Any vegetarians out there?

I'm probably a rare find... But I have been a vegetarian for over 20 years and need gastric bypass (obviously, I'm not here to talk about gardening tips). I'm wondering if there are others out there? I'm mainly concerned about all I have read about "get your protein first". A number of non-meat protein choices also contain carbs.

Hello!

Not sure where you live, but several of Morningstar Farms products (Walmart, Tops, Wegmans, Target etc in the US) are high-ish in protein and low in carbs. They are also really good and come in several varieties. I read that Costco may be carrying the Black bean burgers this summer, but unfortunately they are not one of the low carb choices. The bacon or 'facon' as we call it is really, really good! 

Hope a trip to the US is possible for you?

Best of luck, 

Carol

Are you Vegan or do you eat cheese & eggs?  Lots of protein in Red Kidney Beans, Chickpeas, Cottage Cheese, Yogurt and Eggs. I, myself don't eat meat but I eat dairy and eggs and fish.

Oops, sorry are you talking food or protein drinks?

I'm talking about food. I just wasn't sure if the normal vegetarian sources of protein are "good enough" for a gastric bypass patient. I haven't spoken with the dietician yet, but on the tv show "My 600 pound life", that factor says "no carbs". That just raised the question in my mind since beans and legumes contain carbs.

i am vegetarian, not vegan. I don't eat fish, though. I'm using MyFitnessPal and getting about 90g protein per day. So far I haven't found a protein shake I can tolerate. I got two new ones today, fingers crossed. :)

Our life isn't 0 carb, but it's low carb.  Most people on here eat beans.  (Chili is a fav in the pureed stage). Keeping complex carbs (i.e. pasta, rice, breads etc) to a bare minimum (and nil for the first while) is preferred.

Your dietician will be able to help you with choosing the best protein sources for you.

Oh, just a warning, even if you find a shake that you like now, you may not like it post surgery.  Our taste buds change.  There are shakes that are like fruit juices if you want to look into them.

Cathy

Thanks! I found a protein tea that I can tolerate now. It has whey added to it. So I bought a whey powder and get incredibly nauseous. Maybe I can only tolerate a low amount. 😄

I am currently going to the Wharton medical clinic for weight loss. Their nutritionists have helped me make better food choices. But my BMI was originally 66. X__x so, quite a ways to go.

I am 6 weeks post op and also vegetarian.  I do eat eggs however am lactose intolerant so cottage cheese, greek yogurts and that stuff dont sit well with me.  

My main source of protein has been eggs and veggie meat substitutes. Veggie dogs r high in protein and low in carbs.  My dietician and surgeon told me to stay away from wheat or flour based carbs as those are what really pack on the pounds. Natural carbs found in beans and other fruits are ok in moderation.  I am no where near my protein intake that I should be, but found that VEGA protein powder (they have it at shoppers drug mart, bulk barn, superstore) is a non animal source of protein (not whey) and it has a completely diff taste.  I found the whey protein powders to all smell like old milk.  I don't know. Its also very low calorie.

I still struggle through finding alternative protein sources, and have started researching how to maximize the absobtion of protiens by eating certain combinations of foods with them.

I would love to keep in touch and pick your brain as to things you have found out.  Its a tough journey without the added diet restrictions, but none the less its one worth taking.  Having a buddy to bounce ideas off of would be amazing.

Thanks for posting this topic.

Cheers

It is great To find another vegetarian going through this. I am pre-op, so my portions are much bigger, but I get about 90g protein per day. I don't like Vega protein because the stevia just tastes way too sweet for me. I use Sun Warrior for my unflavoured protein powder. I got it from Amazon and add it to my food. I do force down veggie dogs--the texture kind of creeps me out.

so, do they mean that Seitan is bad and packs on the pounds? I have been eating a lot of it because it is so high in protein (more so than tofu). I also wondered about edamame since they are kind of small.

i would love to keep in touch. I will send you a friend request. Feel free to IM me any time.

Im thinking about trying some edamame soon. Its weird the things your body decides it can tolerate and not tolerate after surgery.  Im going slow and steady....but super worried about protein. Grrr....the dietician told me to get some soy milk powder and add to food.  Gunna give that a go I guess.  Never tried Sun Warrior.  Is it really tasteless?

Never tried Sitan....do you use recipes or get it pre made in things?