun as you are awake! Anyway thanks and I'm glad things are going well for you and I do think you're right about getting in the solids that may have kept you from having this problem. I have to go to your forum when I have issues with her and everyone is so nice and helpful. I wish you the best and good health take care, Nancy.:tt2:

Disagree. I got in all my protein and still lost gobs of hair. Happened with WWs, happened with Jenny, happened with the sleeve. The only time I didn't lost a ton of hair was when I did Atkins, no carb, high fat. And the only way one can keep high protein and low cals is with turkey, chicken or fish? Tell that to all the vegetarian sleevers out there who are successful.

Because I consider my personal food issues an addiction or a psychological issue I had difficulty at first. I would get quite upset watching the TV show Man Vs. Food. I likened it to a recovering drug addict watching people do drugs on TV. I realize now that obesity is an epidemic in the U.S. and places like restaurants are quiet co-conspirators in that genre. I am hoping to win the lottery soon so I can open a great vegetarian/healthy restaurant so people can see how you are really supposed to eat. Now when I eat out I order sides, Soups & anything I know is a small portion. The other day I had grilled green Beans & a bowl of Soup at Ruby Tuesday's. The waitress asked me if I wanted anything else. I said now and quickly gave her my story and she agreed that the portions are way to big for one person. I may not be able to preach to those sitting at the tables next to me but my 8 year old daughter sitting right across from me is learning something. But yes, I did and still do freak out about the portion sizes I see.

I dont mind a liquid diet, I have been on several of those because I have TMJ. Lemme tell ya something, chicken broth from a straw is not appetizing lol. I say life is beautiful because it is something new I have learned, I used to think it was horrible that I wanted it to be over, but now I want to live, I just want to be healthy. I LOVE to exercise, when I was on the road to anorexia in about 6th grade I would walk 5 miles or more a day, I loved it. I have my exercise equipment, I just cant use it. I just dont understand why every time I get on here someone new is getting the band and I am still sitting around waiting and dissentigrating. I used to have gorgeous skin, but now it is dry and pasty since I cant do anything. I used to play golf, was on the golf team, was number one in the school for girls golf. I went to District leading, guess what? I tripped over a root on the most gorgeous day to play golf (all the other tournements were in thunderstorms and massive rain), and my knees havent been the same since. I had to quit the golf team because I was useless, and was denied my letterman because I didnt finish the district game because they wouldnt let me with my injury because it was running the score up instead of keeping it down. Now I am completely inactive and I hate it. I thought I had gotten better my sophomore year so I started going to the gym 6 days a week conditioning in hopes to start golf again. Well... I was doing good for about a week and a half, then all of a sudden my body stopped working, I couldnt get out of bed my muscles wouldnt lift me. So I figured I was just sore and was overdoing it (I was walking up to 3 miles a day). So I didnt go for a week. I went back and couldnt life anything over 5lbs with any of my muscles and everytime I got on the equipment my bones and joints would go all wacky and crooked and stuff. That is why I was sore, I didnt know other peoples' shoulders couldnt go over the top of their head when they did the stand up crunches. I didnt know that other peoples' elbows did bow out when putting pressure on them. And I sure never realized that other peoples' legs didn't bow backwards when they were walking on the treadmill. I would get done exercising and be even more limber, which is great if you weigh 100lbs and are a cheerleader. Not great when you are 240lbs. I cant do what I love. I cant even write anymore because my hands hurt too much, I erase and redo too much to do it in a recorder then play it back into the computer for it to type. I dont know, seems like weight is ruining my life. You all know why I quit weight watchers? Because the lady got on to me for not eating enough, when I was perfectly satisfied at the portions that I was eating. She was incredibly rude to me because I couldnt eat enough for the diet. I quit vegetarianism because I almost passed out after almost a month from not having enough nutrition. When I was doing the vegan thing, I felt wonderful and light all the time, I felt good, until I got fuzzy eyed and light-headed in San Antonio. I dont always take my adepex because I will stay up for 2 days straight, without being tired at all. I quit the Birmingham diet because, well it was nasty lol. I dont do Atkins because I dont like a lot of meat or cheese (I cant taste the cheese, why add the extra calories?) I quit counting calories because I have Dyscalculia and couldnt count the calories lol. I quit subway because I got burnt out on sub sandwiches (still cant order anything I used to eat). Quit not eating because I got to Jr. High and there were better food choices and I lost all my friends when I started eating again. I dont remember being on any other real diets, hmmmm....... cant think og anymore, but I have done the same things over and over since I was like 3 and mom was doing them for me.

I was down 125 lbs. at month 5. My loss has been on the high side compared to a lot of people. I attribute this to exercising most days 45-50 minutes and also being a vegetarian. I also did precisely what the doctor told me to do concerning Protein and calorie intake.

I too have experienced the same treatment. My BMI is 37 and I'm 5 7 surgery date 3/18. For some strange reason I feel obligated to tell my close friends and most have been astonished. Like I said I was going to the moon to visit an alien! I guess shock and disbelief. Most said I was not big enough. I may have lost a new friend who is a vegetarian workout addict although that would not make her a friend. Luckily I had one Dr. Friend whose first response was "good for you" and my boss who likened my struggle with food to her nicotine habit. Although I've had a few positive responses most say I'm not big enough or if I'd just eat better and workout. I've resorted to telling them that I have no willpower and I will use this as a tool. I'm not sure how healthy that statement is or the fact that I have to persuade them to try on my shoes. I've decided not to tell most others until after the surgery because then I would so hope not to hear that same statement. Bottom line we are doing this for ourselves to live a longer happier life and for me to lead by example to my young children. I'm so glad I'm not alone on this journey and you all are my tribe you validate my decisions viewpoints! Rock on!

<p>3 1/2 years out.... at one point I gained 22 pounds.... had not reached goal yet but close. I then got it off, and have been in maintinance for about 7 months. (It took me around 3 years to get to goal) I have a 3 pound bounce range, do pop over the top now and then, get back on track by 5:2 style fasting a day or two a week I work out 4-5 days a week... walking, dancing, kayak and/or gardening.</p> <p> </p> <p>I can eat LOTS more...when i want more I eat more fruits and veggies... and dont forget the Protein. My will power comes and goes, I weigh every day, and post everything I eat 95% of the time every day... I take my Vitamins and did this as a vegetarian. When I pop out of the "zone" its because of too much junk... full sugar cake, Cookies, pizza.... I can eat healthier versions of these in moderation and maintain.</p> <p> </p>

Ditto, Georgia, except the lacto ovo vegetarian thing. I gotta have some meat!! LOL On another note..... I AM IN ONEDERLAND!!!!!!!! My scales said 199.4 this morning. I am soooo pumped!!! I think exercise has gotten me over the hump. I just got back from the grocery store again,and I am ready to go today. I will post menu later. Georgia, Have a great Day!!!! WE CAN DO THIS!!!!!!

I'm a vegetarian and I have studied foods that are high in Protein. This is what you could eat: Breakfast: Peanut Butter on whole wheat toast or a Yoplait Light yogurt. Lunch: Hummus with pita bread or an awesome spinach salad Dinner: Tofu stirfry or Quinoa casserole (VERY HIGH IN PROTEIN) You can also have a glass or two of soymillk or cows millk for some extra protein.

I know my nutritionist said to not get on the scale for a bit and I waited 4 days. Yesterday was 3 weeks post op. I'm jogging in the pool for at least an hour every day (I did skip Monday due to bad weather.) I gained 7 lbs post op, lost that, went down 10 then up 5 over last weekend and still stuck there. So with 2 weeks pre op diet and 3 weeks post op I have lost 5 stinking lbs. I did this surgery because I tried everything the last two years. I gave up booze, diet soda, bread, Pasta. Tried mostly vegetarian, juicing etc. and the same thing keeps happening. I lose a couple of lbs and then stop. Last time it took 4 months to lose 10 lbs. What is wrong with my metabolism. I know its a sin to compare but most everyone here is posting that they've lost at least 20 lbs in the same time frame. Did anyone else have this type problem? I need some support today before I lost my mind!

I also wanted to say I can only drink the premier protien shakes, chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, Blueberry and apple cinnamon. I like them because they aren't slimy, chalky, chunky or too sweet. If you have not found the ones you like keep looking AND when you begin solid foods get lots of high protien meats if you're not a vegetarian that is! I do a lot of lemon pepper cod, I hate canned tuna so I make tuna fish with light mayo, celery seed and relish juice from tuna steaks! I eat my protien first and I just try to make it a priority on my plate. I can only eat about 3-4 oz of food at a time so it makes cooking the better quality more expensive food options go a longer way in my freezer or fridge making options for better quality foods more available in my budget

I totally changed my lifestyle. I started by going organic, and concentrating on whole unprocessed foods, and later became vegetarian. Personally I do not subscribe to the "protein first" thing. I eat a balanced diet of veggies, protein and carbs. Because we need all three to fuel our bodies. Best of luck!

I'm 12 days post OP, also a vegetarian. Premier protein is the best because it's higher in protein than the other ones which means I don't have to drink as much. Even though it's the best I'm so sick of it and can barely choke it down now. Worried how I'm going to get enough protein.

Not eating can definitely make acid worse. Your body is tuned to start secreting acid at the mere thought of food, to prepare for digestion of a meal. If your body is hungry, the acid will soon follow! I rarely had acid issues pre-op, and started having them post-op. I made a few changes to help that: I ate ever 2 to 3 hours, had small meals, chewed my food to a mushy pulp, and ate slowly with small bites. I also tried to initially avoid the acidic trigger foods like spices or tomatoes. Eating Protein will give the acid something to work on, since carbs break down and flush out of your stomach right away. Try cottage cheese, or greek yogurt, if you are still on mushies. If you are on solids, try some eggs or Beans. (I'm vegetarian, so I have no experience with meat)

The yoga ashram is that i have been going to for years is the Sivananda Ashram Retreat in the Bahamas. It's located just down the beach from Atlantis but is a million miles away in terms of experience. If you google it it will give you a year long calendar of weekends and speakers. It's for people of all faiths btw- meaning not strictly for Hindus. There is a set daily schedule- up at 5:30, meditation, yoga on a beautiful beach platform (all levels even newbies welcome) then brunch. It's all vegetarian, super clean no caffeine food. Delish. After brunch you are free to listen to a speaker, snorkel, hang in a hammock or do some karma yoga. At 4 there is another yoga class, followed by the second meal of the day at 6. Meditation at the temple at 7:30. Lights out by 10. They have a variety of accommodations for every budget- you can stay in a private room, share a room, they even have super fancy tents set up if that's what you are into. It's not a spa by any means but they do offer body work and amazing massages that are really reasonable. It's kinda like a hidden paradise. I love that there are people from all over the world, all ages. Like i said, great place to set a reset button. If you go let me know- I'm always looking for an excuse to go!!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

OK. so I went to the nutritionist last week -- and besides having lost 29 pds since surgery on June 29th he was upset about my lack of Protein shakes. To be honest, I have purchased muscle milk, Iso-Pure, Monster Milk, unjury, pure protein, pure whey protein stack and a bunch of others and they all taste like medicine! I hate them, hate them, hate them. Now, did I mention that I hate them? I don't mind eating a Protein Bar every now and again but my NUT said they have saturated fat which is bad for your arteries. So, I don't know what to do. I do try to have a protein at every meal. I eat lots of cheese, yogurt, Beans.. BUT, even prior to surgery I never really ate much protein (I wasn't a vegetarian) but I also didn't have a protein daily and my BLOOD COUNT was always great. The only thing I was ever deficient on was Vitamin D. My Calcium was great (even with lack of milk and yogurt in my diet) and I never took a vitamin to save my life. I am just frustrated!!

Hey Debi! You'll probably get some varied responses on that, because different people follow different dietary regimes, i.e. no-fat/low-fat/full fat (for those on ketogenic diets), meat/vegetarian, and on and on. Personally, I'm all about getting in that Protein any way possible, so adding a little extra protein to your eggs...all good as far as I'm concerned. As long as you still watch how much, and don't advance too quickly, should be fine. And if your body decides, nope, that's not happening, just listen to it. Turkey sausage is leaner, but be careful because it also tends to be more dry...and I found dry meat will not go down for me, so I did/do 1 regular sausage link...not every day, but when I feel I need to get some more dense calories in to let my body know I'm not starving it. Sent from my SM-G928V using the BariatricPal App

I exercise 6/7 days. Mostly cardio. I'll try to increase calories but like...nutritionist typically likes mostly vegetarian/vegan diet. Absolutely no cheese. So may throw a protein shake or 2 in.

I'm sorry but I don't have anything useful to contribute about your abdominal pain. I don't want to come across as a b*tch on wheels but: You are not a vegetarian if you eat seafood. I've been a vegetarian for 52 years and I am so weary of people claiming to be a vegetarian who don't eat red meat (but eat poultry) or who eat seafood.

http://youtu.be/Io2YpiQ8zcM

I am a vegetarian and have not had any problems with veggie's but I have stayed away from asparagus and celery since being banded in June. Also I have no problem with rice or pasta's I just have to make sure I take very small bites and chew chew chew.

I can eat about 1/3 of a cup of dense protein (like vegetarian chili or veggie meatballs with cheese and sauce), which is only about 150 calories/meal. If I could get in more per meal, I think maybe the no Snacks restriction wouldn't be bad. And as a vegetarian, there aren't many protein sources that I eat that don't at least have a few carbs. So protein shakes as a snack are a good way to keep the protein up and carbs down. I also like Fage yogurt thinned out with some Protein powder and PB2 stirred in right before bed--I feel like it helps me lose weight if I eat before bed for some reason (protein boost during the time that I am going longest without food). I am meeting with the RD on Thursday so I will definitely ask her about this. Sometimes she and the PA have different advice--and I love my RD bc she is a vegetarian too!

I don't have any comorbidities with my weight (amazingly no HBP, dyslipidemia or diabetes--probably bc I've been a vegetarian for so long), so I don't think it's that. Plus it's blanket advice he gives to everyone. I'm meeting with my RD on Thurs and am going to talk to her about it. She had already said before that I might still need some Protein powder or drinks as a vegetarian. PA doesn't agree but I trust the RD over the PA when it comes to nutritional advice. Everyone should stick to his/her specialty area IMO when it comes to a multidisciplinary medical practice.