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Hey, I went vegan around the 6 month mark but I was vegetarian from the 3 month mark onward. For me I found the protein protein protein mantra drilled into WLS patients heads didn't make sense. I then started doing a ton of research and found that much of how we are told to eat is based on out dated beliefs formed when wls was very new but now decades of research has shown that after around 6 months there is no need for us to eat large amounts of protein so once I learned that I went vegan. And so far things are great. I eat a varied plant based diet and my health has gotten so much better. I would advise that if you want to go vegan to look the "Whole Food Plant Based" way of veganism. It's all about eating plants like rice, beans, potatoes, green leafy vegetables, fruits with no limits but not eating added oils and sugars. For me this way of eating is so freeing and great.

I'm getting sleeved Dec. 31, too. I hate to post this, but my pre-op diet isn't as bad as everyone else's (thought still not easy). I have two weeks of vegetarian very low fat/low cal. eating (with protein shakes) and a requirement to stop eating at midnight the night before the surgery. I went to a Christmas dinner party last night and ate before I left. I had salad with non-fat dressing while everyone ate delicious looking food. I managed, but it was tough. For one thing, I was seated in front of the spiral sliced ham and I watched it sliced and served to each person! Also, they had my favorite dessert (pumpkin pie). I have two more of these dinners to get through (one at my house), but I know it will all be worth it. If nothing else, it is teaching me that I can socialize and enjoy company without lots of eating and drinking. I had my last appointment with the surgeon yesterday and everything is good to go. I am mostly very excited, but hit periods of extreme nerves. I'm very much looking forward to being on the other side. Good luck to all of the December sleevers, and especially those on Dec. 31!

Totally agree that they are good for you. I am vegetarian so beans count for much of my protein. I love black beans so I measure them on order to prevent eating too much of them.

I have never PB'd - thank goodness. I only have trouble with doughy bread. The only other thing I had once was caught in the car I had a Junior Veggie Burger - half the bun only, but my mistake was that I kept sipping the drink and overloaded. I've not had that since coz I leave the drinks LOL! I have no issues with meat as I'm vegetarian and so far can eat meat substitutes fine, and salads as long as I chew well. I still can't work out why the tightness is so great initially after a fill, and then eases off so much after 2 weeks! Does anyone know?

I am living alone and I'm still going through trials and errors! Initially when I was supposedly ready to eat solid food, I would cook like for about 4 people as I been accustomed to (prior to surgery when I was raising a 14 year old boy and often feeding his friends). Actually I always cooked for more than just myself because I would eat much more than one normal portion, (let alone a 2 oz sleeve portion!) I then decided to go out and buy freezer bags and different sized containers in order to save the extra however I rarely ate my leftovers and eventually, (like this morning), they got dumped in the trash. Here is what I have found helpful. Having a carton of eggs is good worse case scenario you throw out only half the egg, (but soon enough you will be able to eat an entire egg.) Also, at costco (and all other big chain markets), you can buy boxed or bagged frozen foods which are already in portion sizes, therefore you need only take out and prepare what you think you can eat. This goes for fish, shrimp, meatballs, cheese raviolis, and lot's of other high Protein foods as well as frozen vegetables. If you can't eat the pre portioned size for one you may refrigerate the bit you can't eat or simply get rid of it. I do find it sometimes helpful to just go to a deli and order 2 slices of turkey or roast beef and a slice or two of low salt cheeses, (I like Alpine Lace)...if the meat is lean enough (I like Boars Head) I make a roll of the meat and cheese and eat it ever so carefully. The whole thing takes some adjusting to and this morning I found so much stuff in my refrigerator I had to throw away. Also before the surgery I went out and bought lots of canned foods like turkey chilly, vegetarian chilly, various soups, only to find that my tastes had radically changed and those same favorites were now sickening to me. I even bought a hoard of organic baby food and did not eat too many of them. I ended up bagging all the nonperishable food items I bought and donating them to a local food pantry. I find it's one big experiment. Someone here mentioned having those little puffy oyster crackers handy for eating soft cheeses and/or adding to soups, that worked for me. As for fruit I haven't eaten any yet since I'm so consumed with getting in enough protein since I fill up so easily. But I found a Protein Drink from "Naked" juices which is tasty like a nectar with no added or artificial sugar and each 15oz bottle contains 30 grams protein, 1 banana, 1.5 apples, .5 orange and a bit of pineapple and coconut. If I find any other suggestions I will send them your way. Yes Cream of Wheat, WHOLE GRAIN it has 7 grams protein per packet. I can almost eat 3/4 of a packet. It goes down pretty easy.

Hi Babs! Thanks for reading it all! I do think it may be the Protein shakes, or just overall hunger issues. I, um, went nuts last week & overate a ton... really, really, really bad choices. BUT... the pain went away, lol. So either it was the lack of Protein drinks or it was the lack of hunger. I'm trying to get my head back under control this week & figure out which thing is causing the pain. I thought I'd beaten the pain, but as soon as I cut back the calories, it popped right back up. I do still have my gall bladder. I was wondering about it as well. My doc suggested I take my temp regularly, lol. I'd never even considered it! It's been normal so far, so he doesn't think it's the gall bladder. We see him again next Monday, so I should have another update. Hope you get your pain figured out Leener! How on earth do you get all your protein in as a vegetarian? I don't think I could eat enough tofu!

I think give it time, I couldn’t tolerate chicken, tuna, sardines during the soft phase no matter how slow or how wet i made it but honestly my body was having a tough time with meat And fats prior due to my gallbladder and food allergies. I did tolerate beef better but grass fed organic beef, and vegetarian organic chicken (green wise Publix store brand) I would just buy and eat less or when chicken went bogo. It depends on the quality meat. But for now I’m working on high protein veggie burgers that have pea protein and vegetables. never cook things dry, keep meat portions smaller too. also can I suggest getting a good digestive enzyme like garden of life chewable, something with a range of enzymes that will help you with the hard to digest foods. I buy from vitamin shoppe or vitacost. I dislike our local gnc it’s a franchise ... but if you have a good shop you can ask about digestive enzymes. also as I said, give things time and try them in small doses even with sleeve. (I had bypass) digestive enzymes can help with preventive for developing GERd.

Miraculous! I tend to eat pretty healthy foods (being a vegetarian helps), I just eat way too much of it. So feeling positive about things right now.

if fruit and/or yogurt are available i would go for that. I am a lacto ovo vegetarian (no meat or seafood at all) - i eat dairy but i have always hated eggs (eggs mixed into something is ok - but plain eggs or an omelette no way). I will be having the same trouble as you (i just haven't been to a restaurant for breakfast since starting my pre-op diet). Some restaurants have oatmeal - i may try that. Otherwise, you are in a pickle. Maybe a protein shake before you leave for the restaurant and then get coffee and fruit at the restaurant? Or, unsweet cereals (i.e., special K, Kix, bran flakes) are decent. That's really all i can think of.... (unless it's a buffet and you can get lunch foods - salad etc.) Remember, restaurants are about conversation and good company not the food.

If anyone questions I’d just go with the seeing a dietician & being careful with what you eat story. I mean it is the truth just not all the truth. It is your business & who you choose to tell about your surgery is yours alone. I go out to dinner, parties, birthdays, events, etc. & no body really cares what I eat or don’t eat & I don’t feel like I missing out on anything. People have so many food preferences, eating styles, allergies, sensitivities, etc. these days you changing your eating habits shouldn’t be much of an issue. Does anyone get upset with a vegetarian who doesn’t eat the meat dishes at a party or someone glutton intolerant eating a bun less burger?? I think everybody celebrates with food but as others have said it’s all about the choices you make. What you put or don’t put in your mouth doesn’t change how you share the celebration. You can choose how much food you put on your plate & what food you will or won’t eat. I’ve had plenty, I couldn’t eat another bite or I might have some later are reasonable excuses you can use.

Soy is also a problem for me. Same for lots of food restrictions. What about eating as vegetarian as possible? That's what I do.

Whey protien really messes my stomach up. I have IBS and for some reason, (probably milk sensitive) I'm in pain all day if I drink one of these. I'm also a vegetarian, so getting enough protien will be a challenge. I get it now via soy, legumes, etc.

I've been a vegetarian since 2004 and have really been happy with my choice. However, since surgery I'm finding it difficult to find foods that are high protein/low carb for vegetarians. Obviously there's fresh veggies and fruit and tofu, but sometimes I just want a comforting snack (potato chips, grilled cheese...) I'm searching for some good suggestions of easy to make meals or snacks for someone who is a vegetarian. I am looking for high protein/low carb... and have lots of things I make, but am getting tired of the same old things!

I'm not, but my daughter is a veterinarian.. I mean vegetarian. She lives on Beans, tofu and seafood, I think. I think eggs is another form of Protein she uses alot. I've seen some vegetarians on some of the yahoo boards, but I've also seen some who reverted back to eating meat like you. As a matter of fact, there is a specific board for vegetarian bandsters. http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/Vegetarianbandsters/ Maybe that will help!

I am so sorry that you are having a difficult time and I pray that you began to feel better really soon. As long as your not taking in enough fluids, you will feel bad and your body will let you know it. I know it's hard trying to force yourself to drink especially when it causes you to dry heave. Having no appetite and being sensitive to smells makes it extremely difficult to put something in your mouth. Are you dry heaving from reflux? Are you just simply feeling nauseous? As hard as it may be, you're going to have to force yourself to eat and drink. I agree with the earlier posting suggesting that you try some carbs, some sort of caloric intake is necessary. If all else fails, buy some unflavored Pedialyte. They also have the pedialyte freezer pops and powder packs. The makers of Pedialyte also make EleCare in an unflavored powder, this is usually given to babies who can't tolerate whole protein. Ensure makes a clear and a high protein shake, but they still have a milk consistency (if that thickness bothers you, then they might not work). At least if you use some of the pedi products, you may be able to mix them in water and make it tolerable. Source Naturals also makes a Pea Protein Powder that most vegetarians use, it's not milk based or made from animal products so it will be easier to tolerate. I suggest purchasing some of the Pea Protein Powder and pedialyte. You've got to get your fluids and protein in order to start to feel better. As far as the depression goes, it's understandable with what you're going through. You are human and we all experience these emotions. Do not make any DNR decisions while you are in this state. I haven't been sleeved yet, but from reading posts on this forum, I can safely say that things will get better. I have read numerous post where the writer spoke of feeling depressed and wanting to give up because they were feeling so bad, but if you continue reading they always spoke of turning the fence and feeling so much better as time went on. It's still early on so don't beat yourself up to bad. You know that with God, ALL things are POSSIBLE!!!! Keep the faith Jesus says, "if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, move from here to there, and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you" [Matthew 17:20. Remember, we are all here for you, and I just as many other people here on this forum were placed in your life for a reason, lean to God and lean on us! Praying for your speedy recovery!

You are going hard for carbs lately. Keep it up. I think that, in the future, we will look back on our current anti-carb obsession with the same derision as we look back on the anti-fat nonsense of the 1990s. It's a fad. It will pass. Nutrition science is in its infancy, and every single nutritionist I've ever met, and most I've followed online for any time, have been dogmatic. There are dogmatic vegetarian/vegan nutritionists, dogmatic anti-carb nutritionists (bariatric teams seem to hire them disproportionately often), dogmatic "three meals/no snacks" nutritionists, dogmatic "eat small amounts all day" nutritionists. More than one nutritionist I've had the misfortune to deal with has been entirely ignorant about the research surrounding BMR changes brought on by diet, probably because their paycheck required them to stay ignorant. They all (all of them I've met and nearly all of them whose websites I visit) cherry-pick their sources, ignoring the things they don't want to integrate into their practice. Nutrition "science," as practiced in client-facing situations, is just survivorship bias writ large. "Well this all works for ME." MEH! ... Hi, I'm CrankyMagpie, and I didn't know I had a rant waiting to get out, but here we are.

I've NEVER been a foodie. Shopping, cooking and eating was always such a chore. As a result, I never wanted to invest the time in making good decisions about food, and ate whatever was on hand or easiest. Processed food, eating times and portions were my downfall. I'm too lazy to bake, too cheap to buy soda, treats and junk food, and too indecisive to pick a restaurant. The result: Lots of Pasta, bean burritos, cheese toast, omelets, pizza and Amy's Kitchen products. (My wife is an ovo- lacto- pesce- vegetarian and I fell in line). Eating was always a bother -- in the way of doing something else -- so I stuffed it in mindlessly. So the challenge for me is to CARE about what I'm putting in my mouth now!

My hard drive crashed and I needed to replace all my apps... but I will start the veg thread later this week. Braggs aminos or sometimes health food stores have their own brand.. I just add 1/2 t of Brags and 1/2 t of flax oil- sometimes a few drops of sesame oil ... braggs is sort of like soy sauce... salty. Really. I use it because vegetarians don't always get enough of the right aminos. You could use vinegar if you prefer.

I just need to vent here a little, sorry.... I am really really struggling with this post-op liquid diet! I did a week and 1/2 of the liquid diet before the surgery, and now I am 4 days post-op and I don't know how I am supposed to make it another week and 1/2. I am on full liquids which means that I can have cream Soup and yogurt, ect. but I am still hungry! I can actually eat an entire can of soup and not feel full! Is that strange? The fact that I can eat like normal and not feel full really freaks me out. Most people have said that they feel full after just a little bit, but not me! I am so tired of the protien shakes and soup that I cant stand it anymore. I even ate a bowl of vegetarian chili today which I didn't even puree first. I ate the whole can of it and then was still hungry! I even tried some leftover crab dip that was almost like liquid when i heated it up, but I know that it's not what I should be eating right now. I am going to try to go back to only cream Soups and protien shakes tomorrow, but I just needed to talk about what a hard time I was having. My boyfriend says it's all mind over matter, and not to think about being hungry. Well after he said that to me last night, I had a major meltdown and started crying about how hard it is not to be able to eat solid food. I am ashamed that I am not being stronger about this. I thought I was ready to do this, ready to loose this weight. I almost wish that I was sick or nauesated so that I wouldn't want to eat. Not to mention that my period started and boy does that make me even more emotional and hungry! I am sorry to boo hoo on here about this, but it's my only outlet for people who may understand what I am going through right now. These last four days have been very hard and I can't wait to get past this point! Also, can anyone tell me how much I should be eating anyway? I think I need to start measuring the soup before I put the entire can into the pot. I haven't a clue about what the max is. Any help would be great with this. Thanks all!

Here I am. Today I am doing really well and even put on real clothes (ie no sweat pants). I am down 4 lbs since Tuesday, and 7lbs since Sunday. Two days after surgery I was up 1/2 lb, which I assume was due to swelling / bloat. The 1st day after surgery I took hydrocodone for pain every 6 hrs. Day 2 I took it 1st thing in the morning, then switched to liquid x-strength tylenol. Day 3 I didn't take anything, and nothing so far today. Friday I got to take my bandages off, and found a small allergic reaction to the tape, which is itcy. I'm using benedryl cream for that. For the first two days I took a LOT of gas x strips. I think I had about 6 the first day post op, and 4 the second day. They are peppermint flavored, and surprisingly very good. I think they helped a lot reducing my gas pains. It was raining the first two days home, so I did a lot of walking around the house. I never had any problems going up & down stairs. Rolling over in bed was definitely a struggle for the first 2 days. But last night I even slept part of the night on my tummy :puke: . I have been eating about 400 calories / day. I should have more Protein, but havent wanted to drink thick shakes. I have been using unflavored protein with OJ and strawberries, which is quite tasty. lunch and dinner have been broth. I have a Jello cup at some point, and lots of Water. I'm not particularly hungry, but old habits die hard. I almost started munching on a pretzel the my daughter left out, just because it looked good. Fortunately I caught myself, lol. I do have a fairly large lump above my large incision. Probably the size of an orange. I called my Dr. about it yesterday and he thinks it may be a hematoma (pooled blood) and didn't seem to be too concerned. I go in Monday for my post op check up so he will check it then. It does seem to be getting smaller which is good. I was nauseous and dry heaving about an hour after surgery, but nothing since then. My tummy does gurgle and rumble a lot, but it's kind of funny. I was driving 48 hrs after surgery with no problem. I chose not to tell my DD's (7&11) about my surgery. I told them I had Dr. appointments on Tuesday and they would be giving me medicine that would make me tired for a few days. I really don't think they have noticed anything really different. I went to bed about 6:30 Tue when I came home from the hospital, but I told them I would be tired. I was walking pretty slow on Wed, but I don't think they noticed. My husband works odd hours and we don't really get the chance to sit down for family dinner more then a couple times / week. My oldest is a vegetarian, so we always have many meal choices for dinner. I'm waiting for one of them to ask why I keep eating Soup for dinner, but they haven't yet. Shell, That is pretty much it. Let me know if you have other questions. This last week will fly by for you. I'm glad all your tests are OK now. Good luck!

I posted this yesterday and had such loving, great feedback, for the first time I think it really sunk in that this is a SUPPORT sight and I love everyone " :help: So, after I have ballooned to a size where I look in the mirror and am so saddened to see this formerly (I thought) attractive lady look like a good year blimp. :omg: Can't fit into any of my clothes, have double chin, no waist anymore, etc. I have heel spurs, back pain, and no energy. Finally after lots of research and exhausted tries at getting my insurance to pay for surgery, decide to get lap band. I then elect to pay for surgery, scheduled date for the 26th of this month, etc. To have optimum results, and speedy recovery I KNOW I have to quit smoking, I KNOW I should be doing pre-op diet, however I have ABSOLUTELY NO SELF-CONTROL. I do good for a few days, then blow it, smoke a cigarette (i'm not a big smoker to begin with but I have been trying to quit for month's sometimes 3 - 4 days no smoke, then bam, 2 in one day) I went no cigarette this time for 5 days, then bam, today bought a pack, smoked two and just now threw whole pack in garbage and poured water on them. Also, for only ONE day I did liquids. Did okay yesterday second day, then came home and had a BOWL full of brown rice with chedder cheese, butter, green beans and then a chocolate bar (I'm a vegetarian so this is like my favorite meal):hungry: Then today, I say okay, back on the horse, drink liquids and protein shakes for breakfast and lunch, then bam, I'm starving so eat a little macaroni and cheese from a fast food place. I am so miserable and so upset that I'm wondering, if I can't control myself now even for a few days, how can I possibly be successful with the band? Am I such a loser that I will be the one person who only loses 10 lbs and that's it and I will have flushed almost $10 g's down the drain? How do I stick to anything if I fall for everything???? My friend at work says she doesn't get how I can manage to always hit lofty sales goals and quotas, yet the simplest lifestyle change that I need to do, I fail miserably....She (a size 4, lol) says Alysha, Your probably setting yourself up for failure because you love bread and cheese too much to ever give it up. Am I a fool for desperately wanting to believe in the band and that when I get hungry I will not shove toxic waste down my pie hole????" ________________

I made this for dinner tonight, and it was delicious! Obviously, it won't work for folks who are avoiding Pasta, or who don't like spinach! I'm sorry, but I don't have nutritional data. I got the recipe from our local paper, and they don't always include that info. Vegetarian Lasagna 1 pkg. chopped, frozen spinach, thawed ¼. lb. lite feta cheese ¼ c. parmesan cheese 1/4. c. part-skim mozerella, shredded ½ white onion, chopped 1-1/2 c. spaghetti sauce 6 lasagna sheets, 8-10” long, cooked, drained and patted dry 1. c. lite ricotta cheese Squeeze as much moisture as possible out of spinach with paper towels. Mix spinach, chopped onion, and feta cheese. Lay pasta sheets out on flat surface. Spread ricotta on pasta sheets, and then sprinkle with mozerella. Spread spinach mix over ricotta/mozerella. Drizzle with a couple tablespoons of spaghetti sauce, then sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Take edge of each pasta sheet and roll inward. Place rolls, seam side down into casserole dish which has been sprayed with Pam. Top each roll with a couple tablespoons of spaghetti sauce. Bake, covered, at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes. Enjoy! Tami

And I am reporting, in. Had to postpone until yesterday, had to not see the Head Nurse-Practioner Valerie but Shannon. Valerie also does the entrance visits for new people, they must have a big crop because she had nothing available until July. Shannon is pretty okay, not quite as grounded and sure of herself. Oohed and ahhed about my weight loss. Said my stomach ouch is not inflamed at the endiscopy, the stoma although still very small is patent. That means things should start moving down better. Then we come to my ulcers, they are still there in the jejumen, New theory , they have a narrowed the lumen(width) to such an extent that stuff isn't digesting well until you get to the point where stomach remaining secretions, bile and pancreatic juices get reintroduced downstream. So I will,have another endoscopy late June or into July, if thi,ngs are worse or even the same 8-to-5 chance I will require surgery. Usually by 6-8 months you're healed. And no, they didn't expect it, no way of guessing I will. have this problem. Stay on same level of diet, try to get protein more, vegan/ vegetarian okay if I still am having trouble with Greek yogurt, cottage cheese and most meats. High Protein levels will help me heal, be sure to take all meds and. minerals to keep a healthy basis in case of possible surgery. And she thinks I look great, I think still I look like Road Kill! But maybe I am over- critical with myself.

We eat out alot. Every family function is centered around food. We all get together to eat out when someone is in from out of town...we go out to eat for every birthday. My son-in-law is a vegetarian in a family of extreme carnivores...now I have the band...we don't obsess over where we are eating...other people do. We can find something everywhere we go. appetizers are great for me, or I eat something from my husbands plate. I'm a really cheap date....well inexpensive. Enjoy your vacation....don't obsess...there is something anywhere you go.

http://wwrecipes.jodiness.com/mainmeal.htm ENJOY