Question:
Is there anybody out there that is a vegetarian

I am having surgery on Jan 8th and I just want to know some of the things vegeterians eat after surgery. I have been a veg. for 9 years now and I don't even eat fish I never did! I'm just worried about getting enough protein. I know that I haven'thad enough in the past But I know I will really need it after my surgery. Any suggestions?    — Bonnie S. (posted on January 1, 2002)

January 1, 2002
There are protein items for vegans. There meatless protein that is made of soy and tasts like meat. You can make tacos, and all kinds of meals with it. It's in most grocery stores now. They also have "meatless meat" ... balogna, bacon, etc. They all have a lot of protein. There's vegan chili, split pea soup has lots of protein (take out the bits of ham). All the protein powders. Lots of us buy protein powders and vitamins from a fellow AMOS, Michelle Curran (http://www.vitalady.com/). Just read all the labels. I don't think it will be that hard to get your protein in. Good luck.
   — [Anonymous]

January 1, 2002
Hi! I have been a vegetarian for 13 years. I have had NO problem getting in my protein. I never thought protein would be in some of the foods it is! My first 3 weeks out of surgery I basically lived on light Yoplait yogurt, bananas and protein shakes. Now I eat chili, salads with pinto and garbonzo beans, cheese stuffed pasta and any vegetable I can get my hands on. Just make sure you keep a log of what you eat and the amount of protein, if by the end of the day you haven't gotten enough just have another shake. I use designer whey chocolate. It's yummy and easy to take. Also you can make the Designer as instructed and then add a packet of Swiss Miss Sugar free hot chocolate and 3 ice cubes. It's like a regular chocolate fudge milkshake! Don't forget ot tell your doctor that you are a vegetarian. Good luck on surgery! I can't wait to see you on the "other side"!
   — vbenedict0208

January 1, 2002
I had to respond to this, as I had similar concerns before sugery. I was assured by everyone that vegetarians will be fine after surgery. However, in my case, I have had to resume eating some meats (fish and turkey) to get my protein and to aid in the feeling of "fullness." I take supplements every day - so I actually do get in the required number of "grams" of protein, however, was finding that I had a hard time following the program of eating "protein" first, then everything else. I will admit, I have not eating all of the cottage cheese I probably could have (it's going to sound strange - but we moved from California to Kansas and I HATE the cottage cheese here!! LOL) I ate beans until I thought I would croak. And even some veggie meatloafs - the challenge I have with some of those non-meat things is that some of them are made up of lots of carbs ... I love that, but my pouch doesn't. I am a carbohydrate junkie ... and I found I was eating just too many carbs and it was slowing my weight loss. It was an emotional decision for me to resume some meats/fish - and, after much debate in my head, I am okay with my decision. Anyway, I suspect there are lots and lots of vegetarians who do just great ... I just wasn't one of them. On the up side, I'm doing great after my surgery...July 17th and I am down 73.3 pounds as of this morning. Best of luck to you.
   — blee01

January 2, 2002
I was vegetarian for several years, and finally started eating a little fish last year. I try to avoid meat as much as I can, but like the last poster, I have found that since my surgery I have had to add a little more in than I would like. I wish I could get a product called Quorn. As far as I know they do not have it in the US, but I used to eat it all the time in Europe. It's made out of mushrooms, yet is shaped like cut up chicken and almost tastes like it and is great for just about any dish that calls for chicken. Perhpas it can be ordered online somewhere. I'll have to look, but it's much better than tofu, and I know if I could find it I would not have to eat meat. But there are some wonderful suggestions below, some that I plan on trying myself, so I am sure you will be fine, you will need to make some adjustments, but things will go well! Good luck with your surgery!
   — Deborah W.

January 2, 2002
Me Again! I found a link to it! http://www.quornworld.com/us/index.htm And it's soon to be released in the US! Hallelujah! Hope this helps.
   — Deborah W.