Question:
Are there any vegetarian's (lacto-ovo or vegan) out there that have had WLS?

I have been a lacto-ovo vegetarian all my life with an occasional vegan phase. Sugar and over eating is my enemy. I am considering WLS however, don't really have much risks except being overweight. Are there any vegetarians out there that can help me with info on the post-op phase and long-term commitment to vegetarianism. I tried eating meat for one summer during college and I felt terrible and had major skin problems that went away after resuming my vegetarian diet. Anyone out there?    — 4kidsmom (posted on August 21, 2006)

August 21, 2006
it would be important to know that you should look into suplimentaion of a soy isolate... I use a soy isolate and Whey blend for my nutrition and eat alot of pasturized egg whites...I eat a balnce of protein and mix my nutrition with egg whites through my personal trainers web site. I will share tha info if you are interested. It is a company out of california. I too am a personal trainer and deal with many people whom do not eat meat...I am a nutrition advisor and know that to control an obese mind you have to look toward personal development! Good luck in your journey..I am 4 + years out and have strugled with weight regain in the past... It is not that I gained weight back, it is because I never learned the tool of control over an obese mind! You are a shining star! Celeste from 327 to 125 to maintaining 130 for 10 months...Life is great! Now a figure competitior
   — shakeyourweight

August 21, 2006
I am a semi-vegetarian (I eat a little poultry & seafood) and I am pre-op. I have worked with my dietiican and she said I can get my protein in by supplementing with protein powders and drinks. I will still be able to eat eggs, cheeses, and tofu.
   — Elizabeth C.

August 22, 2006
I'm not vegetarian but I do know a woman who is. I think you'll be fine. There are many great veggie meats out there loaded with protein that you can concentrate on. Boca burgers, all those soy based substitutes....in fact, right after surgery when I was started to eat normal foods, I ate boca burgers because they were more tender and easy to get down. You can eat so little after surgery anyway, most non-vegetarians also have to supplement with protein drinks, so between being able to eat eggs & dairy, you should be fine. There is a lot of variety out there nowdays. Dina
   — Dinka Doo

August 23, 2006
Studies do not link bad skin with eating meat. Will you get tired of eating protein if you don't eat meat? My daughter was a begetarian for many years, and just recently reverted to being an omnibvore. NOne of the things she feared happened, and she is healthieer now. Could your problems with meat have been psychosomatic?
   — Novashannon

October 4, 2006
I was not a vegetarian when I first had WLS. In fact, my surgery was in July of 2004 and I just went vegetarian in June of this year. It is harder to meet your protein requirements while staying under a certain calorie intake being vegetarian. However, there are so many forms of soy protein available these days, and most of them taste pretty darn good. Now the hard thing is being vegan. I am currently looking into switching from eating seafood and dairy to be being completely vegan, and I have to be honest, I'm not sure I can do it nutrition wise. My heart wants to do it so badly, I am a staunch animal rights activist and am no longer able to kid myself that consuming dairy from independent farmers who treat their animals well is ok. No matter how well a milk cow is treated in their production years, they still end up in the slaughterhouse with all the other cows. I'm having a hard time living with the idea of contributing to that. However, I have to think about my health as well, and since I've quite eating meat, my main source of protein has been from dairy. I say inform yourself.....read everything you can about how to obtain protein. And be honest with yourself. If you can't stand protein shakes, don't make them a necessary part of your diet. It may take a little planning and extra work, but it's very possible. As for exchanging meat for sugar, I know exactly what you mean. I've "cut myself some slack" while learning to be vegetarian, not counting calories, consuming more junk. I haven't really lost a pound in months. Now it's time to get back on the wagon and do what I know I have to. As for your skin and the way you felt eating meat, I totally believe you. The toxins that meat generates in the human body causes not only bad skin, but cancer, high cholesterol, heart disease, etx. Think nature is trying to tell us to have a heart for our fellow animals? I do. Good luck.
   — Kelle W