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There are plenty of us succeeding post-WLS as vegetarians! Please search for and join "WLS Vegetarians" on Facebook for more info...

Hello, I am a year post-op (gastric sleeve) and would like to start transitioning towards a plant-based diet and eventually become a vegetarian. I am wondering how any vegetarians out there get their full amount of Protein. I have started doing research about what vegetables are high in protein. My concern is that I won't be able to eat enough of them to get my daily requirements. I would love any advice, sample meal plans, etc., from anyone who has this all figured out Thanks!

Agreed!! They just aren't fans of my turkey obsession everyday. They definitely eat way more fruits and veggies than I do. My youngest is a vegetarian, my oldest will only eat meat 90% of the time and my hubby is a salad before the meat and sides are served type of guy...lol.

I'm not a vegetarian, but have made a pot of black Beans in my slow cooker a few times. I just tarted with dry beans and added some Water and broth (I used beef but you could use vegetable or just water). I put in some dried onion and seasonings (random stuff from my spice drawer - Mexican spice and Moroccan spice I think). Near the end I mixed in some Rotel tomatoes and a can of fire roasted tomatoes so it came out kind of soupy. I added a block of cream cheese, too. I ate beans for days!

My nut told me to not drink a lot of shakes. He called them artificial Protein and once you are starting to eat solid food, to just have one once in a while but not everyday. How are you getting your protein in? Is it only shakes? Are you vegetarian, is that why you don't eat meat? Will you eat eggs? I always have hard boiled eggs in the fridge and have one for Breakfast, sometimes with a piece of bacon, and I am also a big cottage cheese eater and usually have it for lunch, with pears or berries. For dinner, I usually have some sort of meat or fish and a small salad or a side veggie. For Snacks, I eat almonds, pieces of cheese, prunes (yes, prunes, I LOVE them and they are like candy to me) and I treat myself to a small piece of dark chocolate (one of the little squares) from Trader Joes once in a while. Do you keep a food diary? You maybe eating too many carbs or sugars in your shakes. You also may not be eating ENOUGH. Did your nut go over your diary with you, and give you some changes or suggestions? That is what their job is! When you do your treadmill, are you getting up a sweat? You maybe need to pump it up a little. I also think you are doing well, I don't think loosing 36 pounds in 2 or so months is bad at all! What did he expect you to loose? Dont be discourage, we all loose at different paces.

Hi, I'm vegetarian too and in the pre op stage of my wls.. Surgery date is March 2, 2016.

Please search for and join WLS Vegetarians on Facebook! There are more of us out there...

Hi Heidi, i am also a vegetarian with limited dairy, no animals at all. I am presurgery, op scheduled for 4 April. I am a bit worried also in case i can't tolerate salad foods. Also initially in pureed and mashed stages how do we get protein? I have not seen the dietician yet, waiting for appointment. Can anyone recommend a plant based high prot3in, low fat & sugar protein powder please? Very nervous, no support, one working agqinst me, but i feel this is the right path after a very long time. Cheers.

@@Oregondaisy @@feedyoureye Might have some info for you. Both very successful vegetarian sleeve veterans.

Hi, Are there any vegetarians out there who have or planning on having VSG?

I'd forgotten how helpful I found your blog, and now that I'm a week post-op, even more so. It just lays it out in a wonderfully straight, easy to follow path. Thanks again. I'm 60 and I look forward to that re-newed energy you spoke of; it would be amazing to do things like go swimming without fear of taking my shirt off in public, things like that. My plan necessitates that I finally learn to cook and to get in the habit of cooking because my leaning would be towards vegetarianism; nothing moral here, simply for health., So here we go!!

Oh wow thanks. I was a vegetarian for 4 years and I loved it. I'm considering going back and I'm happy to hear that you did well. I will definitely make sure I talk to my doctors and stay hydrated. Yes I would like to join your group I will check it out on Facebook now.

I have one bad kidney (not as serious a situation as yours) and I had similar concerns. I had bad kidney pain in both my kidneys starting about 3-4 days post-surgery for about a week due to de-hydration. Mornings were the worst. I had to set an alarm to wake up during the night in order to drink Water every 1/2 hour or so. I'm happy to report that I'm now 3+ months out and have successfully stayed very hydrated since then, with no kidney pain. I think you'd have to be very careful right after surgery to stay as hydrated as possible, which is challenging at first. I am a vegetarian, so my Protein is plant-based -- which my research says is better than animal-based protein for folks with kidney issues. You can def be successful at WLS as a vegetarian -- I host a Facebook group for WLS & plant-based diet if you're interested (WLS Vegetarians). Def check with your doctors though!

I'm 16mths out. Today is a low key day for me. It's freezing out and I just chilled inside all day. Breakfast scoop CVS whey Protein k cup coffee lunch Half wholegrain hamburger bun 2 ounce Lightlife Gimmee Lean vegetarian sausage patty topped with caramelized onions dinner Vegetarian white bean chili I made myself using organic white bean, spinach and Beyond meat Not!chicken Strips I also mixed half a scoop of Isopure unflavored protein powder into the broth.

Just a quick check in. I haven't been around these parts lately dealing with a few issues. I'm experiencing my first stall. The thing is I'm not panicking. I knew this was going to be a longer haul for me. My allergies are acting up. In an attempt to wean me off of the need for daily antihistamines which 1)slow down the metabolism and 2)cause hunger, I am trying to switch to a low histamine diet. That would be a challenge for anyone, but when you add in needing increased Protein as a bariatric pt, being a vegetarian AND being allergic to seafood, it's even more challenging. To top things off, my car died so I haven't been to the gym and I'm not a very motivated home work out person. Unfortunately if I don't work out, I don't lose. I'm not discouraged. I went from a size 30/32 to my current 18/20. I have lost 115lbs. I was fortunate to not have any stalls for the first year post-op. The rest is on me. I'll adjust this latest health challenge or stay on the antihistamine. There is a new supplement I may try and my allergist will continue to monitor that. I just want to say to those of us who have more than 200lbs to hang in there. Be patient! Follow your program. I'm still food logging and still drinking my Water. 115lbs is an adult person! That's an accomplishment! The rest will happen once things normalize for me.

Here are a few Q&A's from the ASMBS: Q: How much Protein do I need daily? A: Most patients get 60-80 grams daily, but some may require more depending on their response to surgery or their type of operation. Your dietitian can provide more detailed information. Q: Can I take all of the protein in one dose? A: Protein should be taken in multiple doses, across multiple meals or healthy Snacks. The body cannot absorb more than approximately 30 grams at once. Also, protein is a nutrient that helps us feel fuller, longer. If we try to include Proteins in each of our meals or healthy snacks, we’re less likely to feel hungry when it’s not time to eat. Q: How should I get my protein? With shakes? Bars? What if I’m a vegetarian? A: There are many options even for those with special dietary needs or preferences. Your dietitian can provide additional information on protein sources. meats, eggs, dairy products, and Beans are common protein sources in everyday foods. Protein extracts made from soy, brown rice and whey are commonly sold in stores. Protein Shakes or bars may offer additional ways to meet your protein needs. You may find it helpful to calculate your daily protein intake to be sure you’re not falling short. As you are able to tolerate more regular foods, you get a higher portion of the requirement during regular meals and supplements become less necessary. Q: What happens if I don’t take in enough protein? A: The body needs additional protein during the period of rapid weight loss to maintain your muscle mass. Protein is also required for your metabolism to occur. If you don’t provide enough protein in your diet, the body will take its protein from your muscles and you can become frail.

Friends, thanks for all the feedback. It wasn't my intent to spark a heated debate. For the record, I'm not a vegetarian. I went Veg a few years back and at times felt I would collapse and was always a big meat eater but my surgery changed the game, obviously. I still eat meat but much less of it. Not several times a day most days, but only when I crave it. Mostly I have been craving nuts, fruits, and raw chocolate and coconut oil based foods. I supplement with non-gmo Collegen protein. I just hear the bariatric gospel of high protein, low carbs so much that I started to worry, but I did Atkins 20 years ago and I don't think it's healthy and that is basically what many surgeons' offices advocate.

I was a vegan for about 2 years and vegetarian for a year after that, all leading up to my WLS. (Btw-- I am not a moral veg-eater. I used to eat meat, then got sick, and couldn't eat it anymore.) In getting my sleeve done, my nutritionist and I devised a plan on how I'd be able to get my Protein in / keep the carbs low. I stuck vegetarian. I get my protein from Protein shakes , meatless ground beef (I swear this actually tastes pretty good), Beans, eggs, cheese and Greek yogurt (which I had to build up a tolerance to). I'm getting about 70-80g of protein in daily right now. My nutritionist also has me taking B12 and Vitamin D every other day (so I'm not missing nutrients with my intake). Oddly enough I was willing to attempt red meat / whatever to get my protein in, because I want to be very successful post-op, but when I tried it still made me really sick. ????

Has the OP ever even came back? We have the random trolls that come here, post a buncha garbage and never show back up to respond to people or defend their points. When I first saw the title of this thread I thought it was actually about Mediterranean style eating, but instead it is about being vegetarian. Vegetarians don't offend me, I like Vegan food, and I understand the thought behind it. Growing up with a native american background I have a different attitude about eating animal flesh. I have no issues with OPs point of view. Just the post and dash and the no supporting numbers whatsoever. There are plenty of vegans and vegetarians who post here without sounding like they are talking down to the plebs.

I drink one called Orgain Organic Protein its plant base, I got it at Costco. My hubby and I are both vegetarian.

For me, this isn't a matter of "stop liking what I don't like!" This is a matter of someone going beyond "the vegetarian path worked for me." It directly trashes the medical profession, as well as advocates for a lifestyle that is exceptionally difficult to maintain, disregards the long-standing advice of doctors/nutritionists, perpetuates pseudo-science, and takes thinly-veiled potshots and side jabs at others. Advice that has the potential to be dangerous matters, and deserves appropriate criticism. As for the sarcasm, when you are deliberately provocative and continue to refer to meat as "dead animal flesh," expect a bit of tongue-in-cheek response. I can definitely see why the language would cause offense and it's a pity because I do think there is a good point to be made and discussion to be had about the current state of our food, the standard American diet and even the nutrition guidelines given by bariatric surgeons. I think for me I am able to look past the inflammatory statements because my interest in eating a vegetarian or vegan diet does not stem from moral or ethical concerns really. So I don't get on that high horse. I mean don't get me wrong, I don't think it's okay that so many animals are kept in deplorable conditions and force fed foods/given things that are causing issues in humans like antibiotics with poultry etc. I come at it from reading scientific research that is increasingly suggesting that consumption of animal products maybe detrimental to health. Some of the people saying this are bariatric surgeons who themselves have treated thousands of patients and have data to back up their assertions. So I get the ire, but I also can see the original point being lost in the flames.

For me, this isn't a matter of "stop liking what I don't like!" This is a matter of someone going beyond "the vegetarian path worked for me." It directly trashes the medical profession, as well as advocates for a lifestyle that is exceptionally difficult to maintain, disregards the long-standing advice of doctors/nutritionists, perpetuates pseudo-science, and takes thinly-veiled potshots and side jabs at others. Advice that has the potential to be dangerous matters, and deserves appropriate criticism. As for the sarcasm, when you are deliberately provocative and continue to refer to meat as "dead animal flesh," expect a bit of tongue-in-cheek response.

I am a card carrying member of PETA (People Eating Tasty Animals). I try to eat lean cuts of meat, mostly chicken breast or ground chicken or turkey. There is nothing wrong if someone wants to practice a vegetarian diet. They should just make sure they get their appropriate daily intake of Protein from non "dead bodies of helpless, slaughtered animals".

Ladies! Do we need to get the Water hose to break this up? Please get down off of your hind legs and take a deep breath. Are we all hear to share, support, listen and learn? Even if we do not always agree with another's opinion, aren't we at the same time "learning" that we really DO believe in our own beliefs and the reasons why we do (or eat) what we do? I am a dairy farmer's daughter, so of course I eat red meat (I can and have slaughtered animals myself--such is the circle of life on a farm). I'm sure there are vegetarians who own leather shoes ,wallets, purses, or gloves, wear silk garments, have had sutures made of animal gut, or even had a flu shot--all of which comes from slaughtered animals. Yes, I loved cream in my coffee and butter on my home made bread. I am also severely allergic to all legumes--especially anything soy. Try balancing all of that with a successful post sleeve diet. But ya know what? I thoroughly enjoy reading how other's are coping with their up bringing, their day to day diet pre surgery, and how they are or are planning to adapt those eating habits for the "new life" of post bariatric surgery. Our minds should never be soo closed that there is no room for a new idea or thought. It may not prove to be right for you, but one can never be over informed. Be kind, patient, listen, absorb whatever will benefit you, and store the rest in the archives of your mind for a later discussion. Diversity is what this country is all about. We are all free to speak as we wish, worship as we wish, go where we wish and even eat what we wish---as long as we do no harm. I think that is a pretty good mantra to live by.

For as much as people complain about "chemicals" and "toxins" in their food, they are awfully quick to buy into another set of meaningless dietary buzzwords like "natural" and "clean," trading one ideology for another. People are also so quick to dismiss doctors who underwent 11-14 years of education/training/residency, and dieticians/scientists who devote their lives to the art and practice of nutrition as "Western Medicine" ignorants and corporate fatcats. You are free to make your own choices, but "instinct" and "intuition" doesn't mean you somehow possess secret, ancient knowledge beyond the scope of the medical profession. Doctors advocate Protein, which comes in the form of Protein shakes (not dead animal flesh, I couldn't start feasting on adorable, defenseless animals until two months out). High protein can be done on non-meats, however they often require a higher quantity of consumption (which puts stress/stretch on sleeves), and the cost/inconvenience/familiarity/cultural preference often has people going with a grilled chicken breast over a complicated veggie casserole that often contains more starch/carbs than it does protein. A meat-heavy diet is not doctors failing to understand the basic tenets of veganism; it is a matter of function and convenience, because those are the most effective ways of maintaining a long-term plan. In a range of studies, 75%-84% of vegans/vegetarians return to eating meat, so doctors are reluctant or resistant to advocating it to patients who are already experiencing extreme stress and an upheaval of life. Wanna go vegetarian? Wanna go full vegan? Find that you function well deviating from the typical post-OP plan? Awesome. More power to you. But don't come in here peddling ideological beliefs and anecdotes in food/medicine as legitimate science or die-hard fact. "Healthy" food companies are just as quick to capitalize on your fears (and typically spend big money to put out misleading news articles and pseudo-science articles to take your money). Next time you go to Whole Foods, check out the box of the next Natural Organic Non-GMO* product. Pay strict attention to the asterisk. It is usually accompanied by a disclaimer that there is no benefit to consumption as measurable/detectable by scientific study. As a nurse with a strong background in nutrition, it's great that patients are empowered and invested in their own health. But fact isn't something you "believe" in. It exists regardless of what you think or not. So please think twice before you advocate for belief versus well-supported science and trash an entire profession as people that just don't understand your high and mighty, esoteric plane of consciousness. And with that, I'm going to go eat some more salami.