Question:
I'm curious as to how vegetarians get their protein in?

Hi! I am just now starting to shop for post-op stuff (still pre). I am ovo-lacto-vegeterian so most of my protein comes from eggs or milk. I'm curious as to what other veges do to get their protein. Recently, I've discovered that many of the protein drink and stuff do contain animal protein. ProteinX contains pork (yuk!)! Any suggestions?    — emilyfink (posted on April 14, 2002)

April 14, 2002
Well, I am definitely not a vegetarian, but I'll try to give you some advice. Soy! Soy! Soy! Meatless meatballs, Boca burgers, soy nuts, tofu products. I swear sometimes I think they can make just about anything these days with soy. Despite my carnivore status, I find I am enjoying some of these things quite often. Before surgery I am sure I would have never even considered them. Eggs, Skim Plus or Lactaid Milk, yogurt, and protein bars added to the mix should help too. Best of luck to you!
   — PaulaM

April 14, 2002
Educate yourself on the subject...to start with you will need to include multiple sources to get the full spectrum of proteins (there are about 26 different types). Combining legumes and grains are a great way to do that, like eating black-eyed peas or beans and cornbread, lentils and rice,etc. Soy based products are great as are eggs and cheese, yogurt, cottage cheese, seeds and nuts. The world is full of non-animal proteins. However, I still advocate an occasional bite or two of filet mignon. Meat is still very nutritious. Good Luck!
   — merri B.

April 14, 2002
Many of the whey proteins do not contain any other animal products (except egg), and whey is #1 in bioavailability. Smooth & tasty, and you can get 30g down in 4 oz of water. Just read on through the labels. You do NOT want Colagen based proteins (the liquid types taken by the spoonful). Whey is #1, soy is about #9, rice is down about #13, but all are good protein SUPPS. The usual vege fare is pretty low on the BV scale, so you just need to know that nuts & cheese are not equal to even soy, for example.
   — vitalady

April 15, 2002
Well look into some type of protien supplement or shake. For vegetarians, I know it is especially difficult to get enough protien. Many surgeons don't recommend this surgery for vegens because without meat, poultry or fish, it is almost impossible to get enough protien to survive. I know it is a personal thing, but for your health, you may be best off to add fish and/or poultry back into your diet. If you are trying to be vegen to improve your health, well your body and biochemistry is now different, and you may need to re-evaluate your health concerns.
   — Dell H.

April 15, 2002
I use a home-made protein drink - 1 cup soy milk (10g protein), 1/2 cup non-fat yogurt (7g protein), and a touch of fruit. Soy milk in general is your best friend. Eden Soy brand is 10g of protein per cup. I would urge caution with the mock meat products - for me, they tend to expand in my stomach, and cause me to throw up (tofu doesn't do this, however. Go figure). Be particularly careful with depending on cow's milk for protein. There is significant evidence showing that most of the calcium found in milk is not absorbed, due to some naturally occuring enzymes in milk. Some people even loose calcium when drinking milk. I stay away from it all together.
   — Wayne E.

April 16, 2002
Open RNY 11-12-01 -105 lbs Before surgery I was definately NOT vegetarian, but since surgery I can not eat meat especially beef & pork (YUCK_O) so I have been eating alot of cheese, but I went to the dr yesterday and she said she could give me a protein pill to give me the protein I am missing from eating meat. It probably isn't the same as meat but apparently she feels it will benefit me. Good Luck!
   — Lynda T.

April 16, 2002
I have been a vegetarian for 14 years. I am 5 1/2 months post op and only drank protein drinks for the first week after surgery. It was hard to find one without animal products that tasted good so I opted to eat my protein requirments instead of drinking them. I, at the recommendation of my doctor, ate kidney beans, chick peas, bananas, string cheese (5 protein grams in 1 stick!), refried beans, eggs, and anything else I could get my hands on with a high protein content. I now eat many morning star products and eat an omlett everyday for at least one meal. I am 5 1/2 months post op and down 102 pounds. Good luck to you on your journey!
   — vbenedict0208