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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...

Since you'll have justed started eating a normal diet, my #1 advice is don't take chances. Don't order foods that you haven't yet eaten as a post-op. When in doubt, order Soup. If you'll be traveling by air, airline food is only an issue on long flights, on which you may be able to order a special diet meal (vegetarian, etc.). Bring non-perishable Snacks with you (Protein bars; granola bars; jerky; single-serving applesauce, fruit, or dry cereal; packets of protein powder). Most full-service restaurants serve things like oatmeal, yogurt, soup, smoothies, juice and milk, and hotel shops often have a refrigerated case stocked witgh juiced, iced tea, milk (ignore the soda), though their packaged snacks (chips, crackers, cookies) are best ignored. Restaurant eating tips: order an appetizer or a half-size entree; avoid buffets; order a child's meal (if there's a healthy-looking choice on the menu); order an extra vegetable instead of potatoes, rice, Pasta or other starch; order salad dressing, sauce, or condiments on the side so you can control the portion size; put a napkin or bread plate over your beverage glass so the server won't fill it; avoid alcohol; always locate the restroom before you start to eat, just in case you have to leave the table in a hurry. Who was it that asked if you have any special food needs? Is it someone you've met before, or are likely to meet in the future? Does this person reasonably have control over all the foods you'll be offered during the trip? Will you be seeing anyone you've previously met, or will it be strangers who know nothing about you? You don't owe anybody, stranger or not, any explanation about anything unrelated to the business at hand. In social situations, there are dozens of things you can talk about that have nothing to do with your eating. You can not tell anyone you'll be traveling with or visiting that you've had bariatric surgery and just wing it, or you can tell them you're recovering from (unspecified) surgery and give them some guidelines (see above). I have an acquaintance who told her coworkers she was recovering from surgery to repair a hiatal hernia (which was part of the truth), and another (whose coworkers were mostly men) who explained she'd had surgery for "female trouble" (almost guaranteed to turn them off). You could also say you're recovering from oral surgery. The problem with telling those little white lies is that there's always a chance you'll run into someone who also had that kind of surgery and would love to talk about it in detail. My own approach is to not explain anything and not do anything to call attention to the way I eat. If coworkers get nosy about it, I change the subject or give myself an exit line (like, "Oh, there's Bob. I've got to ask him something before I forget, so excuse me.")

I did low carb, high Protein diet for months. Started eating greek yogurt for Breakfast and at lunch with a small salad. I made homemade Soups on the weekend to have during the week for dinner, broth-based with lots of veggies, nothing with cream. Kept it light, but still satisfying. This worked out really well for me because it was winter time, too. IDK how much I'd love it eating Soup like that all summer... I'm not vegetarian, but I did start having Morningstar sausages for breakfast on the weekends, and I really recommend the brand Gardein. They have really good breaded items that are somehow low in carbs. They are really good and satisfy a crunchy, breaded craving. I also incorporated healthier Snacks like almonds, cheese sticks and Veggie chips. I didn't count anything but carbs. I tried to stay under 90 for the day, and it was pretty easy to do. NO processed food, no bread (except the occasional whole grain toast when out to breakfast), no Pasta. No Desserts, no soda, limit those indulgences. I allowed one meal a week to have anything I wanted or really craved. I did this for months and definitely gave in a few more times that I should have around Christmas, but all in all, I stuck with it pretty well. I could have lost a lot more if I'd gone to the gym, but I went AT BEST once a week, and that's an average of weeks of going 4-5 times a week and weeks not going at all... it's still something I'm working on! Seems when it comes to working out for me, I either GO HARD or stay home - literally! Good luck to you!

Why would you deprive yourself of something you enjoy and in correct size/portion is perfectly fine to eat?? As a vegetarian, I would be lost without potatoe- Obviously I eat them in a minimal way but I certainly don't deprive myself. I lived off of potatoe soup during my mushy phase and mashed potatoes too. Now I prefer a baked potatoe with greek yogurt and thats it. GO for it!!

So i just ate 'meat'loaf (my vegetarian version of meatloaf) and mashed potatoes- ugh could only get down like 5 bites and its a little painful- lolli-i feel like you and now think i should get an unfill as well. Thank you guys for the input- i will call the doc tomorrow. I feel like .5 ccs is so little it won't make a difference!!

Talk you your nutritionist. Different programs allow raw veg at different stages. I had salad at 6 weeks once I was out of soft foods. I am vegetarian so my body is used to processing raw vegetables with no issues. Also be clear on what you define as salad. For me I like dark, leafy green veg with a bit of Protein. I do not however need a bunch of sugary salad dressing. My salads are dressed either with olive oil or salsa. I then add all the crunchy veg I want. I just make sure to have some protein to balance it out. For me that's typically black Beans and a hardboiled egg with a bit of shredded cheese. I also find that what many are missing is just something with crunch after so many weeks of liquids and soft food. Try topping your Soup with some nuts or baked cheese crisps and see if that doesn't satisfy the need for crunch

Hello guys, so I had surgery September 1 2017. I am currently under no food restrictions other than eating slow and no drinking while eating. I've noticed as I've introduced certain foods back that some really cause issues for me like all dairy products and occasionally meat. I was wondering if any one else has had similar diet issues and what they are doing/ is anyone vegan or vegetarian after surgery and is it helping? My fear is getting enough nutrients and food for fuel during the day. Thanks in advance for the help!

I had started to eat pretty much vegetarian, and tofu was my main go to for Protein. I told my dad, and he did some research into it. He told me that there are many articles about how soy can make you gain weight. Being as I'm so early out I'm 7 weeks, I don't want to push it. I did read that in Japan they use soy to make their pigs and livestock a bit heavier. If you google it, a lot pops up. I'm not discouraging soy at all, but as a personal preference, I just don't eat it.

I wish I knew what to tell you, but I'm in the same boat - but I've been banded a lot longer and it's only in the last few months that I've really noticed the hair loss. It's getting to be an obsession with me. I know that I never really get enough Protein so I think in my case that may be the problem. I just hate eating protein so much that it's hard for me. What I can't figure out, is why now? I was a complete vegetarian before getting banded. I'm sure I get more protein now that I've started eating meat again (yuk). I have definitely upped the Vitamins since this started. Well, if this continues, maybe we can put our heads together and come up with one head of hair. Good luck! Nancy

My doctor prefers a vegetarian diet for his patients but he didn't push it until 6 months after surgery. But the nutritionist was always recommending that lifestyle so I'm guessing it can be done. I can't do it myself yet.

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....

Great if it works but most diets are short lived...thats why we needed surgical intervention. I never dieted since I got my band and I believe my past diets are actually how I got obese. I now only make changes I can keep up for a lifetime.I became vegetarian with some fish before I even got my band...any doc who tells any patient (banded or not) that they should be eating meat is just plain wrong. Theres nothing wrong with eating meat but not eating it is one of many healthy lifestyles to choose from. Unfortunately a lot of the nutrition info people are getting from their nutritionists and nurses and doctors is way out of date.

Thank you Laurinda. I'm feeling very confident I will finally be able to have the vegetarian diet/lifestyle I've always wanted :biggrin: Its been a good news day all round.

wickwit- too funny. I have had coughing episodes but fortunately for me it hasnt caused too much pain. I KNOW Im not getting enough Water in or Protein but right now the thought of Protein shakes makes me want to puke. I could send DH to the store to get some ensure or slimfast but Im going to try and drink some of my carnation instant Breakfast and see if that helps. Im going to also do vegetarian vegetable Soup strained to get some more liquids in.

As long as it's not all soy all the time, it's OK. I'm not pregnant, so I'm not worried about having deformed children, at least right now. Anything in excess is bad for you -- Water is even bad for you if you have too much of it. I'm not a vegetarian, so I also eat a lot of chicken and fish, which balances out the soy (of which I only have one shake a day). Not to mention the fact that cow's milk really isn't that much better -- even if it's organic, it's still full of cow hormones. And I simply loathe the taste and smell of milk. whey Protein makes me want to puke.

I started my mushy stage this week and have had no problems whatsoever. Not sure if your band has any restriction in there from surgery but mine does not. Some doctors put a small fill in during the procedure so everyone is different. Just make sure that even though your food is not going to have much texture, keep your bites small and chew, chew, chew and then chew some more lol. This will get you in the habit for the future. You can make chicken or turkey or egg salad also and long as you throw the meat into the blender or chopper first to get it very small and then add some lowfat mayo. Most all types of beans or legumes are good in the blender and then you can add some lowfat or fatfree cheese. Some people love the refried beans with cheese but i've never been a fan but I did use the vegetarian baked beans and they were good. Good luck.

hi.i got sleeved on june 10th and alsogot my umbilical hernia repaired.im in a lot of pain myself.plus im a vegetarian so my protein intake is bad since i feel like vomitting if i try n drink protein shake.i got scared to read about ur muscle pain.hope ur feeling better now.take care.

my problem is bread especially sandwiches -- i haven't even got my first fill but I planned on eating 1/4 of a veggie sandwich (i'm a vegetarian) and i ate 2 bites and had a major problem -- i had to throw it up. So lately I've been trying to stay away from breads. I don't have a problem with oatmeal or even wraps -- but bread.. forget about it!

I should not have had the sleeve.. Not a meat fan and cannot stomach any protein drinks.. Having a difficult time ( Anyone sleeved that is a vegetarian or having a similar experience? Any suggestions? I was sleeved July 22nd and not able to have salads or berries or nuts yet... Any help would greatly appreciated.

oh, i feel the same way and also am a vegetarian pre-sleeve, i loved salads, all that stuff, maybe a little too much, which is why i got the sleeve. but i'm worried about Protein intake and holding things down. don't feel alone though, i'm trying to get through this, although slowly.

Thanks for your post. There are many layers to vegetarianism. I've done it for many years and have never had a protein deficiency. As the previous person stated there is protein in Beans, vegetables, dairy etc... I will be what is considered a "lacto-tarian" which means that I consume all dairy only excluding meats. Protein shakes are also a great source to meet protein needs as well. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App Oh ok thanks for the added info. Now I have a better understanding.

I'm a vegetarian - no meat or seafood but i do eat dairy. Doing well on protein shakes and morning star products - and occassional carbs. BEST OF LUCK TO US ALL ON OUR JOURNEYS!!!

It's possible to have had gallstones prior to surgery and just not known it. But I would suggest removing it if you are having attacks. Since you've had WLS you probably aren't eating high fat foods which usually cause problems for ppl that don't have their gallbladders so you should be ok. I do have a friend that had to go vegetarian bc pretty much everything she ate was making her sick after having it removed (though I know a ton of ppl who are fine with all foods afterwards).

FYI - GNC now has some soy protein shakes as well as the whey protein. They have about 25 grams of soy protein per 8 oz. shake. Just thought I would let you know since you are a vegetarian. It may be a healthy option for you.

I am not a vegetarian perse, but do mostly eat vegetarian. I eat meats very, very infrequently. I LOVE tofu, it works well with the band so far. I even have had some deep-fried tofu (I know, baaaad) and it went down great. There is a thread here in the food section about Tofu recipes, good stuff there. I love the Imagine soups, you can find them at many grocery stores. Trader Joe's has many foods in their frozen section for vegetarians that will work post-op. I found that I really enjoyed vegetarian refried Beans (fat free) mixed with some salsa and cheese and greek strained yogurt instead of sour cream (more protein) in the mushy stage. unjury has some wonderful non-flavored Protein powder you can sprinkle in just about anything to increase your protein intake.