Question:
lacto ovo vegetarian

Has anyone had lapband surgery and eaten a lacto ovo vegetarian diet. protien shakes are so costly and eating chicken beef and pork causes a great deal of constipation for me. can u get enough protien on a vegetarian diet.    — jamjam (posted on July 14, 2008)

July 14, 2008
I had RNY surgery in September 2007. I am also a latco ovo vegetarian. Eating meat makes me very ill. I am able to get enough protein but I have to graze all day on foods that contain protein. I eat quinoa a lot, nut, peanut butter, tofu, and tempeh. There are some good recipes on vegweb.com, vegetariantimes.com, and delicioustv.com. I do sometimes supplement with some type of protein drink. Hope this helps.
   — elenaw

July 14, 2008
I would highly recommend you speak with a dietician or nutritionist affiliated with a bariatric surgeon's office. I am not a vegetarian, sorry I can't be of more help to you. Good luck, Dawn Vickers, RN, BLC, CLC
   — DawnVic

July 14, 2008
I am vegetarian also. I did go back to eating fish and some seafood. Beans are a good source of protien, also the many soy products that are out there. Some of my favorites are Boca, Morningstar Farms and Amy's. I also eat eggs, but they are the organic free-range type. I avoid milk and prefer soy milk, but the avoiding cheese is impossible for me being from Wisconsin. I make burritos with vegetarian chili and cheese wrapped in organic whole grain tortilla. Mmmmm, Good!
   — Toni Todd

July 14, 2008
I have been using the vegetarian protein shakes from Arbonne International. They come in a variety of flavors, taste great and buying through a wholesale account makes them affordable. The primary source of protein is from yellow peas, plus they have lots of vitamins and minerals. If you want more info, just email me at [email protected]. Warmly, Phyllis N.
   — balancedliving

July 15, 2008
Hi J, I think it is very difficult to get enough protein for a wls patient on a vege diet. you put yourself at great risk for health issues. Regarding constipation, there are things you can do to help that. One way is Miralax. It is a granular product that you take with water or juice, is non habit forming and works very well. For me, I use it when constipation is a problem, but for regularity I eat 4 small biscuits of shredded wheat with milk in the morning, and it keeps me pretty soft and regular. You can find something that works, but you need protein. Also, regarding protein, I eat a lot of shrimp. They are 1 gm of protein per shrimp, and I just love them, and they settle well in my pouch, so that also works for me. Take care. Patricia P.
   — Patricia P

July 15, 2008
I have been a vegetarian for years, and had RNY last October. I have found that i am able to get my doctor's required 60-80 grams of protein without any trouble. I eat fat free Greek yogurt (13g/5 oz serving), no sugar added carnation instant breakfast with a scoop of protein powder and fat free milk (about 30g/serving), and i also eat beans, low fat cheese, veggie burgers and lots of different soy products. I have no trouble at all getting my protein in. Good luck!
   — sbonner

July 15, 2008
You really need to consider the biology of a protein...Most veggies and grains do not have the proper amounts or complete 13 amino acids to make a complete protein. YOU MUST get at the very least 40-60g of COMPLETE proteins (in the proper amount of aminos) or you will not stay healthy...and with malabsorption as an issue, it is key that you know what two veggies/grains and nuts to eat together to complete the protein link...Example beans are almost a complete protein, but lack enough of a certain amino to complete it or count it as a real protein...Add rice to those beans and you've completed the protein...Bread is another good example...A hamburger bun alone is ALMOST a protein...(has at leat 13 of the key amono acids) but it's still not quite a protein...Eat that same bun with sesame seeds and you've got a complete protein. Understand? You must add a wide range of nuts grains and seeds to your diet...and try to eat plenty of eggs cheese and whatever other amimal proteins you can...because humans cannot make the essential aminos in their body...They need 13 aminos to create the 21 that is makes daily to heal cells, aid in health and hair and nails and joints...fight cancers and colds and infections...etc etc! PLEASE read up on complete proteins and remember you will malabsorb many nutrients and you will be making it a daily chore to get those proteins from plants...and a good nutritionist will be able to help you understand this all, but make sure they understand you have malabsorption isssues... Another problem with vegetarians and RNY is that carbs are not WL friendly especially long term...and grains are LOADED wh carbs...some good...some just overkill...Fruits are okay but again are a high sugar...veggies have little protein and beans are also high carb...Good luck...Please learn the biology of it all before you mes with your health so drastically. You can also begin to build allergies to high soy diets and that can make your life quite miserable and near impossible to get the proper nutrition. I'm not an expert or anything, but I have done a lot of research into this...and it's quite involved and intricate...KNOW YOUR STUFF FIRST! Stay healthy!
   — .Anita R.

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