Question:
Anyone post-op vegetarian?

I'd like to stay off red meat and possibly any living animal. For now, I feel ok with cheese, eggs, milk. Anyone out there successfully stay healthy post-op without the meat?    — Susan D. (posted on May 1, 2002)

April 30, 2002
I have been a vegetarian for the past 9 years. There was a point post-op where I got very sick of veggie burgers and was considering eating meat again, but I got over it. I sometimes think that being a vegetarian is more expensive than being a meat eater. I still consider eating meat again occasionally. I think it would be cheaper and give me more variety, and possibly more protein. I have been craving tuna lately and haven't had it in more than 10 years! I have been loving the new gardenburger "riblets." They have 27 grams of protein. I also eat a lot of gardenburger "chik'n grill" which has 13 grams of protein. If you have a Wild Oats or Trader Joes near you, you can find lots of good stuff there. Wild Oats makes a really good sweet and sour tempeh in their deli. I think tempeh is really good and good for you. It is easy though to get in all your protein being a vegetarian. I haven't been able to afford the protein supplements lately and am still getting around 70 grams of protein a day with just soy products and cheese. When I can afford isopure I get well over 100 grams a day. =)
   — Nichole B.

April 30, 2002
May I suggest that you reference the wonderful AMOS library on the subject of vegetarian or vegan diets? This question has been asked many times...Thank you!
   — merri B.

May 1, 2002
I know that several surgeons do not recommend RNY for vegetarians because it is so difficult to get enough protien. There is a vegen (7 mon post-op) at our support group that has had major problems with anemia, muscle loss, etc. Many post-ops don't tolerate red meat anyway, and primarly rely on poultry, seafood, dairy products and eggs as sources of protien. If you are trying to be vegen for health reasons, after surgery your body chemistry will change (for the better) and protien is a very vital nutrient that you can have serious problems if you don't get sufficient amounts.
   — Dell H.

May 1, 2002
Hi Susan, I am 4 months post op and have had no problem getting my protein. I have been a veg. for 8 years. My bloodwork is great. I eat cottage cheese, string cheese, veggie burgers, burritos, spanish beans with rice,pistichio nuts,eggs, I have a protein shake every morning,I still can't cook tofu the way I like it. This is just a few things tthat might help you. Good Luck. If you want to chat my email is [email protected]
   — Bonnie S.