Search the Community

Hi there! I'm a lazy cook and it's gotten worse post-op because although I love good food, who wants to put a lot of time into little meals? Here's some stuff that works great for me: Veggie soup: I make a giant pot then freeze in 1 cup portions in sandwich baggies. I add Protein when serviing. chicken. low fat meatballs, turkey sausage are all good. Here's my fav veggie Soup recipe: http://savingdinner.com/healthy-vegetarian-recipes/soup-good-food/ I don't use the potatoes. I add more turnips instead. Meaty chili: I make my chili with enough meat to get 3 oz. in a 3/4 cup serving. Freeze the same way as soup, but in 3/4 cup portions. I don't have a recipe, but I use a couple pounds very lean ground beef, 1 large can chili Beans, 1 large can tomatoes, 1 chopped onion, chili powder. In a stew pot, brown the onion and ground beef. If needed add a little oil. If any oil cooks out, drain. Add tomatoes and chili beans. Add chili powder to taste. Cook down till it tastes good to you. costco Chicken: I buy the roasted one from the deli, then freeze in 3 oz. and 2 oz. portions. Great for salads, sandwiches, and stir fries. Buy the bagged lettuce already chopped and put the salad dressing in one of those tiny plastic glad storage cups. Two of my fav salads: - Southwest style: Mix chicken with a little BBQ sauce. For salad, use lettuce, tomatoes, green onions and either 1/3 c. black beans or 1/3 cup corn. Dress salad with 1 T. lite ranch and top with BBQ chicken. - Asian Chicken: Mix chicken with a little Newmann's own Lite Sesame Ginger dressing. For salad, use lettuce, 1/8- 1/4 c. mandarin oranges packed in splenda, 1/8-1/4 C. snow pea pods. . Dress salad with 1 T. Newmann's own Lite Sesame Ginger dressing and top with chicken. Now that I'm at goal, I sprinkle 2 T. of slivered almonds on top. Two of my fav stir frys: - Italian: I use a mandolin slicer to slice zuchinni, yellow squash, onions, and peppers. Saute quickly with a little oil and some fresh basil. Add cooked chicken or shrimp and a few cherry tomatoes, cut in half. - Asian: Saute Snow pea pods, thinly sliced brocolli and carrots in a little sesame oil. Add cooked chicken or shrimp, a splash of soy sauce and a tiny splash of OJ. I like mine with a few thin slices of ginger. I also like to roast veggies and then mix iwth a little protein. I use a mandolin slicer to slice zuchinni, yellow squash, onions, and peppers. Oven roast at 425 with a little oil. Cool and freeze in portion sizes that you can eat. Mix with chicken and a little balsamic. Quick Proteins I don't have to cook: 98% FF ham rolled around a light string cheese, Bistro Sensations Chicken Sausage http://www.walmart.com/ip/Benetino-s-Bistro-Sensations-Sausage-Chicken-Habanero-W-Monterey-Jack-Cheese-Meat-12-oz/10403147, Tuna with dressing made of 1/2 light mayo, 1/2 greek yogurt, dash of prepared horseradish Frozen shrimp, cooked and deveined. I just pack them frozen and add cocktail sauce at lunch time. Lynda

I have dieted my whole life, I lost 17 pounds when I was 10 years old! I was under 175 for years, I am 5'9". Around 20 years ago I suddenly gained 50 pounds, then slowly 30 more. I managed to stay under 257 (set point?) for years. Then I started to creep up, and nothing I did seemed to get the weight off. When I started to have other problems, blood pressure, and cholesterol... I knew I had to take things to the next level. WLS. My Bariatric Doc recommended the sleeve, and it looked SOOOO much better to me than RNY, I jumped on it. I was one of his first patients. I have been very happy with the sleeve, but never got to my modest goal (my doc never set a goal). I was about 5 pounds away from goal, when I hit a serious stall... then I gave up some accountability, and gained 22 pounds over around 4-5 months. I had long term company, a vacation to New Orleans, bone spurs that kept me from the gym and walking until I got through the whole sports medicine system... and a few other things that made it very challenging to stay on track, and in a blink... 22 pounds up. At the first of this year I got back on track, logging everything, getting a fitbit to keep track of exercise, and try a couple of eating plans to try to kick start the weight loss. I tried "eat more- lose weight" I started to gain (around 4-5 pounds) which is normal on that plan, but I chickened out because... well it was gaining weight! I then tried the Southbeach phase one... which is good, lost a couple of pounds, but lets face it, its a diet. I am a vegetarian, and that adds some extra carbs. I was still coming to VST, getting support from my buds here, but stepped that up. Some of us grouped together who had gotten to goal and gained, or others that had never made goal, and that conversation started here. Georgia introduced the 5:2 fast diet into the conversation, and some of us jumped on it around 6 weeks ago. We have had varying degrees of success, but it has had positive results besides weight loss for all of us. As of this writing, I am down 7 pounds at 5 1/2 weeks, (was at 8.8 pounds a couple of days ago) after some very slow loss (around 1-2 pounds a month). I am getting close to my lowest weight after surgery, and to goal. I had my surgery January 19, 2011, and am over 2 1/2 years out as of this post.

I know I really need to refocus on the things that are healthy ....I really am trying to educate myself on vegan lifestyle ...vegetarian living.... finding healthy ways to prepare you know seafood and fish and chicken and turkey .....I love all of those things.... but sometimes I still miss some of the old stuff too .....so you're right it's not worth it ....I'm in my honeymoon .....I'm just now starting to feel better so I absolutely don't want to blow it .... Shel

I love grits but I haven't tried them yet. When I was allowed to have them I didn't because it wasn't enough Protein. I'm vegetarian so I have to make my meals count.

Hi. I'm having my surgery in the beginning of July. I'd like to hear from Vegetarian Sleevers. Please let me know how you handle the nutritionists' push for protein. And how you manage your vegetarian diet post-surgery. (Can relate to any time after surgery) I've heard that rice is a no-no. What are your staples? Thanks.

I am a lacto ovo vegetarian, and I would have to say it would be very difficult to go 100% raw or vegan... you would have to rely on nuts ..... thats about it! You need lots of protein... and high quality protein with correct aminos.... I am working in more raw... but not that much so far... Your stomach just cant take it for quite some time.... I find vegetarian is not that hard (except eating out) you can eat beans, soy, gluten... with dairy and eggs even easier... but go raw, and I think you might run into some problems.

how about vegetarian refried beans--they have 0 fat because they are not made with animal fat. very tasty, high in Protein, and Fiber. butternut squash soup split pea soup, made with chicken broth, chicken bouillon cubes, bay leaves, and your favorite spices is excellent cream of wheat grits and the "tender harvest" brand of gerber baby food has one called "chicken and wild rice." excellent.

My nutritionist has an entire alternate plan for vegetarian sleevers. Balanced and complete. I'm not a vegetarian, but she is, and she was thrilled that I wanted a copy of that strategy, too. I go a little from each list...I like balance:) Can't wait to have my chia pudding back. Just saw a cool recipe for chia seed pumpkin oats packed with protein. Looks like an awesome breakfast and I can't wait to try it.

Thanks for this, vegetarian resources are hard to come by

I am a 17 year vegetarian & i've been living on the Premier Protein Shakes from Sams/Costco. Cheap, convenient, & 30g protein in each. It's easy on my stomach unlike most foods which hurts to eat. I was sleeved 2/6 & down 47 lbs so I guess I'm doing well.... I guess lol

My nut is a vegetarian and so am I. I have bariatric vegetarianism papers. If you want them send me a private message. I will help however I can Best, Sannah

Love this guide. Planning to replace as much animal Protein as possible with plant protein. Have been studying the diets of people with the longest lifespans in the world. Lot of healthy fats, low animal protein, lots of complex carbs and plant protein. Low cancer and heart disease rates. If you're looking for some new and exciting protein options...check this list out...has recipes, too:) https://theecoguide.org/vegetarian-proteins?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIjMm5i6yR2AIVXbbACh3zhwDbEAAYAiAAEgLMSfD_BwE

I can eat all meats. I have a problem with dry chicken or leftover salmon. The drier the meat, the easier I get stuck. The wife and I eat a lot of brown rice and Beans which gives her the Protein she wants. We also add seafood to our diet quite often. I guess I was thinking along the lines of atkins, vegetarians and carbs. Seems like the perfect storm? tmf

Well i was printed to share my story, so here goes.. I'm 26, Mexican-Iranian... That's important because that means that I was raised on rice and corn tortillas. I'm female btw. Both of my parents work two or three jobs, so I was also raised on costco and walmart a frozen meals, like lasagna and chicken and rice... My sister has a disability which mean the I spend the better part of my early childhood in the waiting room of various doctors... Speech therapy, occupational therapy, at the ER, an the mental health therapist... But that not to being said to make you feel sorry, rather so you know that I again was subject to cafeteria food, Jello from the nurses and McDonalds. In high school one of my cousins said I was fat, and a kid in school said I had too much facial hair on my arms and cheeks... Thus the body image phase hit. And so did the diet programs... Slim fast, Jenny Craig, weight watchers, curves, just To name a few. In college I got a personal trainer and a dietician an got put on phentermine, then my knee cap popped sideways and I had to get knee surgery, that was 2009. Then I severely sprained my ankle and was on a boot for 6 weeks... So what brought me down this path for the Sleeve.... I need surgery on my other knee, same thing that happened on my right knee, reconstruction. Due to my weight says the doctor. I've got plantar faciitis on both heels of my feet, that doc said to "to try to loose 50lbs".. Like that was easy before. Ha. I've got pinched nerves on my lumbar and on my neck... That doc said to loose weight, that'd help. And lastly I'm pre-diabetic. My pcp said I'd for sure be on diabetic meds within the next 6 months if no change is made to my weight. No let me also say that since I moved away from home in 2006, after high school, I became semi-vegetarian...eating fish or chicken twice a week, pasta-rice-or-bread three times a week.... Also in high school I learned to cook for the family, and since dad is vegetarian, I learned all sorts of recipes to make. So it's not like I was eating out all the time or eating junk food all the time. So surgery was on 12/4/2014. Thanks to my crap Obamacare insurance I was dropped in June and either way this surgery is not covered. My dad had a good year financially and with the self-pay discounts at the hospital, my dad was able to get a loan for the procedure. Did I mention Ive been living at home with the parentals for the past two years, and I've been in grad school the last two years. My knees feel 1000x better. I've lost 25lbs so far, and even my heals don't get the stabbing shooting pain that they used to after walking for more than three hours. Only negative so far is that I haven't been able to take my anti-depressant/anxiety meds Effixor because when I take it I feel dizzy, light headed, nauseous, weak and that lasts for hours. That's me. Not sure why I had to share.

I think being lacto-ovo vegetarian isn't a problem as long as you don't have any major allergies or restrictions on anything other than meat, but I think cutting out dairy (especially whey protein) could be more difficult. My plan is to go vegan again when I get to maintenance, but in the mean time, I don't feel bad about some dairy and eggs (especially since my overall calorie intake is so low anyway). My personal tip: pumpkin seed Protein powder; it's great mixed in or sprinkled on anything savory, and the brand I use is a complete protein. I don't know if it's available in the US, but amazon.com has this one: http://www.amazon.com/Omega-Nutrition-Pumpkin-Protein-21-Ounce/dp/B004L3VLFK People will try and tell you that you need to eat meat, but (assuming, like I said, that you don't have a soy allergy or something similarly restrictive) they're wrong. In fact, my surgeon even recommends meat eaters stay away from meat until two months post-op anyway (though he does have us on purees quite quickly). And now cue the anti-vegan comments...

I'm having some trouble trying to figure out what to eat the next two weeks. I have to start my two week preop diet. My doctors PreOp diet is per day: 4 protein shakes 4oz protein 2 non starchy vegetables 2 fruits My big problem is that I am Vegetarian. I'm having trouble trying to figure out what to eat for my protein. I eat eggs and cheese. I am used to eating with lentils, pastas, rices and potatoes all of which I can not have. Any ideas?

I'm excited if I get 50g of protein in a day! I can't stand shakes anymore and I am a vegetarian. Irreversible damage? Not likely.

Weil Nutritional Supplements - B-Complex, 90 List Price: 17.84$Sale Price : Click to see the sale price Weil Nutritional Supplements - B-Complex, 90 Daily stress support* vegetarian dietary supplement Q : What do B vitamins do in the body? A : B vitamins help support adrenal function, * They also help calm and maintain a healthy nervous system, * They are utilized in energy production and the metabolism of proteins, fats and carbohydrates - essential processes in every cell in the body, Weil B-Complex offers all of the important B-vitamins in an ideal ratio, * - Andrew Weil, M, D, *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, Andrew Weil, M, D, donates all his after-tax profits from the sale of Weil Nutritional Supplements to the Weil Foundation, an organization dedicated to sustaining the vision of integrative medicine, For more information on the Weil Foundation, visit weilfoundation, org, Binding:Health and Beauty Brand:Weil Nutritional Supplements EAN:0874013001183 Feature:Serving Size - 1 tablet Ingredients:Thiamin: 50mg, Riboflavin: 50mg, Niacin: 50mg, Vitamin B6: 50mg, Folic Acid: 400mcg, Vitamin B12: 50mcg, Biotin: 50mcg, Pantothenic Acid: 50mg, Choline: 50mg, Inositol: 50mg, Paba: 50mg IngredientsSetElement:Thiamin: 50mg, Riboflavin: 50mg, Niacin: 50mg, Vitamin B6: 50mg, Folic Acid: 400mcg, Vitamin B12: 50mcg, Biotin: 50mcg, Pantothenic Acid: 50mg, Choline: 50mg, Inositol: 50mg, Paba: 50mg IsAdultProduct:0 IsAutographed:0 IsMemorabilia:0 ItemDimensions: Label:Weil Nutritional Supplements LegalDisclaimer:The products and the claims made about specific products on or through this site have not been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration and are not approved to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. ListPrice: Manufacturer:Weil Nutritional Supplements Model:WEIL-00118 MPN:874013001183 PackageDimensions: PackageQuantity:90 ProductGroup:Health and Beauty ProductTypeName:HEALTH_PERSONAL_CARE Publisher:Weil Nutritional Supplements Size:90 SKU:56228 Studio:Weil Nutritional Supplements Title:Weil Nutritional Supplements - B-Complex, 90 tablets UPC:874013001183 Click Here for More Details ! Do not Miss It!! Source

I appreciate the honesty. But realistically there are many things that I already don't eat. I am vegetarian. And fairly strict.. I don't know what accounts for my body changed that won't allow me to metabolize and lose weight. So many things that are in the average diet I don't eat But you would never know that looking at me.

Are you getting enough protein? I have seen that happen when not enough protein is being consumed. Some of my vegetarian friends experienced hair loss but once they incorporated some form of protein it stopped. I have read that this may occur after the surgery due to the change in diet so I am going to make sure i try to intake some form of protein in hopes of it not occuring. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using BariatricPal mobile app

Before becoming a vegetarian I ate raw beef, eggs and fish.

Since Mr. F. is not a beany kinda fella, I no longer cook them for myself. For now, I can have a spoon or two at a time, but any more than that and my blood sugar spikes. So I'm waiting for surgery so I can enjoy them again. Here's my favorite black bean recipe! 1. Buy a can of black beans--any brand without added sugar. 2. Open can. 3. Pour contents into small saucepan. 4. Add 1 bayleaf, granulated garlic, dehydrated onion, cumin, ground coriander (optional), black pepper, kosher salt to taste. 5. Add a couple of spoons of salsa. I like the HEB Hatch Salsa-Hot (red or green) 6. Simmer for 10-15 minutes. 7. Add 1tbsp butter and let it melt. (It reduces the amount of "canned" taste.) 8. (Optional: Eat vegetarian or add 2oz of any kind of leftover meat. Pork of any kind, including sausage crumbles, rocks. Bacon--the bomb.) 9. Stir. Serve. It's a lot of steps. And I realize it sounds complicated, but you should totally give it a try!

Hi Leener , There are bandsters who are vegetarians and do quite well. I dont think long term you have to stick to a low carb diet, but for folks with PCOS, it is generally advised that they do stick to one because typically they are insulin resistant as well. I am assuming that because you are obese that you have made the wrong food choices in the past or have a satiety disorder like the rest of us here? Which means making some changes are a good thing because even being a veggie means that you will have the band to help you with portion control. It will be harder for you to get your Protein, but protein can be found in low fat dairy, Beans, tofu, low fat cheese etc... You will not starve and the most important thing is that you wont be very hungry since the band is a restrictive device that will help you with your portion control. Now regarding complications, yes there are some. I have had a great experience with my band and no problems. I PB very very rarely (less than 10 times in 2.7 years) All ya need to do is chew chew chew. You might have to stay away from some of the fibrous veggies, since they can be stringy and cause you problems. No one knows which foods they will not be able to tolerate. It is trial and error. Regarding the Water, I can still drink water at a pretty rapid rate. I have been tight occasionally where I sound like a drain pipe when I drink too fast, but you should still be able to drink your water without a problem. Thicker drinks do go through more slowly and you will have to be careful to pace yourself. I still love food just as much as before. I now eat foods that I would have never considered before banding. I love veggies now and I especially love fish and wouldnt have touched a piece of tilapia pre banding. Now I eat fish several times a week, love making turkey/ veggie chili with zucchini and 5 different kinds of organic beans etc... You may have to supplement your diet with some Protein shakes or bars since you will need to keep your protein intake high if you want to lose weight. But at the end of the day, it boils down to calories in and calories expended. My advice is to be aware of the pitfalls, problems or complications of lapbanding, but dont become obsessed with the negative. Nothing is perfect and nothing is foolproof. It is a tool and you will get what you put into it. Dont worry dahlinggg...... Babs in TX 334/180 -150 ish

I'm a vegetarian as well. Been veggie for 18 yrs. I was just sleeved last week so I really can't advise you with how long you would need to take off. I an tell you I started at 225 and accent weighed myself. I'm still pretty swollen in my belly but I feel really good today. Exactly one week post op. I'm a hairstylist and am scheduled to start taking clients next week. If I were in your profession I might take an extra week or two off just in case. Good luck with everything.

Perhaps your anxiety is causing your body to react in this way. I know everyone is different etc. but there should at least be a handful of things you could choose to eat on a menu? Fish options? Vegetarian options? Sometimes I even order the cheese and biscuits which are a dessert option and I have mainly the cheese... If you're not so anxious you will find yourself relaxing and enjoying a meal more. When I had my band, I used to be terribly anxious and almost without fail, I'd walk in a restaurant, and even the first mouthful of soup would have me vomiting in the bathroom. Eating out can still be a very pleasurable experience. I'm off to meet a friend at an Italian restaurant this afternoon.. I'm having roasted monkfish and prawns on a bed of sweet potato mash. Yes I'll only probably manage half the portion or less and a mouthful of mash, but I'm still out enjoying myself.. It can be done