Question:
Any vegetarians become meat eaters post op?

I have been a vegetarian for 9 years. I am very very proud of that because it's pretty much the only thing I have had willpower for in my life. I am getting very bored of my cheese and crackers, gardenburgers of many varieties, mashed potatoes. I went shopping at Costco today with a friend and he bought these frozen baked chicken "pockets" that had 31 grams of protein, like 5 grams of fat, and I think 3 carbs a serving! It's kind of difficult to find something to eat when we eat out, and I usually end up getting something cheese based. I know that cheese isn't the best for me, because I gained a lot of weight eating a lot of cheese in these past nine years. I was thinking that some sort of chicken dish would be better for me. My vegetarianism comes purely from a gross out factor. No morals or ethics involved. It just grosses me out. I ate meat up until my early teenage years and loved it, I still miss it but something inside me "clicked" many years ago and I haven't eaten it since. I think that the main thing holding me back from just eating chicken is that I have gone without for so long, and I am so proud that I was able to do that. Has anyone gone back to eating meat post-op? Did it make you feel sick at first? Was it worth it? Thanks in advance.    — Nichole B. (posted on March 20, 2002)

March 20, 2002
Congratulations on having been a vegetarian for so long! I am curious as to why you are so interested in attempting chicken after so many years meat-free. There are so many delicious soy based products out there, loaded with protein, it shouldn't come down to you having to abandon your vegetarianism now. You did mention Gardenburgers, but have you tried some of the products made by Boca? They have soy "chicken" in many varieties. Another good one to try is Veat brand. I have heard of some people taking soy products with them to restaurants and having no problems with the chef preparing it in a dish in place of the meat. Best of luck to you!
   — Samantha S.

March 25, 2002
I have been a vegetarian for many years as well. Many years ago, I tried to give up meat and suceeded in not eating it for almost a year. Then I ate a McDonalds hambuger and was SICK AS A DOG. I guess our stomachs don't know what to do with the stuff after not seeing it for so long. If you really want to eat meat again, I would strongly advise that you go very very slowly and gradually introduce small amounnts back into your diet. But I agree with the previous poster that there are SO many great soy-based "meats" around now, you might want to stick with the vegetarianism!
   — Susan B.

May 14, 2002
Congrats on being a vegetarian for 9 years! As the previous poster suggested, there are ~so~ many protein sources for us vegans and vegetarians out there, that's there's really no reason to go back to meat in order to get your protein. Since you're bored with the things you've been eating, I'd suggest getting a couple vegan/vegetarian cookbooks and try out some new recipes. You can get tons of protein from beans and soy, as well as additional protein from other sources as well. Not to mention the fact every time you refrain from eating meat, you're saving the life of a sweet cow, pig or chicken. The emotional aspect of that feels awesome, and plus your body feels so good and clean without all that fatty meat sitting in your tummy. There are even some great recipes for desserts that taste good and are good for you too..you can't beat that. :)
   — Wendy P.