Question:
Has anyone used Gardenburgers post-op?

I searched in the library for this, and couldn't find a reference, so I thought I'd throw this out for an answer. I'm waiting for ins. approval, and in the meantime, I done a number of things to alter my habits. Being type 2 diabetic, I already stopped eating sugar in it's main format, and that in turn has led me to stop/limit my carb intake. I have been walking, already ride a bicycle and lift weights, and have tried differnt protein shakes and supplements, given up on caffiene and carbonated drinks. All of these have helped already overall in preperation to surgery. Today I had a vegetarian hamburger on a piece of pita bread, called a 'Gardenburger' with soy based cheese and have to say that it was quite tasty, and filled with lots of protein. I know that I have read that often one loses the taste for meat, and that it is hard to digest meats post-op, but does anyone have any experience with using the soy/grain based vegetarian burgers? Any problems with digestion, assimilation? The Gardenburger and protein shake that I had for lunch was pretty good, and afterwards, there wasn't the 'ugh! that was too much meat' feeling usually associated with fast food burgers. Just wondering?    — track (posted on September 11, 2003)

September 11, 2003
I like veggie burgers, but a lot depends on what brand it is and where it's prepared (I've had some bad ones at restaurants, for some reason). I like Morningstar brand stuff, especially their black bean burgers. I also like soy cheeses in different flavors (not as constipating as regular cheeses can sometimes be). I'm not sure that soy proteins will be any better or less digestable, for you, than meats are -- though red meat is generally harder to digest, not everybody actually experiences any different feeling when eating soy versus other meats. But, if you're on any kind of thyroid medication, be sure not to eat soy within five hours of taking it, as soy interferes with absorption of thyroid hormones.
   — Suzy C.

September 11, 2003
I eat Boca Burgers pretty regularly. The only thing to watch for with this kind of thing is the carbs. All of the Morningstar Farms stuff has a lot of wheat in them as well as sodium nitrite and if you are sensitive to that it can be trouble. Wheat can be a trigger for me. I use regular cheese and they are yummy and pretty filling. Sounds like you are ready and doing really well. Good luck!
   — Carol S.

September 11, 2003
Congratulations on making so many changes already! I've eaten the Boca Burger brand of vegetarian burger. They were OK, but always seemed a bit dry, which can be really hard on you early post op. If I put some sort of sauce on them (salsa, steak sauce, tapenade, etc.) they went down a little easier.
   — Vespa R.

September 12, 2003
As a new post op (once I got to the soft foods stage) my freezer was packed full of 'veggie' stuff. Quorn makes a great chicken, love the Gardenburber...especially their bbq ribs (lived off of those), and Amy's makes a good burger too. I would just say to watch the carb vs. protien content, not all are high in protien or low in carbs. Enjoy!
   — eaamc

September 12, 2003
I have been eating Boca burgers since quite early on after my surgery. I never had any difficulty. I would "nuke" one for 2 minutes and then put a piece of American chees on top and melt it for a few more seconds. I have also tried the Amy's burgers but they are not as high in protein and have a higher carb content.
   — Fixnmyself

September 12, 2003
I eat Boca Burgers all the time. I was eating 1/2 of one almost everyday for lunch. I would put a little cheese,lettuce,tomato, and onion on top (no bun). I also just tried the meatless riblets (Gardenburger brand) and they are excellent...two riblets come in the box and there is 17 grams of protein each.
   — Kelly T.