No meat...? Oh the struggle...

[ShaDiva 2]

I'm 7 months post op from bypass surgery and I'm still not able to tolerate meats unless it's ground meat. I'm thinking about changing to a vegetarian diet and was hoping to get some meal suggestions... I also do not tolerate fish well... Are there any good vegetarian dishes that anyone can recommend?

[James Marusek 5,244]

I am 1 year post-op from RNY bariatric surgery. I found that my body tolerates high Protein chili and Soups well. I put several recipes (beef, chicken, sea food) in the article I wrote titled "How I Survived Bariatric Surgery" which is available at

http://www.breadandbutterscience.com/Surgery.pdf

[BeagleLover 1,020]

My favorite vegetarian recipes are Indian. I recommend you get an Indian cookbook, write down the spices used most often & go to an Indian ethnic market. The spices are sold by the bag; just store them in a container that closes tightly and away from the light. Don't forget the fresh cilantro-- makes a huge difference! Have fun!

[swimbikerun 1,045]

Beans, peas, chickpeas, lentils, spinach, broccoli, eggs, seaweed, quinoa, nuts, nut butters, almond milk, soy products, tempeh, tofu, hemp, poppy seeds, seitan, milk, cottage cheese, yogurt, Peanut Butter ...

Do I need to go on?

[ShaDiva 2]

Thank you all so much!!! It really has been a daily struggle on what to eat for me! I'm going to try all of these suggestions!

[moonlitestarbrite 902]

i am 11 months post op and tolerate ground meat much better too. we just do lots of organic ground meat dishes.

[terrydumont46 1,954]

don't forget to add unflavored Protein powder to some of your vege. dishes. meat is a hard one even for some bandsters. if my meat isn't cooked raw I can just forget it. and no left overs of any kind.

[swimbikerun 1,045]

I put them in the dressing on salads. berry works great for those and so does unflavored. I tried chocolate once and that didn't go over well. I was wondering if I could make a chocolate frosting for strawberries LOL with Protein powder.< /p>

I'll try anything.

[Sparklingbeauty53 202]

Terry Dumont I just figured this out yesterday. I can not do left over meats-they just come right back up. Your post is right on for me. It has to be fresh or forget I will get sick. Forget any cold Protein.

[swimbikerun 1,045]

Would you all be interested in a forum where you could discuss vegetarian and vegan options without any pressure? We'd of course have an emphasis on getting in as much B12, Protein, etc. as possible but without the pressure thrown at us to have meat.

I know I felt uncomfortable with my surgeon who always pushed those things or just Beans at me when I couldn't do them.

[ShaDiva 2]

@@swimbikerun that'd be great!! I love being able to come on here and get so much info.

[B-52 7,113]

I have not eaten meat in over 3 years because of my lap band surgery....and from a health standpoint, it was one of the best things I could have done....although the surgery FORCED me to five it up, I am glad it did.

For years my Dr.'s have been trying to get me to at least cut back on my meat intake, so when it became difficult for me, I seized the opportunity and reap the benefits....

[terry1118 1,274]

i am 11 months post op and tolerate ground meat much better too. we just do lots of organic ground meat dishes.

Ground meat is pretty safe for me too. My surgery was over one year ago and I still can't do chicken or turkey unless it's ground. Beef is 50/50 for me - it takes a long time to chew it adequately so I eat it only rarely. Flaked white fish is safe but tuna can still bother me. Chili is a 'safe' meal staple. It can be made vegetarian simply by not adding meat. It can be more interesting by adding a variety of Beans and/or vegetables. My favorite recipe is:

SPICY chicken CHILI

1lb ground chicken or turkey (you can also use meat of your choice)

Salt, pepper, other seasonings or herbs to taste (whatever you like)

1 packet chili seasoning

1 can Tomato paste

1 can diced tomatoes

1 can black Beans, undrained

1 can corn

1 cup salsa; mild, spicy, or hot

Cook ground meat till almost done (add salt, pepper, etc while cooking), mix in chili seasoning, mix in tomato paste, add all other ingredients and mix well. Cover and simmer on low for 15 minutes. Eat as is or top w/shredded cheese.

Variations - omit meat and add a variety of colorful beans or legumes; add fresh chopped peppers, onions, other vegetables; get creative and come up w/your own variations. :-)