Question:
I am a semi-vegetarian

I would like to know if there are vegetarians out there who have had WLS? It seems as though protein in highly stressed and I know there are other means to get protein. What exactly are vegetarians/vegans doing to keep with the diet without starving themselves or comprimising their diet?    — [Deactivated Member] (posted on September 9, 2005)

September 9, 2005
I am not a vegetarian but I have been in the past. I don't particularly like meat all the time so I have to substitute with other forms of protein. When I find myself not enjoying or tolerating meat, I will eat a lot of edamame (soy beans) and tofu. If you are already eating a primarily vegetarian diet, you are probably familiar with other forms of protein. That will likely be fine to continue. Of course, your doctor and/or nutritionist can give you additional pointers as to foods that could be consumed. I've never particularly liked protein shakes but that's another alternative for you to consider. Best of luck!
   — [Deactivated Member]

September 9, 2005
I am not a vegetarian either, but have been so fully in the past. I find even now I get bored with meat and chicken and fish. The good thing is there are numerous soy products on the market and they do great.
   — Carole J.

September 9, 2005
Go to yahoo groups and type in WLS or gastric bypass or a similar search. I know there are Vegetarians on a lot of the groups. The ones I've seen posting are saying they eat: nuts, dried beans and peas, tofu, soybeans, eggs, cheese, peanut butter, nutritional yeast, etc. Any of the things you now use for protein are what you will use after the surgery also. The protein drinks are mostly vegetarian/vegan friendly also. Carmen
   — kccjer

September 9, 2005
I'm not sure I'd even consider myself a semi-vegetarian, because I will still enjoy a steak or some chicken or fish sometimes. But I do try to eat responsibly as often as I can. After my surgery, I've noticed that a lot of the soy alternatives actually have more bang for the buck, so to speak, in the protein department. For example, not that their particularly nutritious anyway, but the average hot dog doesn't have much protein. Well, a couple times of year, when we're cooking out, I actually want one. So I buy the morningstar veggie dogs. Thay have twice the protein content of a lot of popular regular hot dogs. So there are good alternatives and I believe it is possible to remain vegetarian after the surgery. I would encourage you to read labels and strategize. But choices abound. I can't stand any of the protein drinks myself, but I do eat protein bars sometimes. I eat eggs, cheese, yogurt, nuts, (I think I'm addicted to almonds) and tofu. So I believe it can be done, just check out the labels and remain vigilant. Best wishes for health and happiness always!
   — Donna F.

September 11, 2005
I have not eaten any meat except occasional chicken since I was 10 years old (18 years ago). I do eat dairy products though. I try to just get my protein from other sources like RF peanut butter, eggs, milk, and cheese. Suprisingly, Special K (my favorite cereal) has a lot of protein per serving versus other cereals. I kept a log for about a week to see what my protein intake was because I was worried, and surprisingly I was hitting 60 grams per day which is fine. You can definately do it!
   — emilyfink

September 14, 2005
I have been a lactavo vegetarian for five years and my husband has been one for nearly 15 years. I do not eat any meat, fish, poultry or animal byproducts for which the animal had to die. There are many tasty veggie substitutes out there. One of the most popular brands on the market are Morningstar farms, which is owned by Kellogg's. Their website is great. http://www.morningstarfarms.com It lists all the nutritional value information for each and every product they carry. Boca, Quorn, & Lightlife are also great companies that offer good tasting high protein items. You will find that after comparing beef to veggie beef and chicken the veggie chicken, the veggie products are almost always lower in cals, carbs, and fat. Veggie products tend to be a bit pricier, but isn't anything that's good for you? I'm probably going to get killed for mentioning pasta on here, but Soy7 pasta line is also good. Pasta is nice to have occassionally with a leafy salad and it won't sabbotage you. A normal, non wls, portion of Soy7 spaghetti has 200 cals, 1g fat, 33g carbs, 13g protein. When I make it at home, I boil it with no added salt, drain it, spray it with I Can't Believe It's Not Butter Spray (all zeros down the board) and sprinkle it with no fat cheese for an added protein kick. Tofu, tempeh, and TVP are also great sources of protein, but usually are some what of an aquired taste. They also have a learning curve when it comes to cooking them. Don't forget about legumes and lentils. They are also high in protein. Chick peas with lemon juice and pepper are a tangy and tasty high protein snack. Get yourself a veggie cook book that lists the nutritional information of every entree. Use butter spray for butter, skim or lite soymilk for regular milk, etc and you'll make it even better for you. Lastly, if you're still having trouble getting protein from veggie foods, enlist a nutrionist that either specializes in vegetarian diets or will take the time to learn it with you. GOOD LUCK TO YOU!
   — Jennifer D