Vegetarian Grads?

I am 3 1/2 years post-op and seem to have developed an intolerance to chicken, beef and shellfish.  They sit in my stomach like a lead boulder and I eventually throw up.  Don't think its a stricture because I have had one before.  I can eat just about anything else but meat.  I'm one of the lucky ones that can still handle dairy.  Beans, veggies, fruits, rice, protein bars, fish, etc. go down and stay down just fine.  I never could tolerate pork very well anyway.  Both of my parents developed an intolerance to beef. It looks like I will need to cut out meat from my diet for now.  Has this happened to anyone else?  Are there any vegetarian grads that can give me some guidance on maintaining adequate protein?  I tried google and there is hardly any information about vegetarian post-ops.

I have been a vegetarian since '90 and my surgery was '04.  Had my labs done a week ago and I my protein levels were wonderful.  I get plenty of protein (although, it is a daily challenge).  In sum, know that it can be done with a great deal of effort. 

Can you give me an idea of the types of food you eat?  Do you rely on protein bars/shakes at all?  This is fairly new territory for me.  I don't know much about tofu and some of the other meat substitutes.  Do  you use dairy/eggs also?  Do you know of any good websites that may help me?  I've gone to the one sponsored by PETA and I'm not crazy about the political slant.  We should suggest to the OH powers that be to start a forum for vegetarians.  This is where I looked first and could find no information.

Hi Kris! I am not a vegetarian but do have a big interest in eating "raw" and know how healthy it can be.  My interest in cutting meat, coffee, sugars, processed foods, out of my diet stems from the fact that my body is extremely acidic and it shows up in some very uncomfortable ways. So, to alkalanize my body I would need to "cleanse" it from all the extra acid I have stored up. However, I am afraid to do this because of the whole protein thing. So, this is not something I have undertaken.   My DH's body cannot tolerate chicken and for this reason he eats a lot of tofu. He is also Chinese and was raised on the stuff so it is no big deal. Anyway, so, soy protein is the ONLY complete protein that meets all of our needs. So, also, through cheese, eggs, shakes, and lots of fresh veggies you should be fine! I think it is without question a very healthy way to live.  Google this: Raw Gastic Bypass and you will find the profile of a wonderful OH person who eats a totally raw vegetarian diet and is healthier than ever! Molly

Hi, I'm not sure this is relevant, since I'm a pre-op and I'm NOT a vegetarian.  But my son has been vegan for 5+ years.  He's healthy.  When he was living at home I'd use the Boca and Morning Star Farms products. They have "crumbles" that you can use in sauces and chilis and they have patties that mimic burgers or chicken. I actually like the MSF chixen patties and buffalo wings.  There are also "meal starters" you can use in stir-fries.  I also like the fake sausage patties.

Kris:   I have been a vegetarian for 15+ years. . .it can be quite a conducive lifestyle for post-bariatric eating.  I am able to meet my protein requirements (~100grams) daily with eating legumes (red beans, white beans, garbanzos, black-eyed peas, etc.), and soy-based meat substitutes. You can find Morning Star and Boca products at most groceries (watch the fat grams on some. . .and sugar content on anything "barbequed").   Tofu and edamame are  always great choices, too.   I also make protein shakes using soy powder and 8th Continent light chocolate soy milk.  ~Erin

That is what I have been relying on to a large extent.  Now I have a reason to treat myself to an iced latte at Starbucks..... I'm getting protein from the soy milk!  Also, Beano and I have become very good friends as I make this transition. I have ordered several cookbooks that focus on vegetarian cooking.  I figure I can always tweak them to suit our needs. I approached OH/Amy Williams about having a veggie forum and she said that they were not planning to add more forums at this time.  However, they are adding a feature coming soon in which members will be able to create their own forums!  I see a veggie forum on the horizon!

Hi, I would also love to see a Vegetarian WLS forum - it seems to obvious (now)! I am almost a year out (and 115 pounds down!) and I can't eat much meat, though I keep trying for protein purposes.  I can do dairy, but I think I have bee overdoing it - and I really would prefer more veggie foods. Take care, Misty