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I don't know if this will make you feel better or worse but I am not a vegetarian and got in well over 100% of my recommended protein starting from day 2 after surgery . . . and still had major hair loss. I don't think protein intake has jack to do with hair loss and my surgeon agrees -- says if there were a way to avoid hair loss by eating right, then no one would lose hair. He believes its basic shock from the surgery and there really is no way to prevent it. Google "telogen effluvium weight loss surgery" and you'll see what he's talking about. With respect to protein and vegetarianism, even though I am not a vegetarian, I have no doubt I could get my protein in from vegetarian sources if I needed to. Dairy, beans, pulses, tofu, etc. are all regular parts of my diet and help with my protein intake a lot. And of course protein shakes! You'll do just fine as long as you are committed to eating protein-rich foods first and drinking shakes if needed to supplement. Good luck!

I've been single for 3 years. I'm down 25 lbs now. I feel better, but I'm not ready to really DATE yet. I went out with a guy from work that wanted to buy me lunch. I asked him to split a meal. He obliged. He knows I've lost weight and am really trying to get in shape. I definitly want to make sure the guy I do date is totally okay with sharing meals. Although they better be flexible since I'm a picky eater being a vegetarian and all.

I too am not regular with my post RNY eating. But I'm getting better at knowing what I can tolerate most of the time. I've been adding steadily to those foods I can tolerate, and even like. It's mostly vegetarian foods. I'm still having to supplement my protein intake with whey shakes and protein bars. I don't know if I'll ever get to where I need by eating regular foods.

I'm a vegetarian too. I am still pre-op but I am trying to identify Proteins that I like and can be prepared quickly and easily or carried around with me. Here's my list so far: hard boiled eggs, greek yogurt, string cheese, seitan Jerky (I really like the Primal Spirits kind- they sell it at most natural foods stores and online), pistachios or almonds, pre-cooked brown lentils from Trader Joes (in the produce section.)

I am still pre-op also but am a vegetarian, and plan to stay that way. If you eat eggs, milk, beans, spinach, yogurt, nuts, it's all good sources of protein on top of the shakes. I also am scared for hair loss but I hear it grows back.

Their customer service and delivery were outstanding. I have tried several of the Protein bars. There were none that I didn't like, but my favorites were Rocky Road, the chocolate Graham, and the Lemon Bar. The Soups were just OK, but I used them up. I would take the broccoli Soup and put some steamed broccoli in it. I have some of the Vegetarian Joe and the chicken Noodle Mixes which I have not tried yet. My boyfriend will be on a business trip for three days, so I will try those later this week. My favorite beverage mix was the Cranberry Grape which I put in sugar free cranberry juice instead of Water. I have found that Protein Drink mixes dissolve better in lukewarm liquid. and then I strain that and either warm it up hotter or put ice in it. The Ranch chips, pizza Chips, and cheese Nips were good enough to pass for a snack. I bought a bunch to have on hand for trips out and about. I also tried a dark chocolate cinnamon crunchy snack that I thought was good. I overbought on protein drink mixes from unjury, Syntrax, and Isopure, so I have not tried any BC drink mixes. So yeah, I would buy their stuff again. As a matter of fact, I am building an order today which will include trying the various Cookies. Given the amazing variety that Bariatric Choice has, I am sure that you will find something you like.

Most of the whey based that I've dealt with is lactose free, however I've also had hemp, rice, soy, egg, and vegetarian Protein powders. I actually had problems finding the right protein powder due to how much potassium and phosphorus that is added because I have a banana allergy so that was my problem. *laughs* If you find one you like and have an issue with it not dissolving well, I have also found that a stick blender or bullet works well. Or using warm Water instead of cold, though you have to watch how warm your water is because it can cause your protein to clump if it's too hot because it cooks it. Just a few thoughts that may help.

Hey everyone, I'm exactly 3 weeks post op today! I have been feeling GREAT! No pain since 5days post op other then some soreness. I went back to week last Monday so it was 13 days post op & I did great (office work) other then feeling like I had no energy 1/2 way thru the day! I have not had any nausea since I left the hospital. At my 1 week post op appt my dr have me my new menu which consists of scrambled egg, cheese, yogurt, vegetarian refried beans, mashed potatoes, tuna, & grilled fish. I have been doing great with all the above I've tried! When I go to my 1 month post op next week I get a new menu. I can't wait. I'm getting tired of the same 7 items lol. I lost 21 lbs the first 2 weeks post op & then gained 1.5 lbs & have stayed at that weight the last 6 days. My clothes are definately getting loose on me. I have dropped 1 size. I hope everyone else is doing good & good luck to u all. I will keep u updated!

Laurie- I'm a vegetarian, so my diet is probably not the most normal one out there. I generally get Protein in the form of egg whites, lentils, black Beans, just about any kind of bean, as well as Protein shakes. Mostly I've been striving for 60 grams of protein a day- 26 grams is from my morning Protein shake. When I find myself getting hungry between meals I snack on cucumbers with balsamic vinegar and garlic. I easily get in all my Fiber and have salads at lunch and dinner. Since band removal I'm able to eat garlic and spicy foods again without being sick. So every meal has garlic. Yesterday I added some jalapenos to my salad for flavor. Making food as flavorful and diverse as possible also helps me from overeating or getting bored with food. I haven't gone back to any of my pre-band vices (mainly bread, Pasta and all those bad carbs). And I think for me this is key. I know I could sit down and eat a whole box of pasta myself, but then again I see that as leading me down the road back to 350 pounds. So I don't allow myself to eat it. The thought of seeing 350 pounds again and being so inactive, unhealthy, unable to enjoy life, having swollen feet, diabetes, high cholesterol and asthma terrifies me. I also workout daily, sometimes twice a day. Yes, I'm greatly motivated by my desire to never be 350 again. In a way I feel like one bad food choice could lead to another, which could lead to another, and then, well I don't want to go down that rabbit hole again. I'm very mindful of my choices when it comes to food and activity. As per insurance covering an additional surgery for me, well I just don't know if they will. My BMI is right on the border of it at 35 but at the moment don't have any co-morbities. I do have 2 herniated discs in my back which is another reason I don't want to gain any weight as my back hurts enough as it is. With working out more I find that by the end of the day my back pain is worse and sleeping is difficult. So I have to go back to the ortho and see what can be done there.

Hi - I'd be interested in this thread. Great idea. We eat where we can organic fruit, vege and meat. I'm not at this point wanting to go vegetarian although some of our meals are - I try to balance it out alternating vegetarian, white meat, fish/seafood and red meat (pre op of course). I practice TM meditation - twice a day for twenty minutes each. I see a naturopath for health issues especially where I am not comfortable with the big Pharma solutions or should I say 'masking of symptoms'. I'd love to get back into Callinetics as I used to do this many moons ago and found I liked it better than yoga. I too want to be more consistent in my overall health and well being. Now I have a tool for assisting me with portion control I do believe I can do it - it would be nice to discuss and share from time to time too :-) Even 13 days post op my foods are organic drinking yoghurt, organic and non-organic Soups with home made chicken broth made from organic chickens. It hasn't been that much more expensive to shop organic considering my portion sizes are so much smaller it kind of balances out to what I would otherwise spend. I use coconut oil on my skin and for cooking - I haven't tried pulling with it yet. Have you?

Hello to everyone who reads my post!! My name is Mikki, and I am a newbie to the VSG surgery. I first met my doctor 2 years ago, and I had thought that knowing this surgery would be the final straw, that I would do soemthing to get my weight in order. Finally, as of January 2014, I have found the mental strength to take control of my life. I changed my habits and started to adopt a vegetarian (transitioning to Vegan) lifestyle. I have never felt better, and I have noticed the weight is coming off on its own now. I have also started to deal with my internal struggles, which has also helped tremendously! Now, for the question: Is it possible to live a vegan lifestyle post-op? The nurse advised me that I would need to drink ideal Protein for two weeks before my surgery. Is there a vegan option out there instead? If any of you veterans have any links, or another post in the forum that offers advice or tips, I would LOVE it if you would reply to my post. I am a bit afraid (knowing the worst case scenario outcome), and am trying to breathe and relax and know that I am doing the best thing I possible can for my body and my life. I would really enjoy meeting some friends and a support group of people experiencing the same thing I am, or who would like to be there to hold my hand throughout this journey! Thank you for reading! Mikki

Hello to everyone who reads my post!! My name is Mikki, and I am a newbie to the VSG surgery. I first met my doctor 2 years ago, and I had thought that knowing this surgery would be the final straw, that I would do soemthing to get my weight in order. Finally, as of January 2014, I have found the mental strength to take control of my life. I changed my habits and started to adopt a vegetarian (transitioning to Vegan) lifestyle. I have never felt better, and I have noticed the weight is coming off on its own now. I have also started to deal with my internal struggles, which has also helped tremendously! Now, for the question: Is it possible to live a vegan lifestyle post-op? The nurse advised me that I would need to drink ideal Protein for two weeks before my surgery. Is there a vegan option out there instead? If any of you veterans have any links, or another post in the forum that offers advice or tips, I would LOVE it if you would reply to my post. I am a bit afraid (knowing the worst case scenario outcome), and am trying to breathe and relax and know that I am doing the best thing I possible can for my body and my life. I would really enjoy meeting some friends and a support group of people experiencing the same thing I am, or who would like to be there to hold my hand throughout this journey! Thank you for reading! Mikki

Delove32 I've been doing 3 200 cal protein shakes a day and clear liquids. I'm supposed to do this til week 4 post op which is next week....honestly in the middle if the day if I get hungry I've had a 1/2 cup of vegetarian refried beans though (my job is active and I walk about 7 miles a day so I feel like this isn't all that unreasonable)...thoughts?

Not vegan but vegetarian for sure. My man is a chef so there is always an abundance of amazing ingredients happening. All I have to do is put them together!

Tonight was an awesome one! Mushroom burger with melted blue cheese on a bed of asparagus & carrot slaw! Tomorrow's dinner is black bean spaghetti with goat cheese sauce, spinach and oyster mushrooms! I love tiny gourmet vegetarian meals! Anybody have any sleeve friendly gourmet meals?

High protein/moderate fat is fine. Low fat is NOT key to weight loss when you are doing low carb. Why can't you eat meat? Health reasons? Personal choice? You can do low carb without meat. Google vegetarian low carb diet. Lots of ideas out there!

I haven't been on here in a few days but I wanted to give a little update. I had my 1 week post op on Tuesday & I lost 15 lbs since the day of surgery & I'm feeling GREAT!! I got to add some new foods to my diet thank goodness. Mashed potatoes, cream of wheat, scrambled egg, vegetarian refried beans, & yogurt. I must say it's a nice change to have something different lol. I got my first hunger feeling last night so I ate a sugar free popsicle. Just kind of worried me a little since it's the first time I felt that since surgery. Hope everyone is doing well & good luck to those with upcoming surgeries )

I too am a vegetarian. I was trying to go vegan but that is not currently happening. I do tofu, eggs, I have protein shake for breakfast, yogurt, beans....you'll find lots of stuff online.

I hated the puréed phase. I felt the same way. Nothing puréed wanted to go or stay down. Turns out, my sleeve hates purée, to this day I can't do it and I'm 1yr out. I ate a lot of yogurt and vegetarian chili that I pulverized with my teeth during the purée stage to get calories in. You're not alone in this.

Hi. I am a vegetarian, scheduled to be sleeved on 5/1. I'm having so many doubts about my decision. Not because I think I can do it myself...because I cannot. I just have so many fears about complications, hair loss, recovery, etc. Another fear/worry that I have is due to the fact that I am a vegetarian. Will I be able to get enough Protein and Vitamins through non meat products? It seems protein is such a huge focus and I understand that but can I really get enough to be healthy and not lose my hair?!

-breakfast is either an egg and a morningstar sausage (vegetarian) sausage patty, or chobani simply 100 vanilla yogurt with 1/4 c high Protein kashi Cereal (usually not able to finish the second selection). Have some P28 high protein bread but I have not tried it yet (14 grams/slice). -lunch is usually 2-3 ounces of grilled chicken, grilled fish, steak, or a small hamburger patty cooked on the GF grill. I try and add some veggies-wilted spinach is packed with nutrients in a small serving-or asparagus tips a couple times a week. -dinner is pretty much the same thing as lunch, or I have sliced chicken/turkey deli meat roll ups with a slice of sargento thin cheese. -snacks (try and get in 2 a day)-cottage cheese is a go-to for me (2% Breakstone in the 4 ounce cup), baby bel cheese, or half a small apple (peel included) with PB2. Guilty pleasure is pork rinds 1/2 an ounce <ducks> The only Protein Drink I can stomach is Chike's high protein coffee drink when I need the caffeine in the afternoon (I work swing shift into the evening hours) and I drink it only once or twice a week at work. The thought of eating a Protein Bar or a different shake makes me gag...my hat is off to you guys who can still tolerate them Calories average about 850-900. I am trying to increase my protein to 75-80 min with my increased exercise, and carbs, well, I try and keep it below 50, some days I do better than others but I am trying to keep a variety in my diet so I do not get bored. I drink crystal light, iced tea and coffee (no carbonated drinks at all-stopped about 4 months before surgery)...not enough fluids but I am working on that as well.

I agree with Irene. Her answer is very thorough. For myself, I try to avoid grains when I can, as I have Celiac and I find most gluten-free products have refined (and fattening) flour. I eat a lot of vegetarian Protein, tofu, hummus, fish and dairy. And I am beginning to find fruits and vegetables that work for me, now that I am 4 months out. My nutritionist recommends under 50 grams of carb per day, which usually is doable.

Ok, been a few weeks since I last logged in, do not really have anything to say lately, and very little in common to be honest... But I had an episode with the band recently (don't get that many anymore) I thought I should log in and share..... For those that do not know me, I have been banded for 3 -1/2 years, hit my Green Zone 4 months, 3 fills after surgery, lost all my excess weight and body fat, reversed all my co-morbidities, became a gym rat, vegetarian, blah, blah, blah.....I should also say I'm 62 years old, a heart attack ( and cardiac surgery) survivor, ....well, you get the picture. In other words I'm a veteran who had the band totally changed my life. Total success!!! Anyway, to the point. Went in for my 6 month regular visit last Tuesday....generally it takes about 5 minutes, in and out. I spend more time there schmoozing with the ladies in the office than the actual exam.... Walking into the building, I meet my surgeon on his way out, he was on call and had to leave. We talk for a few minutes, asks me why I'm there and was I experiencing any problems....I told him no, just the routine 6 month visit......however, I did tell him I was contemplating having a slight un-fill....say 1/2 cc....He looked at me and asked why on earth would I even think about such a thing....I am currently, nor ever have experienced any problems, complications....the band has led me to a life of normal weight, regained my health. I am one of his best patients....a textbook example of what the band can do....WHY fix something that isn't broke??? Why disrupt what I have had going for me all this time? He said it was his tratment plan to get his patients there, WHY would I want to un do it? He said he did not recommend it at all, and said I should reconsider....don't disrupt that perfect balance I have had all this time. Fast forward, I'm in the exam room with the PA, and we have the same conversation....she tells me I'm nuts,(she's also a colleague) and that she is reluctant to do it unless I can come up with a good reason...I have no reflux, no stuck/sliming episodes, no pain or discomfort....she tells me she knows 100's of patients who wished they had what I had....that perfect balance...that perfect adjustment. That total success with little or n o effort......Why would I want to tilt the apple cart? I did convince her to take a 1/2 cc out, promising I will come right back if I was not happy....(and some other negotiations) So she pulls the full 7cc's out, just as it was 3 years ago...no leaks or discoloration. She then puts back fresh saline, less the 1/2 cc. Well, I want to say...from first hand experience...there is that perfect balance...and with a1/2 cc taken out...., I lost it!!! Suddenly, my cravings came back...I want to snack all day long, all hours of the day and night....also, my head hunger returned. I see people eat disgusting things like pizza and cheeseburgers, and I desire to do the same....my portions are now all out of whack also. Before, it was impossible for me to over eat....no matter where I was or what I was doing. Parties, holiday dinners, vacation cruises...it did not matter.The band was always the band. But now....we were out to dinner last night, and my Wife commented I must have been starved because she could not remember the last time I ate so much....I looked at my plate and realized she was right....I could have continued right on eating...as though I never had the surgery in the first place....Very, very scary.....I don't like this. Fortunately....I still do not experience any hunger...that has remained the same, I did not loose that thankfully...so I can remind myself not to give in to the cravings, head hunger....I can remind myself to eat small portions, even weigh and measure if need be.......but what was once very easy and routine, has now suddenly became a constant chore again....constantly telling myself not to do this, not to do that....just like dieting! I also realize I am now walking that fine line....things such as stress, emotional experiences, or just a lapse in control, and I can be one of those who "Fell off the wagon" and need to "Get back on track"...could never understand that before, but now I do, and now it scares me that it could easily happen. I do not like this place, I want to go back to the way it was....where the band was in total control.... The Dr and PA where right....I should have just let thing be... So, Monday I will call and make an appointment to come in and have that 1/2 cc put back in...a week later....and face my good friend the PA......possibly the Dr also... But it was a learning experience....who would have thought that a 1/2cc can make such a big difference....there really is that "PERFECT" balance...that sweet spot, whatever you want to call it. I did learn my lesson... Ok, just had to log in and share something that has happened to me over the past week....so it's time to log out and go back in hibernation. If anything else significant should happen ( I really doubt it will) I will surely log back in and share. Otherwise I will when my 4 year anniversary comes around. Till then....

Hi all! It's been a while since I posted, but I have been reading all the posts as they come. I've seen alot of folks having issues with getting enough food in, and feeling satisfied, and/or not being able to tolerate some foods. I have been lucky enough to have liked just about everything I've tried, and I've succeeded thus far. I am 5 1/2 weeks post op, and down 30lbs. My doctors diet regimen means between weeks 4-6 after I've seen the doc, I can eat whatever I want. Now it's up to ME to make sure what I eat is healthy, and nutritious. I use the app "MyFitnessPal" to keep track of EVERYTHING I eat. And my doc says don't worry about calories, as long as you are getting enough PROTEIN (60-70g/day), GOOD CARBS, and SOME Fat. Watch SUGAR! and keep SODIUM as low as you can. And HYDRATE!!! 64+oz of water a day. So far, if anything, I have had trouble getting enough water. But for those who are struggling with getting enough protein, I have a list of Protein shakes/powders, etc.....that may help you find a good one. I use "Pure Protein" brand, Frosty Chocolate, found in Shoprite, Walmart and probably alot of other places. Maybe I can inbox it to whomever wants it? And once you can have FISH, it's SO PROTEIN PACKED, so make sure you eat your fish. I was basically vegetarian for a month (and Fish) and between that, and the shakes, i kept my energy up. Vitamins are a key too. Well, that's enough babbling....I hope you all are doing well. Keep your chins up, and never give up! This is a new life for us all!

I carry my protein shake all day long. For breakfast and lunch. For dinner, I am a vegetarian so it's rather easy for me to tell them I am going to eat back in the hotel. On business trip we usually book rooms with kitchens and I'll just cook some eggs etc.