I need help. Any vegan/vegetarians or just veg lovers out there on a similar diet?

[_ItsAun_ 3]

Heres the thing; The only time I've both felt healthy and was able to maintain my weight, I was vegan.

I miss it.

My first priority RIGHT NOW is to lose weight (40lbs by October), but I'd like to do it without eating meat and my system is sensitive to dairy, so while I can eat certain things (hard cheeses, yogurt and cottage) without too much problem, I can't have a lot of it.

The surgeon wants me to go on a ketogenic diet. I'm ok with that but really upset with the amount of meat they are suggesting. I don't want to drone on and on, because I don't want people to think I judge them for their dietary choices, it just really bothers me to eat meat and the amount that they are suggesting is ENORMOUS! (most meat has no carbs and is high protein)

I spiritually can't do that.

I'm willing to give in and eat meat several times a week in order to add variation and follow the diet more easily, but that is the most I can do.

Does anyone else on this diet have any suggestions of other things I can eat? Because right now the list is dark leafy greens,mushrooms, seitan(if made with vital wheat gluten and not flour) and tofu.

I can do a lot with these, but if any one has anything to add, I'd deeply appreciate it.

[della street 213]

@_ItsAun_ Hi there, I'm about 11 days post-op (bypass). I've been vegetarian (mostly) for about two years - completely vegetarian for about six months. I did a diet that sounds very, very similar to that - mine was called PSMF - Protein sparing modified fast, thru a D.O. It was ALL meat for Protein, with very little carbs/veggies added. Had to had labs every two weeks, got checked for ketosis every two weeks, etc. Very strict - I did lose about 80 lbs or so over about 6-8 months (I was at about 390 at my highest). After that time, (I wasn't veg at that point), I just couldn't face another piece of meat/fish! I asked about a veg option and was told I could have cheese like once a week instead of meat. I. JUST. COULDN'T. DO IT. Adult son is vegan, so that helped me -- but after going off that strict diet, I did start to gain weight, which eventually lead me to WLS. Post-surgery, I eat cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, and have had a bit of tofu w/soy sauce, too. I'll work up to Beans and more, but I don't see myself EVER eating meat/fish again for so many reasons - personal preference, health, animal health, etc. I don't begrudge others, but it's not for me ever again... That all said, you can indeed be vegan/vegetarian after WLS...

PS - tempeh is great too, I espec love Tofurkey brand Smoked Tempeh Bacon - delish!

Edited February 10, 2015 by della street

[_ItsAun_ 3]

Thank you! That definitely makes me feel better about this whole thing; the fact that its temporary.

He gave me the impression he wants me to watch my carbs after surgery, too, as a part of whatever diet I choose after surgery, but I know that can be done. XD