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Went for my two week check today. I have lost 10 lbs since surgery. My wounds are healing nicely so I can take a bath. Yea! I have moved on to stage 3 and can have puréed food. I am a vegetarian so my protein choices are limited. Any suggestions?

Thanks for the input. It is a struggle being a vegetarian and losing, but I see that you've done it. I do eat dairy and eggs which help. I may just need more access to better recipes. Sometimes things get lost in typing translation. It's not that I turn my nose up at tofu and fake meat. Tofu has been my go to protein. It's like people who eat chicken every day. You just get tired of tofu, tofu, tofu. Again, maybe I just need a better recipe arsenal. I do eat fake meat too. I'm just concerned with the amount of sodium that comes with the territory of prepackaged food. My body definitely retains Water the more that I eat. So, more research it is. One of my hobbies is making fake meat...take a look at Brianna Grogan... some great high protein recipes: http://veganfeastkitchen.blogspot.com/p/recipe-links.html http://veganfeastkitchen.blogspot.com/2006/07/buddhas-roast-duck-with-yuba.html http://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-detail.asp?recipe=853797 (I mix this in a bread machine, then transfer to a crock pot to finish over night) These are good, you need an oven... http://www.theppk.com/2012/01/vegan_sausage/ This product is pretty good, http://www2.netrition.com/explore_asian_mung_bean_fettuchini.html they also make a black bean variety.... 25 gms protein! When i cook, it always makes things work better protein wise, but of course its more work!

Thanks for the input. It is a struggle being a vegetarian and losing, but I see that you've done it. I do eat dairy and eggs which help. I may just need more access to better recipes. Sometimes things get lost in typing translation. It's not that I turn my nose up at tofu and fake meat. Tofu has been my go to protein. It's like people who eat chicken every day. You just get tired of tofu, tofu, tofu. Again, maybe I just need a better recipe arsenal. I do eat fake meat too. I'm just concerned with the amount of sodium that comes with the territory of prepackaged food. My body definitely retains Water the more that I eat. So, more research it is.

Stalls are normal. However I would check that you are: Meeting your Protein goals. I keep mine between 75 - 100. Watching carbs. Mine are high because I am vegetarian. I do look at the source of the carbs. I strive for complex carbs, not white, highly processed carbs. Are you keeping track of your food? Perhaps try keeping a food log. We have a tendency to minimize "occasional treats". They can add up and slow down our weight loss efforts. I log everything, good, bad and ugly. Are you eating fruits and veg? Green vegetables especially are full of Fiber and nutrients. They will also help you poo regularly. I find when I have at least 2 BM's a day, I lose faster. Drink you Water. Flavor enhancers are fine, but if you can try some plain old H20. I am 9½ mths and nearly 100 down. I hope to lose at least 125lbs by my anniversary in September. I started at a really high weight and that would be half way to goal for me. I only weigh once a month and so far I have no experienced any stalls. I work out 5-6 days a week, primarily water aerobics.

I had my surgery June 22. I am on full liquids this week, and pretty much have been going between sugar free popsicles and no sugar added apple sauce. I have been unable to do broth, Powerade zero and Jello since surgery, they make me nauceous. I did try vegetarian minestone Soup broth yesterday and that was amazing. I am looking forward to next week when I can do stage 3, pureed foods. Pain wise I have been fine, just having a little itchyness now around the big incision. My dr was great and didnt go anywhere near the bra or pant line. I haven't taken any pain medicines since last Wednesday, which is great for me. I had a hard time right after surgery because I was so sick from the medicine that they gave me prior to surgery. Good luck with everyone's journey

What other fruits and veg are you eating besides grapefruit. Dark green leafy veg, bananas (be careful they are high in sugar/carbs), prunes are also good for moving bowels. I'm vegetarian so I've been eating fruit and veg since week 1 with no ill effects. I make it a point to have either green veg or fruit each day. I have a BM anywhere from 1 -3 times a day. I am one of the people who drinking coffee also aids in making me go. I would start with something simple like eating 1 or 2 prunes before bed. That might help you have a regular BM by morning. If that doesn't work then try some of the other things like smooth move tea, MOM, stool softeners or ducolax.

Hi Deedee, you have done great!! I hear you want to lose more, but congrats on not gaining. I am a veggie too. I think it is important for you to get in your Protein. That may be the primary reason you have gone into maintenance. The old story, protein first is great advice. It is not always easy for vegetarians to get in enough protein without getting in carbs too. I have a list of go -tos and sometimes they are my medicine, to keep on track. Do your research, explore recipes, there are protein full pastas, do you eat dairy? I have problems getting in enough protein too, and carbs are my bad friend. Its a struggle, but we can do better. Stop turning up your nose at fake meat and tofu.... find a way to enjoy.

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.

There is Protein in nearly everything. I am vegetarian. I do supplement with my morning shake but I get most of my protein from food. I eat greek yogurt, cheese, nuts, Beans, dark green veg, fruit and whole grains. This week I am using something I called green base. It's 3 cups of raw kale, 1 cup frozen spinach, 1/8 cup almond slivers, 1/2 apple blended in the vitamix and poured into ice cube trays. I use 2 cubes per servings. It's only 3 gms of protein but loads of Fiber and Vitamins. I then added 2 ice cubes of orange juice, 1 small orange. 1/2 cup greek yogurt, 1 scoop Isopure unflavored Protein Powder. I drink half before and half after my workout. It's 36 gms of protein. lunch is Explore Asian - Organic Mung Bean Pasta. I'll probably add some sauteed veg with it. 3oz is 38gms of protein. I'll have some nuts for an afternoon snack. A salad with an egg for dinner. A lot of nutritionist tell you to stop Protein drinks because they want you to focus on eating whole foods. I told mine I was never a breakfast person and I always my a Protein Drink for breakfast. She seemed okay with it since I eat regular meals otherwise. I did go through a period where I wasn't interested in food at all. I just went through the motions to meet my protein goals. However for the most part I enjoy being creative and making nutritious things to eat. It makes it easier to continue to make this part of my lifestyle.

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.

Welcome and congratulations on getting healthy! There are a lot of post op adjustments that have to be made to be successful but hopefully you have been preparing yourself along the way. - drinking lots and lots of water! Minimum of 64oz. This is the most important thing you will do the moment leave the operating room. Sip sip sip every minute you can to get as much as you can. Many patients end up getting sick because they are dehydrated. They assume it is their new stomach when in fact they are dehydrated. You won't be able to get up to that 64oz or better in the first couple weeks but you really have to focus and remain focused forever on getting tons of Water in. By the way, no drinking water 30 minutes before or after you eat. This is also a critical life change. - Protein is the most critical thing outside of water that you will need to lose weight and stay healthy for life. So many people underestimate this. You need it to heal, you need it to not be hungry. Dense protein is critical. I am not sure how or what you need to do as a vegetarian but I would work closely with a nutritionist on a plan. - get moving. Begin walking immediately after surgery. I was up and walking within 1 hour of getting out of recovery and back to my room. Most of us walk about every two hours as it got rid of the gas in your belly which is what causes the worst of the pain. Once out of the hospital walking is the best thing you can do for your weight loss goals until you are released to do more. I was released at 8 weeks. - paying attention when you eat to your body. That one extra forkful will do me in every time. Eat slowly, very slowly but take no more than 30 minutes or your pouch begins to empty and you will end up over eating. Track everything you eat. Use a program like my fitness pal and log everything. It holds you accountable. - stay off the scale unless you can handle the crazy fluctuations that happen day to day and week to week. I do weigh daily but don't let that news effect me. Stay the course and the weight will come off. Use your clothing and your tape measure and your health or change in comorbitities to truly measure your progress. I hope these suggestions help you and I wish you the best of luck!

My BMI was really high. I'm only 5'2"/5'3" and I was over 400lbs. I'm also a vegetarian do perhaps that played a part. My bloodwork was pretty good pre op. Other than encouraging me to increase my protein, no preop diet for me. I had a really easy surgical experience.

Hi everyone! I just joined this app site and already I feel less anxious about the next few months. My surgery date is July 30th. I am curious to learn what postop adjustments and challenges did you face, and we're there any surprises? Also, how long was it before you were able to get back into your exercise regimen? Any other fellow vegetarians out there, too?

I was fortunate that my doctor started me on stool softeners in the hospital. I took them for the first 30 days post op. I had my first BM 5 days after surgery and have been regular since. I am also a vegetarian and can't live without my veg. I started adding chopped spinach back to my diet ASAP. On the full liquid stage I would liquefy it into my protein shakes. I know drink plenty of water and eat plenty of veg both raw and cooked. It has never interfered with my protein intake or my weight loss. I have anywhere from 1 -3 BM's a day.

You don't have to eat the jello or any of the artificial food subs. It's more challenging but you can do it. I don't eat jello. I am allergic to several things and vegetarian. Besides the fact that I dislike jello, the artificial food coloring is also an allergy trigger for me. However, you have to have a frank discussion with the nutritionist about alternatives. Post op I was give ProSource no carb, I was also allowed tea and veg broth. I also used Isopure unflavored whey Protein powder and added that to veg broth and greek yogurt. One of the few flavored protein powders I could tolerate was CVS brand whey protein. It comes in vanilla, chocolate canisters and also Cookies n' creme and strawberry packets. Additonally I drank Kefir (a yogurt drink). It was 2 long weeks but I made it. Thankfully I didn't have a pre-op diet.

Please feel free to include me in this. I know there aren't many who are trying to eat as natural as possible and/or are vegetarians.

I am 2 1/2 years out. It will be 3 years at the end of November. I started out at 418. The first 100 lbs. just melted off. The next 50 lbs. were more of a struggle. I have found myself at the same weight for almost 9 months now. No gains. No losses. Just hanging at 268. I have a few issues that I struggle with. I am not interested in plastics, but the more I lose the more I just look like a deflated balloon. This is wreaking havoc on my self-esteem. I know that I am healthier. I have engaged in activities in the past year that I never thought that I would be able to do again...camping, hiking and canoeing to name a few. I just wonder how much more gross (this is my word for myself) that I'll look when I reach a truly healthy weight. I have never had one of those sleeves that make you vomit, but I have restriction and I respect it. I don't push my sleeve. I just make poor food choices. I have gone completely down the slope smack dab into carbs and sugar. Waffle for Breakfast. Veggie fried rice for lunch. Black Bean Burger with bun for dinner. A Pop-Tart and tea before bed. (Picking up on the vegetarian vibe?) I just can barely look at tofu and the premade veggie Protein products are so sodium laced. I also admit that I abhor exercise. I was going to yoga 3x per week. Then I started having serious back problems. A herniated L4 & L5 with nerve root compression that causes mobility problems with my left leg. I went for 3 different injections, steroids and other, with a minimum bed rest of a week after each one. I totally lost my yoga mojo. I did the 5 day pouch test. Yes, my sleeve still works. I lost 7 lbs., but I felt like I wanted to eat the arm off my couch. I get legitimately hungry now. Not head hungry. Like my sleeve growls at me hungry. I know that this is a long post. I'm hoping that there's someone out there with a similar experience or positive encouragement. I beat myself up enough. I've stayed away from the boards for a very long time feeling ashamed for not being at goal. I don't want to hide anymore. I just can't seem to kick myself back into gear. It's like starting from square one except I'm in the 200's instead of the 400's. Anyone? Thanks!

I think this is harder than most people will admit to. I've lost 150 lbs and still have at least 70 to go. I am happy that I haven't gained weight. I will be 3 years out in November. I did the 5 day pouch reset. It semi-worked. I dropped 7 lbs in 5 days and regained some of that fullness feeling...like my sleeve actually still worked. It was a miserable 5 days. 6 months later I am still not back on track. I'm a vegetarian and got tired of my Protein choices. I can barely look at tofu and the premade items are so high in sodium. My portions are still small, but I think my body won't let go of any more weight because it's not getting the protein that it needs. I remember how hard things were in the beginning, but I kind of miss those days. Once you've let the carbs and sugar creep back in they're absolute hell to get rid of. You get headaches. You feel sick. I've realized that if I ever want to get down to where I want to be there is going to have to be a radical shift in my eating and activity. We started this journey for a reason. I am astounded at what I can do now vs. 150 lbs ago. I can only imagine what I'd be able to do at a more healthy weight. It's going to be hard. We have to be brutally honest with ourselves, recognize what we've already accomplished, seek support and really see this as a path of self-care. I wish you all the best, and know that you're not alone.

I know - I really never doubted my surgeon until this point. I think it just really shocked me and I felt unprepared. I'm very good at following things for a short amount of time and then I stray. I wasn't expecting to be able to eat solids so soon. I mean, my family's doing a cookout next weekend for the 4th...don't know how I'm going to handle that! I was worried about that with the calories...I don't want my body to get used to this amount, and I've heard stories of people increasing their calorie count to get out of stalls, so maybe it'll be good for me to increase my calories a bit and aim a little higher. @@Babbs I've struggled with that concept because I love veggies. I was a vegetarian for several years and don't like a ton of sources of protein, but I'm trying. I've had chicken the last several days and nights and that's how I've hit my protein goal lately. Before, I was doing more veggie purees and they didn't give me nearly enough protein.

Quick Weight Loss Center which eventually became LA Weight Loss. I lost about 35 pounds and plateaued. They couldn't help me past the stall. The pudding, soups and shakes were nasty. It was low carb without the education plus add in the money making products. That was $900 down the drain. Atkins worked the best. I also had the best blood work results when I was on that diet. I tried vegetarian, not vegan. I like meat too much. I ate too many carbs since Protein is more filling for longer. I was constantly hungry so I would eat Pasta and other crap. It isn't meat, it is low fat all good right? Herbalife was expensive and I was so tired I think I made it two weeks. I am surprised nobody else mentioned them.

For me it was also the cabbage Soup diet... The banana day! haha! What the heck? No one has mentioned Atkins here yet I don't think.. I'm vegetarian so didn't do this, but my hubby would sit with a giant plate of cheesy eggs, ham, and greasy bacon for Breakfast, and big fatty steaks for lunch and dinner and wonder why he never lost weight. A heart attack waiting to happen!

I think there is a line were what you need to do, and what you can do may clash. Not as easy as saying "just get your head in the game" or "Just eat less" or "Just exercise more". Of course these things count... but it looks to me like there may be some other factors at play here. Brain chemestry? Biome health? When I decided to get the WLS I knew that I would have to do something different than I did before surgery. The lifetyle change. I also knew that I couldnt go so far out of my current lifestyle that I would be falling off the wagon at every turn. I decided I would focus on portion control, not super low carbs.... I am a vegetarian, and very low carb is pretty hard to maintain with limited low carb proteins. I could however eat less carbs. I reworked many recipes to better meet my health needs. I would try and eat everything I wanted too... but keep an eye on the numbers at all times... write it down, weight and measure, get enough protein, drink my water, maintain consistancy with my exercise.... Every day is a work in progress. When stress and tragidy come into the picture... its just that much harder. The drug componant of food becomes a player too. I have seen others around me here going cold turkey with carbs... I can do that too, but know I can't and don't want to live that way, I have tried to make lifestyle changes that will last in the long run. This means for me that I am closer to the edge of gaining... if I graze a little too much, if I dont bother writing down what I eat for a few days, if I eat for the drug effects (sugar!) or just step out of my routein too much (eating out... vacation, house guests, parties) it all shows on the scale. I have dedicated two days a week to lower carb and calorie consumption for the last year, and I think this helps keep me from gaining more than I already have. I find it harder and harder to really get back into the downward loss mode these days. I just finished the 5 day pouch test a few weeks ago.. I lost 6 1/5 pounds which felt great, of course you know that kind of quick weight loss is a water dump from low carbs, so very easy to gain back. It value was to remember how lower carbs and higher protein can work for retriction which is a value if you have lost track of that quality of the sleeve. (or pouch). I really don't want to become a yo-yo dieter again... and am looking for a way, in the long run to keep this weight off. At 4 1/2 years, I am till in the "successfull" range, but still looking backwards to the time I was at goal and working to try and get back there if possible, in a sane and sustainable way.

Read labels. I've been vegetarian a long time and I still read labels. A lot of meat subs are heavily proceeded and carb heavy. Morningstar & Boca are the 2 biggest culprits. I rarely eat either of those brands. I do eat a lot of Greek yogurt (fage 0%) and eggs. I also eat beans, nuts (cashews, pistachios & almonds mostly) and I supplement with unflavored protein powder. I try to combine proteins when possible. I make my own protein drinks with protein powder, yogurt & whatever fruit or nut butter to flavor. I may have black beans with a sunny side up ragged & shredded cheese for a meal. I also eat seitan & tempeh

Can you talk to the person ordering the catering (or the caterer) directly and see what they have that would work? Someone is in charge of selecting the food. If you were a vegetarian or had severe food allergies I would assume you wouldn't be afraid to ask ahead of time.

Tofu, edamame beans (and other beans/lentils) and eggs are my go to (not vegetarian but finding a lot of meat not agreeing with my pouch).