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-------------------------------------------It's by Natures Way called Alive! Whole food energizer I bought a large one 30 fl oz as it was on sale for $20.00 and the sales person told me he drinks that one daily and he really liked it and feels good. You take 1 Fluid once(30ml) shot daily. It's a citrus flavor( but I still say yuk! But not too bad) and vegetarian(I'm not a vegetarian either) It's all fruit, veggies, and green foods I woke up feeling tired and with headache but made it my goal to get all my vitamins in today. I took all my vitamins and honestly feel so much better this even. I have to admit when I was at the Vitamin Shoppe I felt overwhelmed with so many options to chose from, but told the fella what I needed and what for. My favorite one is the Omega w/vitamin D3 I thought would leave a fishy flavor but on contrary tasted like lemon and left a nice lemony flavor. My calcium w/D3 also tasted citrusy and good. One thing I didn't care to learn was we cannot return if open, but if we must return unopened we get store credit, unlike GNC they allow us to return opened. Hope this helps : )

I am a pre & post op vegetarian down 69 pounds in five months. I will admit that veganism might not be entirely do-able but as an ovo-lacto veggie I have no problems meeting my numbers daily with shakes, tofu, cottage cheese, nuts, seeds, soy, yogurt and seitan. I'm not really allowed beans, quinoa or chickpeas which were a source of protein prior too surgery. Nobody is gonna fault you for eating tofu in place of chicken as long as you meet your numbers.

Now you are saying that "yes" you want all those things....................get up and do something about it. Pasta has no nutritional value and certainly has no protein. If you are a vegetarian what are your other protein foods? Yogurt, beans, veggies shouldn't these be your mainstay. You have done a terrific job so far.............you can make it to your goal. You can accomplish any goal you set your mind to; one day or meal at a time!!

I told everyone at the hospital I used to work at that I had lapband surgery. WTH was I thinking. I had more food monitors and aggravation that one day when they made their daily visit to the lounge to see what I was eating for their approval I told them in a not so nice way that I am effing sick of all of you monitoring my lunch. I have done fine without any of you picking out my food for me and stop asking me how much weight I have lost you can see it can't you. So they all were offended but I told them you shouldn't even feel bad for me telling you. I am just sick of it. How many times do I need you to tell me I am making good choices. People will sometimes make you say things that you really wouldn't have said because they need to mind their own business. When I moved to another city no one knew about my surgery. They just think that I eat weird things. But it's better then explaining every day of my working life why I eat what I do. It doesn't matter why a person chooses to be vegetarian. Religious reasons or not, No one should ever have to feel the need to defend their healthy lifestyle choices. It's kind of like the OP mentioned all of the "junk" food that coworkers were eating. No one ever asks why you're eating chips, pop, pizza, etc. I remember when I first started my 6 month supervised weight loss plan that was required by my insurance before they would approve my surgery. I was taking my lunch to work every day and I was eating lots of vegetables and salads and such. Every day for weeks on end people would ask "Why are you eating THAT?" Ummm, because I like it. And because it's better for me than my usual crappy hospital cafeteria choices. And I want to live a long, healthy life and my old choices just weren't cutting it. Geez. The same can be said of our choice to have WLS. It's a choice that we made and we shouldn't have to defend it to the world. Yet, how often do we end up doing that? I'm fortunate in that most of my family was very supportive but I know a lot of people aren't supportive of WLS at all. My own brother asked me if I was sure it was a good choice and was very concerned about me having it done. His was a genuine concern out of love for his sister(we're very close) but he couldn't understand why I needed surgery. He was terrified of something going wrong in surgery. He asked me if I couldn't "just diet" to lose the weight. He's one who can diet and easily and quickly drop a bunch of weight. I'm not so lucky. Once I explained to him the health problems I was developing as a direct result of my weight and lifestyle(I'm a nurse and tend to take care of everyone else without sharing my own problems with them. I'm very private like that)..anyway, he has been supportive but I think he just needed to be certain I was making the best choice for me. I have noticed though that people always feel the need to offer their opinions on the matter. And my opinion is this: my body, my choice, it doesn't effect anyone else. It's none of their business. Period. Same goes for those who choose a vegetarian diet/lifestyle. It's their choice and none of anyone else's business.

I think I definitely need veteran advice & ideas of how to restart weight loss. I was sleeved 11/27/12. So, I am now a little over a year out. The first 6 months I did awesome. Lost weight like gang busters. 101 lbs. in 6 months. Then the next 6 months I lost 19 & then gained 10. So, I'm 13 months out, now 110 down with 130 or so MORE to go. *SIGH* I know this surgery was not a magic cure. I know that there are things that I should be doing that I'm not (counting my grams of Protein, drinking Water, exercising). It's like I totally lost momentum & I am so depressed about it. I am a vegetarian so the protein part has always been hard for me. I think it was at about the 6 month mark that my sleeve was able to handle about anything. It's easier & tastier to eat Pasta than tofu over & over. Has anyone else gone through something similar or know someone who has? I feel like I probably need to go back to water & Protein shakes for a couple of weeks (as much as I loathe the thought of protein shakes) & try to "reset" my body. It is definitely used to simple carbs & sugar again. I dread going through the withdrawal. I am also struggling with my self-esteem. How could I screw this up? I was given a second chance to live a healthy life & I'm not doing it right. I was feeling resentful that my diet has to be so different. I think that I thought that I would be able to eat "normal" food, but in smaller portions. It really looks like I will always have to eat fairly "clean" & the sleeve helps with portion sizes of those foods. Yes, I want to be a healthy weight. Yes, I want to feel better. Yes, I want a lot of things. I am just having a REALLY hard time getting back on track. I just got engaged on New Year's Eve. We are going to get married in the Fall. I can't help but thinking that if I had been on track this whole time that I would have been healthy on my wedding day. Now I'll be fighting the world of plus size bridal gowns. I'm not giving up. I just don't know how to pick myself up & move on.

It doesn't matter why a person chooses to be vegetarian. Religious reasons or not, No one should ever have to feel the need to defend their healthy lifestyle choices. It's kind of like the OP mentioned all of the "junk" food that coworkers were eating. No one ever asks why you're eating chips, pop, pizza, etc. I remember when I first started my 6 month supervised weight loss plan that was required by my insurance before they would approve my surgery. I was taking my lunch to work every day and I was eating lots of vegetables and salads and such. Every day for weeks on end people would ask "Why are you eating THAT?" Ummm, because I like it. And because it's better for me than my usual crappy hospital cafeteria choices. And I want to live a long, healthy life and my old choices just weren't cutting it. Geez. The same can be said of our choice to have WLS. It's a choice that we made and we shouldn't have to defend it to the world. Yet, how often do we end up doing that? I'm fortunate in that most of my family was very supportive but I know a lot of people aren't supportive of WLS at all. My own brother asked me if I was sure it was a good choice and was very concerned about me having it done. His was a genuine concern out of love for his sister(we're very close) but he couldn't understand why I needed surgery. He was terrified of something going wrong in surgery. He asked me if I couldn't "just diet" to lose the weight. He's one who can diet and easily and quickly drop a bunch of weight. I'm not so lucky. Once I explained to him the health problems I was developing as a direct result of my weight and lifestyle(I'm a nurse and tend to take care of everyone else without sharing my own problems with them. I'm very private like that)..anyway, he has been supportive but I think he just needed to be certain I was making the best choice for me. I have noticed though that people always feel the need to offer their opinions on the matter. And my opinion is this: my body, my choice, it doesn't effect anyone else. It's none of their business. Period. Same goes for those who choose a vegetarian diet/lifestyle. It's their choice and none of anyone else's business.

Hi Coach! Good for you for listening to your body and eating healthy. People are funny about other people's eating habits! It seems they sincerely don't really "get" that it's really none of their business...but for those who are simply curious, maybe the term "partial vegetarian" makes it confusing. So, if you decide to respond at all, maybe saying you eat mostly vegetables and Protein would take away the mystery that draws them to comment! And when offered something you don't eat, a simple No Thank You is sufficient. If they persist, you can always try giving them the "look"-- like they have two heads or something. I don't pursue it, but I've had impulses to turn on someone and ask why they are so curious about what I'M eating. Of course, doing that would just continue the thing I'm not wanting -- keeps the focus on my food. So, I keep things lite and let their actions/comments be THEIR thing, their issue, not mine. And as others have said, eat what is good for YOU - you owe no explanation to anyone Sounds like you're doing well! ~hiddn

I was a vegetarian for 17 years. Now I eat poultry and fish and some red meat, but not pork. Even pre-band I just didn't eat it -- couldn't eat it. It's amazing how many people think this is a religious decision and want to make a "thing" out of it. Um, no, I just don't eat that. The great thing about the band is the listening to our bodies -- when I do this, I really do know the difference between a craving from that old mindset of overeating or the need/desire for something particular that my body must need. I'm learning to trust that. When I first got banded I was pretty sure I wouldn't be able to have dairy afterward, at least not cow dairy. I have had various issues with dairy over the years and I think of it as an excluded food. But it turns out I am okay with dairy, at least for now. Since it's been a major trigger food for me in the past, I know I need to be watchful, but I like it that I can be "friends" with cheese and not feel overriding compulsions for more, more, more.

If you needed to take these vitamins: Multivitamins, Calicum carbonate 600mg 2xdaily, Vitamin D-3 1000iu 3xdaily and vitamin B12. And say that you are able to take one of these, which one would you take, I rather take one of the bottom ones. Thanks. Alive! Womens Energy Multivitamin High Potency: Complete Multivitamin High Potency - Whole food Energizer 26 Fruits & Vegetables plus Resveratrol & Lutein Alive! Women's Energy rovides Vitamins, Minerals, Fruits, Vegetables and Antioxidants specially formulated for womean's needs and helps support: Energy Heart Health Bones Colon Health Eyes Immunity Plus hair, skin, nails and Breast Health Take 1 tablet daily, preferably with food. As with any supplement, if you are pregnant, nursing or taking medication, consult your doctor before use. Not formulated for use in children. Do not exceed recommended use. Warning Accidental overdose of iron-containing products is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children under 6. Keep this product out of reach of children. In case of accidental overdose, call a doctor or poison control center immediately. Does Not Contain: sugar, yeast, wheat, corn, dairy products, artificial flavoring and preservatives. All colors used are from natural sources. Read more: Alive! Womens Energy Multivitamin High Potency by Nature's Way - Buy Alive! Womens Energy Multivitamin High Potency 50 Tablets at Vitamin Shoppe __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ _______________ Nature's Way Alive!Women'S Multivitamin & Mineral 90 Tablets Product Label Whole Food Energizer Vitamin & Mineral Fruits, Veggies, Green Foods, Antioxidants, Ensymes, Mushrooms, Amino Acids, Herbs, Lutein & More! #1 Mega Nutrient Optimized for Women The most potent & complete multi-vitamin for women #1 Energy Multi with more energizing nutrients from more natural sources than other supplements 25 Vitamins & Minerals 24 Fruits & Vegetables 18 Amino Acids 12 Digestive Enzymes 14 Green Foods 12 Mushrooms (Organic) 40+ Antioxidant Sources Whole Body Nourishment for Bones, Skin, Muscles, Joints, Digestion, Immunity, Heart, Vision, Nerves, Cellular Energy and Metabolism Extra Nutrients for Womens Health Bones: extra Vitamin D (1,000 IU) and Vitamin K, plus plant-based Calcium and Magnesium Breast Health: extra Vitamin D plus Flax Lignans Hair/Skin/Nails: extra Biotin plus Horsetail Grass, MSM and Tru-OPCs™ Reproductive: extra Folic Acid and Vitamin B6 Urinary Tract: CranRx™ anti-adherence Cranberry Superior Absorption Rapid Disintegration Tablets Natural, Vegetarian Formula No Yeast, Milk, Lactose or Sugar Directions Take three tablets daily. Warning Accidental overdose of Iron containing products is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children under 6. Keep this product out of reach of children. In case of accidental overdose, call doctor or poison control immediately. Does Not Contain: Yeast, milk, lactose or sugar Read more: Alive!Women'S Multivitamin & Mineral by Nature's Way - Buy Alive!Women'S Multivitamin & Mineral 90 Tablets at vitamin shoppe __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ _________ Nature's Way Alive! Once Daily Women'S 50+ Ultra Potency 60 Tablets Product Label The MOST COMPLETE ONCE DAILY MULTI-VITAMIN FOR WOMEN Alive! Ultra Potency is nutrition you can feel with more energizing nutrients from more natural sources than other multi-vitamin brands. Extra B vitamins for energy 1,000 IU of Vitamin D3 Plant-Based Aquamin® calcium Potent citrus bioflavonoids Flax Lignan, Cranx ™ and Hair, Skin & Nail support blends. Directions Take 1 tablet daily, preferably with food. Warning As with any supplement, if you are taking medication consult your doctor before use. Not formulated for children. Do not exceed recommended use. Does Not Contain: Salt, sugar, yeast, wheat grain, dairy products, artificial flavoring, colors or preservatives. Read more: Alive! Once Daily Women'S 50+ Ultra Potency by Nature's Way - Buy Alive! Once Daily Women'S 50+ Ultra Potency 60 Tablets at vitamin shoppe

Hi, Indians are majority Hindus by religion. Strict followers are vegetarians, and beef would be definite no no.

There is nothing wrong with being a vegan and no one needs to know why. I make my own black bean burgers that are good but also in the vegetarian frozen foods they have many burgers, ribs, chicken patties that are very good. I don't mind being a vegan. meat just doesn't work for me most of the time. I don't miss it. I still eat eggs and dairy but meat no. Once in a while I will eat some salmon but other then that I am a happy vegan. I have learned to appreciate food instead of being a hog and eating a whole pizza. That is past for me. There is nothing better then some Beans seasoned to perfection. My cabinet where most people store canned goods and other things are full of beans.

I haven't tried steak since banding, I did have problems with pork chops but I believe it was my own fault. I eat chicken, ground beef and fish regularly. If you want to become a vegetarian that's fine, but just so you know, lots of people with the band eat meat. Some even eat steak. I also manage bread and fruits and veges fine. I don't do apple skins, but I do apples.

I am not vegetarian but I have a very dear friend who IS vegetarian in the truest sense of the word. He eats NO meat, fish, or animal products at all. For him, it is part of his religious background and beliefs. Until I met him, I never knew anyone who was strictly vegetarian so I had no idea the frustrations one might face as a result. I had known people who only ate fish or chicken or who would eat foods containing eggs or milk. Anyway, he has taught me a lot. I asked him a lot of questions when we first met more than 10 yrs ago and he quickly became frustrated with me until I explained to him that I was simply trying to learn and get to know him, his lifestyle, and belief system. He was very patient with me after that and has been very kind in teaching me about those things. I think he was just so used to people berating him over why he doesn't eat meat that he assumed that's what I was doing too. I had no intentions of berating him or questioning the validity of his lifestyle. I was simply curious about what he could/couldn't eat, how he managed to get enough protein, and how he managed to get complete proteins(I had recently taken nutrition, microbiology and anatomy and physiology) so I knew that a true vegetarian has to eat a variety of foods in the appropriate combinations to make complete proteins. It had been puzzling to me how they would keep up with that sort of thing so I asked him about that. I also wanted to know, since part of his reason for living this lifestyle was religious, how/why they believe what they believe and had asked him to show me/teach me the parts of the Bible that teach that. He's been very kind and patient with me over the years(thank goodness) but in addition to all of the things he has taught me about his vegetarian lifestyle, he has also shared with me some of the "attitude" that he catches from people about the foods he chooses to eat or not eat. It's sad really. I mean, what business is it of anyone else as to what the next person is eating or not eating? Another cool thing...thanks to him, I now eat veggies and have learned to try lots of new foods that I would've never ever tried before :-) He is one of a handful of people who have helped me learn to start focusing my eating habits on eating healthy foods and eating to live rather than living to eat.

and so it is why ppl that have had wls doesn't tell everyone. apparently i just don't care what other ppl think. prior to surgery i worried what ppl thought about what and how much i was eating for a obese person so now i can care less what ppl think about me. iam thinking a long your line of thinking. after this last fill meat doesn't have the appeal it once did. i have books ordered to help me understand vegetarian Protein choices and how to cook and prepare them. and hummus is so good. certainly your co workers know what that is. i loved hummus even before i had surgery. yummy. and hummus can take on any flavors you want it to have. cheryl has great ideas on vegetarian dishes. good luck and no apologizing for what you eat!!!!!

Now that its been a month since I was banded, possible fill 1/22, I've also decided to go partial vegetarian. If I can't handle bacon, ham, or pork (and do not eat steak, seafood or fish), I had to find foods higher in Protein. I've found sliced veggie soy that is to be "turkey" or "bologna" deli slices. I can have one slice and a tablespoon of hummus spread on. I've recently been asked 100 questions about "what's that?", no pizza, chips, etc etc etc. I finally said its not in my diet. I was a little overwhelmed I was being hassled over food!!! I didn't hassle anyone asking why two slices of pizza, a plate of Doritos, 2 cups a soda!!!! Co-workers had that, I had hummus/veggie deli slice. When you mention partial vegetarian, I get, why? I like meat, what about fish, blah blah blah!!!! Very frustrating.

In a month, I've only had a small bite of bread (grilled cheese) dipped in my soup broth. At lunch I'd have one bite of that and rest soup. I've also had one bite of Pillsbury biscuit. A bite or two of soft dough from pizza. My office said chicken was ok but must not be dry. And from my experience, its finely chewed one to two bites. I'm a month out and mix between shakes, cottage cheese, soft gods and on occasion chicken, etc. I was told I could advance only if things felt ok. I felt I didn't advance too quick and what I've learned is one day ok and another day just too much. I'm wondering if I'll ever eat "regular" foods or always only eat softer regular foods?? Not only band but I've found vegetarian items with high Protein. So I've cut all or as much as possible of sodium, sugar, carbs. Only organic unsweetened decaf tea or water/milk and Water.

Hi! My NUT thought I was crazy for wanting to become a vegetarian post op. I pressed her for info and she recommended unflavored soy Protein powder in everything. GNC sells it. She also said Beans, beans, beans. I'm not into eating dairy (I think that I may be lactose intolerant), eggs, pork or much beef. I can eat some chicken and fish sometimes, but I feel sick when I eat many animal Proteins. I also got kidney stones and don't want to overload my kidneys with animal proteins and Calcium. Soy does contain estrogens so that's something that you need to keep in mind. Testosterone is created from cholesterol (and other fats) in the middle of the night. If you want to keep up your free testosterone levels eat a Brazil nut six times a day (according to Tim Ferriss in the six hour body). I asked my NUT about this and she agrees. I think that getting off grains (refined carbs especially) is the number one thing that is helping me lose weight. Not having my body constantly feeding me hunger signals what I'm most looking forward to post-op. Good luck on your journey.

I had been a vegetarian for 3 years, then I stopped for 3 years..now I feel like it's time to return to a vegetarian diet. however, my nutritionist strongly advised me not to go vegetarian until the summer. she said i need to get in a lot of protein once i'm sleeved and it'd be harder as a vegetarian. I'm at the point where just looking at meat makes me want to throw up. I'll grill some chicken and stare at it wondering how the hell am i going to eat this. anyone else have this problem?

So my unjury Protein shake mixes came today and I'm starting pre-op diet Sunday. Unjury instructions state to add some type of milk (skim, soy) but my instructions from Dr. Ortiz don't say anything about allowing or disallowing milk. Because I'm doing this on a weekend, I can't contact them directly. I'm vegetarian so I'd be adding almond milk...is this allowed? You don't mix these things with Water do you?

I am a vegetarian, and my protein all has some carbs in it. Gluten has the most protein per ounce-104 cals-21 gms pro and 4 gms carbs, but you can't live on gluten alone! During the losing phase, I tried to stay under 100, and now in maintenance I am closer to 175 a day. The trick, I believe is using low glycemic index carbs rather than HGI carbs most of the time. It may or may not be why it has taken me so long to lose, but I did lose to goal and still eat a lot of carbs. If I get into pure sugar and highly processed "white" carbs, I will get the carb monster. Otherwise, not so much. For a long time I thought I might never lose weight because I was not willing to eat meat/fish/foul.... but LGI works as well for Vegetarians.... and protein drinks...

I'm with you...I'm a veggie lover, and definitely not a natural meat eater. Sometimes I just eat salad for lunch, sometimes I eat vegetarian meals. I track my protein intake, and if I have salad, I might have an extra protein drink to increase my protein that way. As far as being balanced, it does balance out...I'm still getting veg, and protein, just less of each. But there's no way I could get all my nutritional needs met through food alone; I simply don't take in enough calories. That's why vitamins are so important. We have to take them for life.

The fast days are supposed to be separated by at least a day, but you can shuffle them around if it helps you stay on track... I do Monday and Thursday, but if Im having a party on a thursday, I might do it on Wednesday instead... no prob. I think the thinking on back to back is its just a little harder to fast for two days in a row, Pudding. 3/4 cup skim milk 1 1/2 T corn starch Torrani of your choice (I like chocolate for extra chocolate flavor, or salted caramel is nice too... SF of course...) 1T cocoa powder (or not) a drop of vanilla a shake of salt (or not... it seems to round out the skim milk flavor) I just do this on the fly, I do measure the milk, the the rest I am guessing here... The recipe doubles ok. I always make one for the hubby too. Mix corn starch with aprox 1/2 milk -set aside Mix 1/2 milk in a sauce pan with torrani (about 1/8 cup or more to taste) , vanilla, salt and cocoa bring to just below low simmer stir corn starch mixture right before adding to hot milk mixture drip it into the pot, still on the heat, and use whisk to stir until thickened... if it starts to boil, remove pan from heat, keep stirring for a few more strokes... if its not thick enough you need a little more CS. I like to eat it warm, sometimes I will add banana, or chocolate chips, or walnut pieces or marshmallows (not vegetarian ) or cool whip free.... what ever I can afford calorie wise. Change up the flavor as you like. Makes 3/4 cup serving, If you can't eat that much, split in half and share or save for tomorrow!

I was vegetarian for a year until my gallbladder attacks got much worse last June. I'm 20 days away from my final pre-op appt and my dietician really stressed with me that I shouldn't return to veg lifestyle after having sleeve gastrectomy since I truly HATE cheese (except for provolone, Swiss, mozzarella, and Parmesan) but will have to get my protein somewhere.

Help! I am almost 5 months post-op and I have been losing hair at a rapid rate for 4 + weeks. I prefer to eat vegetarian, but lately I have even been eating meat tryinh to increase my protien intake. I am over protien shakes. At least for a minute and I have tried the pre-digested Protein syrups...Yuck! Is there any advise out there from any of you, any tricks up your sleeve? Even when I eat meat, it likely not enough as I have a hard time getting enough to do any good. My labs look fine. Thanks!

Interesting question! I was vegan and gluten free for almost all of 2012. I found plenty of things to eat- but not the lowest calorie, healthiest things. I was also wondering how one would get their Protein in after the sleeve. I love tofu, quinoa and Beans but not sure how the sleeve would handle beans, especially at the beginning. (Are they considered more of a carb?)There are plenty of vegan protein powders out there but as a lifestyle, I would want more variety than shakes, tofu and beans. Any vegetarian or vegan sleevers out there?