Question:
How does a vegetarian get all tehri protein in at 6wks post op..

I have been a vegetarian in the past and really felt better because of it. I went off diary and stopped all meat. However, after a trip to Maine I started back with fish and it escalated afterwards to all meats. Since my surgery (7/18/2003) I can hardly stand to smell meat let alone eat any. How can I get my protein with just veggies (btw hateeeeeeeeee protein drinks). Thanks...    — neneburge (posted on August 26, 2003)

August 26, 2003
I don't plan on any of my food giving me protein and depend on my chocolate shake each day to give me 57grams and whatever I get from food is extra. At 15 weeks out I can't eat enough to begin to reach 50 grams, meat or not. Plus I don't want the hassle of trying to count it all out.
   — Sharon B.

August 26, 2003
Hi There, This whole change of life is new for me also. I am 9 weeks post op RNY 6-30-03. I discovered a site (www.revivalsoy.com) and i found some really interesting products on their that I am going to try. I was reading how HIGH in protein soy is...i'm sure you know that....but it was just very interesting to me...So I duggest maybe trying some of their products along with your daily veggies and you should be as good as someone who is getting their protein from meat. I hope this helps. Good Luck,Take Care & God Bless!! Tiffany
   — Tiffany G.

August 26, 2003
Have you tried any of the Boca burger products? They're pretty good-- made with soy protein. Also, legumes are a good source of protein and can be mashed up if you're still on a "softer" food diet.
   — lizinPA

August 28, 2003
Being an aging flower child myself, I can tell you that from my veggie days (not vegan), the combination of beans, brown rice and cheese made for a perfect protein. Add in fish and you're all set.
   — Deborah M.

August 28, 2003
Check out an Indian cookbook. They have a ton of recipes that bring in the protein levels naturally. Back in my commune days, a bowl of jasmine rice with sliced apples, slivered almonds, raisins and cheese was the protein equivilant of a steak dinner. While I realize that at 6 weeks, this might not be possible, the general idea of this outlook can be very useful in the long run. Also using the 'spoonable' protein powder that has no flavor or taste, that can be mixed in with other foods could be a good alternative.
   — track

August 28, 2003
I'm a longtime vegetarian, and I really sympathize with your dilemma. However, I have to say that there is just no way I would have been able to get enough protein in the first six months if I hadn't relied on a morning protein shake. Now, at 14 months post-op, I can easily get in 85-100 grams a day (I had the DS, so my protein requirements are higher than some) from food alone, but it just wasn't possible early on. If you are going to try, one thing that might help is to find a flavorless whey protein powder (like ProCel) that can be mixed into soft foods. I mixed mine into yogurt, soup, chili, etc. I got a lot of extra protein that way in the beginning. I also ate a fair amount of soy products -- "fake meats" and also tofu and edamame. Hope this helps -- best of luck to you.
   — Tally