Question:
3 years post-op, how do I get enough protein on a vegetarian diet?

I have converted, for healtha and religious purposes, to being a vegetarian. There are sources of protein in non-flesh foods. How much protein do I really need and what is the best way to get it?    — jenluvsbeagles (posted on June 4, 2009)

June 4, 2009
Pinto beans, protein shakes, cottage cheese, yogurt, soy milk. Alot of vegetarians still eat fish. Cheese.
   — lesleigh07

June 5, 2009
Try BeneProtein I dont find any after taste Good Luck Mike
   — matigian

June 5, 2009
If you eat eggs, cheese and fish it is easy. If you are strict vegan you have to be more careful to get mixtures of protein sources as soy is about the only source that has all the essential amino acids. You can still get them all but it takes mixtures like corn/beans, various greens etc. There are several good vegan cookbooks on amazon. As to amount of protein it is still the same as before you just have to get it from varied sources. I am just 3 months post op and am currently eating mainly fish as protein source I hope to eventually return to more vegetarian approach. At three years out you should be able to take in the volume necessary to get enough protein. That is my problem now, I can't eat enough volume of a vegan diet to even come close to my protein needs but I would think at 3 years out you could. Hope this helps Kevin
   — hapkidodoc

June 5, 2009
There ARE protein mixes that are made form whey in a vegan way, got to Goggle it. As to how much you need has to do with the type of WLS U had or will have. U may need to really stock up on Vegetarian Vitia ms. Look up VerganNews. Good source of information.
   — chell1957

June 6, 2009
have you tryed whey protein drink mix ? it comes in differnt flavors. i use it when i doint feel i canit get enough protein from my meals or when i want just a little extra protein i hope this helps sandy
   — sandy fairweather

June 7, 2009
I've been a vegetarian for 40 years and yes Virginia, there really are FAT vegetarians! It is so much easier w/places like Trader Joes and Whole Foods today than even 10 years ago. I love Boca sausages, Garden Veggie patties and actually think it's easier for me to get enough protien since I've been focused on it more than (no offense) carnivores:-) for so long!
   — greencougar

June 8, 2009
Do a search on "amino acids" and "complete protein" ...Like Kevin said you need to find the right combinations of amino acids that make up one complete protein...So eating one type of vegetarian food for all your protein needs is not going to be all that healthy without understanding how to get in "complete protein" as well as vitamins in other food varieties...You need these combos daily to insure you have your completed protein chain as well as a balanced amount of vitamins from variety. Things like beans and rice... nuts and/or seeds and grains (example a hamburger bun is not a complete protein...but a bun with sesame seeds is!) Rice and red beans, macaroni and cheese... Amino acids all play a HUGE role in our health, healing and immune system...EVERY cell in our body has protein in them...and complete proteins are important DAILY for our bodies to make new cells and stay healthy. Learn all you can about your body! Good luck!
   — .Anita R.

June 29, 2009
peanut butter...tho it is highin calories, but good for protein ...is there any in tofu or that kind of stuff? I know cottage cheese, etc...do you still eat things like milk, eggs, etc..things which come from animals but are not flesh? soy products too! best of luck to you...hugs,kim
   — gpcmist