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Hi Deedee, you have done great!! I hear you want to lose more, but congrats on not gaining. I am a veggie too. I think it is important for you to get in your Protein. That may be the primary reason you have gone into maintenance. The old story, protein first is great advice. It is not always easy for vegetarians to get in enough protein without getting in carbs too. I have a list of go -tos and sometimes they are my medicine, to keep on track. Do your research, explore recipes, there are protein full pastas, do you eat dairy? I have problems getting in enough protein too, and carbs are my bad friend. Its a struggle, but we can do better. Stop turning up your nose at fake meat and tofu.... find a way to enjoy.

Calories In, Calories Out. It's sort of the traditional view of weight management -- eat more than you burn and you gain weight, burn more than you eat and you lose weight. If you look at it this way, it doesn't matter what the calories are (protein, fat, carbs, meat, vegetarian, organic, GMO, etc.), just how many you're eating vs. burning.

A few months after being banded, and after my 2nd fill, it became difficult to eat Red meat of any kind...since my Dr.'s have always been after me to cut back on Red Meat for health reasons, I decided to stop altogether....no red meat for over 2 years now.... I had already stopped dairy products, again because of health reasons, long before being banded....a little cheese here and there but that's it. I do eat chicken and fish, but I am cutting back on chicken more and more....eventually I may go all vegetarian.... I can definitely tell the difference physically....and I am sure it had a lot to do with my now "Normal" lab tests (blood work) along with loosing all my excess weight from the band. I do it for health reasons....not for moral issues....I still wear leather shoes, etc...

Hey Tex! Thanks so much for the info. I have been looking on YouTube for bloggers who have had this procedure done and they are very few, but there are a lot of regular sleeve bloggers on there that show how they are making it work for them. I am not sure if the surgeries are comparable or not? I called my doctor today and have now got ESG set up for March the 6th. I just hope I don't chicken out again. I am a vegetarian and actually do eat pretty healthy, my problem is portion control and sweets. I LOVE SWEETS and it is my biggest downfall. It seems that I gained weight after I quit smoking over 6 years ago and when I hit menopause I just ballooned up quick. Thanks so much for taking the time to replay and I will check out your other posts. Thanks Shelia

I have a difficult time with the "milky" looking Protein powders and decided to try the clear Isopure Zero Carb drinks instead. They still have whey isolate protein in them, but you can see through them and for some reason they are going over so much better. I'm hoping I can handle the powders again soon and plan to reintroduce them in a week or so. I also had the heart pounding following meals/protein drinks shortly after surgery -- I'm only two weeks out, but it has gone away completely. I don't think I was dumping. I'm extremely conscious of the number of carbohydrates (not just the sugars on the label, but how many grams of carb are in each item) I consume. I'm a vegetarian, so many of my protein sources have carbohydrates in them (like refried fat free Beans and tofu). I never take in more than 15 grams of carb total per meal and it seems to be working for me so far. That is about how many carbs are in half a cup of anything carb-containing that does not have added sugar it seems. I wanted to ask -- are you using whey isolate or regular whey Protein Powder? The isolate has little to no lactose in it, but regular whey does have lactose. I don't know if that would make a difference to you or not in how your body processes the protein if you were to switch to an isolate if you don't already use one. Or, perhaps, pick up some Lactaid and see if taking that enzyme helps you if the problem is lactose intolerance. I also find that, if I eat too fast, my body responds with the rapid heart rate, hiccupping, and some slight pain in the center of my chest (over my sternum). Are you still on full liquids or are you transitioning into purees now? It was easier for me once I started purees and it was especially better for me when I eat soy instead of dairy as a protein source. My body tolerates soy extremely well, but I get hot and heart poundings (and diarrhea -- sorry, I know it's gross) with dairy. Good luck getting this figured out! I don't know if anything I said helps at all, but I do wish you the best!

Vegan is a long term goal for me , I was vegan for 1.5 years about 8 years ago and it was unsustainable for me so I turned vegetarian and was that way for the last decade prior to surgery. This time when I get to vegan I want it to be alittle more forgiving and flexible and sustainable so I'm not rushing , plus surgically speaking I want to make sure I don't hurt my progress first

I am not vegan but mostly vegetarian. I do eat dairy & eggs & beans & lentils. I make sure to have a couple of protein shakes daily. That's worked for me. I also eat fish & other meats occasionally. Good luck!

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!

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 guys, I am not banded but I am definitely considering it and have a few consultations with various doctors scheduled this month, but I wanted to ask what kind of eating habits did you have before being banded and whether or not you have been successful at losing the weight. If you have been successful at weightloss, are you where you hoped? Has anyone ever wished they had gotten at Reux-en-Y instead for the dumping syndrome? I personally have pretty screwy eating habits. In order to lose weight I have to be on a vegetarian/vegan diet (which i am off of now because of weakness). It is the ONLY time I have ever had success (a -60 lb success at that). The temptation that follows me is unbearable unless i completely restrict it out of my life. (and its still bad unless I have exercising like crazy - which I no longer can do because of degenerative joint disease/rheumatism) i wanted to know, can you guys resist getting 3 meximelts at taco bell instead of 2? are you still hungry or Truely full after restriction with just ONE taco? are you full, or FULL - like "this will do me for the rest of the night full"? what about golden coral? can you really fit down everything you would have desired? When did you stop desiring as much food as before? Is it a real desire? thanks

I only have a couple more Lovenox shots to go (2-week post-op regimen) and I'm so happy. I find for me they sting a little but I just don't like doing it, and to top it off, the drug is made from porcine intestines and I'm a vegetarian. I tried to see if there was an alternate and there wasn't anything FDA-approved that could be substituted. I needed to follow doctor's orders and I didn't want a blood clot. Difficult decision after being a vegetarian most of my adult life. The nurse who showed me how to do the shots said to do them in your "love handles." Below the belly button and in fatty tissue in that lower abdominal area (I think it would hurt directly in the stomach). She had me squeeze a pinch of fat gently and put the shot in there. Make sure that you aren't doing the safety part of the needle until you pull the needle out (where the needle retracts again before disposal). My husband retracted the needle once while it was still in my belly and that was the only time I would say it really "hurt." Hang in there...this too shall pass! And it's a lot better than getting a blood clot! Take care.

With the ensure, watch the fat and carbs. It sneaks up on you. If you have a Whole Foods store near you, they have No chicken chicken broth. Granted I have never tasted it, I am not a vegetarian, but people had in their baskets. I agree with the smoothies, they go down, even with the Protein in them, over several hours, and you stay full.

I found this interesting and thought I would share, it was from Yahoo Health: http://health.yahoo.net/articles/weight-loss/best-weight-loss-diets By U.S. News Staff Tue, Jun 07, 2011 The best diet to lose weight on is Weight Watchers, according to weight-loss experts who rated the diets below for U.S. News. The Jenny Craig diet program and the Raw food Diet come in close behind. Some other diets outperform these for fast weight loss, but long-term weight loss is more important for your health. #1. Weight Watchers Diet (3.8 out of 5.0) This popular points-counting diet helps dieters drop pounds—and keep them off. In experts' ratings, Weight Watchers bested all other ranked diets for both short-term and long-term weight loss. But that doesn't guarantee it will work for everyone. Its average rating of "moderately effective" for long-term weight loss reflects the difficulty dieters have staying on the wagon, even when using the best weight-loss diet available. #2. (tie) Jenny Craig Diet (3.5 out of 5.0) As a weight-loss diet, Jenny Craig outranked nearly all of its competitors. Experts appreciated, among other aspects of the program, the value of the emotional support provided by its weekly one-on-one counseling sessions. A few experts, however, questioned whether dieters can expect to keep the weight off once they're weaned from the diet's prepackaged, portion-controlled foods. Though not factored into its ranking, Jenny Craig's cost is relatively high. #2. (tie) Raw Food Diet (3.5 out of 5.0) The raw food diet can deliver both short- and long-term weight loss, experts concluded, since raw foodists typically eat fewer calories than other people. But the restrictive and labor-intensive diet certainly isn't for everyone. #4. Volumetrics Diet (3.4 out of 5.0) Volumetrics helps dieters drop pounds—and keep them off. It scored well in both the short- and long-term weight loss categories, comparable to or better than many other diets. Because it focuses on satiety, or the satisfied feeling that you’ve had enough, it’s “more likely to be successful” than other diets. #5. (tie) Slim-Fast Diet (3.3 out of 5.0) Slim-Fast claims dieters will drop one to two pounds a week. Experts awarded the program relatively high scores for short-term and long-term weight loss, indicating their optimism the pounds will stay off, too. #5. (tie) Vegan Diet (3.3 out of 5.0) Going vegan gives you good odds of losing weight and keeping it off, according to experts. Veganism is also an effective weight-control method. But vegans must be “very committed,” as one expert put it, because forgoing all animal products can be challenging. #7. Atkins Diet (3.2 out of 5.0) In keeping with its emphasis on helping dieters shed pounds fast, the Atkins program rated well for short-term weight loss but was judged by experts as less impressive over the long haul. On balance, it came out slightly ahead of the middle of the pack. #8. (tie) DASH Diet (3.1 out of 5.0) With an emphasis on healthful, filling foods that don’t pack lots of calories, the government-developed Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) drew reasonably good ratings from experts, despite not having been designed as a weight-loss diet. They judged it to be about as good for short-term weight loss as for long-term weight loss. #8. (tie) Eco-Atkins Diet (3.1 out of 5.0) Experts regarded Eco-Atkins as much more effective for short-term weight loss than for long-term weight loss. It “may be difficult to consistently adhere to,” one expert said, because it is largely a “do-it-yourself diet.” #8. (tie) Mayo Clinic Diet (3.1 out of 5.0) Among weight-loss plans, the Mayo Clinic Diet tied with DASH and Eco-Atkins. While needed evidence is lacking, experts' ratings reflect their believe that Mayo, if followed, could deliver modest weight loss, both short- and long-term. #11. (tie) Mediterranean Diet (3.0 out of 5.0) As a weight-loss plan, the Mediterranean diet didn't overwhelm the experts, but it’s not built to be one. It is up to the individual to keep watch over the scale. #11. (tie) Ornish Diet (3.0 out of 5.0) Experts deemed the Ornish Spectrum plan to be OK, but not great, for people searching specifically for a weight-loss diet. Its greatest strengths lie elsewhere. #11 (tie) South Beach Diet (3.0 out of 5.0) South Beach helps dieters drop pounds—fast. But our experts felt it’s less likely that they’ll actually keep the weight off long-term. We found little research indicating that the diet is sustainable or that it helps dieters maintain weight loss over the long haul. #11. (tie) TLC Diet (3.0 out of 5.0) Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC) isn't designed to be a weight-loss diet. But if sensibly followed, it can produce weight loss, experts said, because it's a fundamentally sound approach to eating. One plus: It requires no extreme measures such as shunning carbs or meat. #15. Vegetarian Diet (2.9 out of 5.0) For weight loss, the vegetarian diet is slower off the starting line than most alternatives. But it gains back some ground over the long haul, beating out about half the field on long-term weight loss. Although vegetarianism isn’t designed to be a weight-loss plan, building in a calorie restriction and filling the menu with healthful foods could help dieters shed some pounds. #16. (tie) Medifast Diet (2.7 out of 5.0) Medifast landed near the bottom of the pack for overall weight loss. While dieters will likely drop pounds quickly on Medifast, most experts felt they’d regain the weight. The diet's relatively low ratings for long-term weight loss pulled it down in the ranking. #16. (tie) Nutrisystem Diet (2.7 out of 5.0) Nutrisystem also earned better ratings for short-term weight loss than for long-term weight loss. Experts were doubtful dieters could keep off the weight once they graduate from prepackaged meals and transition to cooking on their own again. #18. Zone Diet (2.6 out of 5.0) Experts weren’t convinced that the Zone diet helps keep weight off over the short or long term. While it “provides a dose of dietary discipline,” one said, portions are small, and the diet requires a lot of work, which can make adhering to it difficult. #19. Glycemic-Index Diet (2.5 out of 5.0) The glycemic-index diet doesn’t have much potential as a weight-loss diet, according to experts. It premise of favoring "good" carbs over "bad" hasn’t been scientifically validated, and dieters won’t have enough guidance to drop the pounds and keep them off, they concluded. #20. Paleo Diet (1.9 out of 5.0) If weight loss is the goal, the Paleo diet will likely disappoint, in the judgment of our panel of experts. While they gave it slightly higher scores for short-term weight loss than for long-term, on the whole it was the least effective for weight loss of all 20 diets they reviewed.

I am pre surgery and found that Protein shakes make me extremely ill - they don't stay down no matter what I did. The dietician suggested switching to vegan/vegetarian Protein powder. She felt it might be an allergic reaction to the animal protein. It worked you could try it and see if it works for you

Don't engage...it is the first of the year everyone is dieting and exercise...New Years resolutions....weight watchers ,Oprah,Jenny Craig,Gyms.....Paleo,Vegetarian,Reducing carb...not too much info...

I am only 10 days post op, NUT has me on the third week of my diet plan already which means I can have more variety in my food & I am a great cook so I know there are endless opportunities but I can't eat much so in order to get all of my Protein I am basically eating meat. I'm tired of meat .....I'm tired of Protein shakes. I have to get in 90-113 grams of protein but all I want is some vegetables... Kale, spinach, roasted carrots something else!!!! I know how important protein is but if I get all my protein from shakes I'm too full for anything else and if I get it from meat same thing. does anyone have suggestions for vegan or vegetarian protein sources ???? I'm just in dire need of something else. I can not be bored this soon. ..... Sent from my Z970 using the BariatricPal App

Hi Adrianna -- I think that working from home made it easier for me to stick to the plan better than if I was working at an office - no temptations, nobody questioning my eating habits, etc. I was sleeved 11/5/2015 and was pretty much a hermit this winter. That being said I am down 68 lbs, so am thrilled with my progress so far! I only bring foods into the house that are approved on my plan - so no slider foods, no processed foods, etc. I focus on high-protein. low (simple) carb, organic, GMO-free, vegetarian foods. My plan calls for 5 small high-protein meals per day, and I think it would be trickier for me to successfully accomplish this if working in an office. We also have almost no alcohol in the house any more -- I used to drink more than I should (was drinking way too many calories), and since surgery I've only sipped on a couple of random drinks when dining out socially. We go out for dinner occasionally but almost always for sushi, where I get sashimi (I will eat pescatarian when dining out). When I travel to my company's HQ, I bring protein bars and vitamins (was bringing protein powder but never used it). Hotel offers eggs for breakfast and I'm able to get some beans and cheese at the cafe' for lunch. Dinners are a little trickier, but I typically order an app and find that most people don't really pay attention to what others are eating -- and if they do I just say "I had a big lunch." I know I'll be socializing and going out a lot more when summer comes, but I feel that following a strict plan at home for about 6-7 months prior to that will help me stay focused and on track. Glad to "meet" another remote professional! Hey Jennifer... I work from home but occasionally have to spend a week in the office like twice a year. I only need a few professional outfits. I am at the preliminary part of this process but I was wondering if you thought the process was easier working from home. What challenges did you face. I think my biggest fear is I plan dinners with friends to get out of the house... Going out to eat will be a social struggle so I am concerned of how to keep my sanity.

I suppose technically you don't have to eat certain types of meat at all as long as you are aware of your protein intake. Tofu, steamed fish, lentils, egg whites, cheese, beans, are all good sources of protein. There are even a few vegetarian sleevers around here that seem to do just fine.

You can be a vegetarian and have the sleeve. Just make sure you're getting plenty of Protein from other sources. meat has to be very moist & soft for me too. I eat a lot of meat salads that I make myself to control fat and additives (chicken salad, tuna salad, ham salad, etc). I love shrimp and fish. Chicken and turkey are nearly always a problem unless I cook them in the crock pot. I use ground turkey instead of ground beef and we rarely eat beef unless it's a roast (again, crock pot). If you don't have a crock pot, invest in one. They are on sale here at Christmas time. I have a small one if I'm cooking just a couple of individual servings and a family size for a family meal.

Think of what you are hungry for, then toss it in the blender with some fluid that would thin it. I wanted Mexican, so I tossed some FF refried Vegetarian beans, salsa, Greek Strained Yogurt (I use it instead of sour cream b/c it has good protein) and some cheese queso in the blender, it satisfied the Mexican craving. on the Fourth of July I tossed a small can of baked beans and a hot dog and some BBQ sauce and a little catsup with it to thin it and pureed that. I pureed some cucumbers and dressing, I pureed some crab and mayo and Greek yogurt and onion. I pureed chicken and grapes and Greek yogurt and mayo and a little apple for a chicken salad. I pureed eggs and mayo and onion and a little pickle when I wanted egg salad. Get creative!!!!!

It's just me and my fiance. I eat lots of meat, he's a vegetarian! So I have LOTS of leftovers. We went to macaroni grill and I had the whole wheat penne and chicken. I had to use TWO to-go containers to bring my food home. I've just decided that it IS OK to throw away food. I don't have to eat it. Sigh. It's hard though. But maybe it's helping me get the head issues resolved as well. Maybe I should get a bigger dog. My pekignese can't eat much either! :eek: Kristin

Lifestyle issues: none. I went vegetarian back in 1989, and have been vegan for about 7 years now. Likewise my partner. I've always been a supplement taker, so I've never been anemic or had any issues (outside of eating too much junk food and carbs, of course, leading me here!). Post-op, my labs have been consistently good, so even with the malabsorbtion factor, I've been able to nourish myself well. The only thing any blood test has found was 8 weeks ago when I landed in hospital after a bike accident and the labs showed I was low in magnesium. So I've been taking a mag supplement since then which is fixing that. Never a whisper of kidney stones. It's tough recommending any protein drinks since I'm in Australia and we don't have access to the same brands as you guys over there. The best protein water I've found that's both tasty and not absolutely drowning in stevia is MyProtein's Clear Vegan Protein. I know you can get that one internationally. It's not as much protein per serve as a shake (it's 10g per serve), but since I have to drink a couple of litres of water a day anyway, getting 3 of those in means I've got over half my daily minimum protein intake plus water, so I love the double-up. Other vegan protein waters with higher protein counts that I've tried have either been too cloyingly sweet or just straight up revolting. The MyProtein one is like drinking cordial. Minus the sugar. The Apple & Elderflower flavour is the bomb. Also: vegan protein will absorb as well as non-vegan. I promise it's a myth that you can't get enough protein from plants. Plenty of vegan athletes and body builders can attest! 💪

There's actually a entire forum dedicated to this topic. It doesn't see a ton of traffic, but there are definitely folks doing this: https://www.bariatricpal.com/forum/1101-vegetarian-or-vegan-eating/

i'm lacto ovo vegetarian too!!! (will eat dairy but no meat or fish of any kind). Doing great and there's plenty for us to eat and keep our protein up.

Hello everyone..I am five days post open really sore...but this shall pass...anyways hoping to find some vegetarian lap banders for menu ideas...dairy ok...but meat..including fish....anybody out there?