newlifejen

This was exactly me too! I had done more of the "vegan" than the strictly "raw foods" but the minute I started incorporating more "juices and things made with "nuts, seeds, flax, hemp and vegetables" I stopped loosing, stayed the same and then started gaining. I was eating super "clean" and "healthy" and i gained weight?!? I don't understand it, but it's just what my body does.

I am back to eating Protein and salad or one vegetable on the side. It's sad because I crave all the "raw," "clean" food, but it doesn't work with me to lose weight. So glad I'm not the only one that had this. No one was believing me and even I had trouble at first too!

Thanks for the post!

jen

I am going through the same thing. I figured out if I sip Water I am usually okay. I can't eat more than three small bites every 4 hours so I rely heavily on drinking Water and I can normally get in one Protein shake, but it takes me all day to sip on it. Gone are the days of guzzling water. It's small sips constantly throughout the day.

Hope you feel better!

Hello, chickabo. Please know that I come from a place of wanting to help provide you some information and share my experience. I'm not saying I'm right or wrong, this is just my experience over the past 8 weeks. And I know when I was pre surgery I wanted as much information as I could get to help me.

Before I go into my story below, I found a doctor online, Dr. Garth Davis, (http://www.thedavisclinic.com), who is a Bariatric surgeon in Texas -he is a 'plant based' doctor. I found this guy after I had my surgery, but he seems to be a good resource and one that I wish I would have found pre-surgery. You may find his information helpful or at least contact his office to get information sent to you so that you have some to help you with your doctor.

Here is my story, if you want to read further:

I was a vegan for several years pre-surgery. So was my family (husband and two sons). We did it for the animal issue, not the health issue. Trust me when I say I have seen more than most people on animal cruelty and food and I battle mentally with it everyday.

When I first started looking into the Lap-band, I didn't find anything on vegan and Lap-band. All I kept seeing was 'Protein, Protein, protein' and more 'protein.' But I knew, as a vegan, that I could get enough protein to hit 60 grams or more a day per what my doctor was telling me I had to have. I had done it for years and didn't see the issue.

(When I say protein here is what I mean: There are only a few "complete proteins" (a protein that contains all the 8 essential amino acids that your body is unable to make on its own) for vegans and they are soy milk, tofu, and tempeh (these are the only true "complete proteins" for vegans). All other Proteins that you get from plants are called "incomplete proteins" like grains, legumes, seeds, and nuts. Now as vegan, you can take two "incomplete proteins" and combine them to can get a "complete protein." Example: grains + legumes or legumes + seeds/nuts.)

So the issue wasn't getting "protein" per say. The issue that I saw right away was getting the enough of the right "protein" (complete proteins) which lead me to where I would have the biggest issue being vegan-- the volume of food that I would need to eat to get a minimum of 60 grams of protein a day.

You see, when I was vegan (pre band), I could eat a large tofu "egg" wrap with a cup of broccoli and vegan cheese inside for Breakfast. This would give me ~14 grams of protein for ~350 calories or so (including a low carb wrap). However, when I look at the numbers in more detail with my post-band rules, this just doesn't give me the right amount of protein for the calories (10/1 - for every 10 calories in the food it should have at least 1 gram of protein). So, even thought it would give me "complete protein" for the meal, it wasn't the 10/1 rule. But more importantly, that is a HUGE amount of food to be eating after Lap-Band surgery. There is no way I could eat that much in one sitting. I might be able to make two meals of it now. That means for two meals I would only be getting ~14 grams of protein.

So, having said that, I could (and do on occasion) supplement with Protein drinks (Sun Warrior Original Flavor chocolate or vanilla is the absolute best tasting and it has a 80 calories / 4 carbs / 15 grams of protein - which is great), but I quickly learned after I moved to soft solid foods (after the liquid diet pre and post surgery) that I wanted to eat food - I was SICK of drinking my calories. So Protein Drinks can fill in the gaps for getting more protein, but I found that I wanted to eat my calories instead of drinking them. So this wouldn't be an option for me longterm.

So, what's an animal loving vegan who really wants / needs a Lap-band to do? As I was doing research, I ran across an article that talked about a devout vegan (animal lover) who was vegan for years and all of a sudden started craving animal protein. Long article short, she took a bite of something that had animal protein in it and as she said, "guess what, the world didn't end!" That was my moment. I thought, I have spent years battling my weight and part of that was doing everything that was 'best' for everyone else and it was time that I took care of me. So that is when I made the switch to vegetarian. I had huge amount of guilt (that I still carry around) but I knew I needed to at least try it versus continue down my road of being obese and miserable.

You see, WLS patients aren't choosing the easy way out, contrary to what you might think, read, see, or hear. We chose surgery where we are cut open and surgically altered - that is not easy. We chose to eat very minimal amounts of food when others around us are eating pounds of it - that is not easy. We chose to exercise at least 210 minutes a week - that is not easy. We chose to have to chew every little bite we take 20-30 times - that is not easy. We have to take Vitamins that are horrible every single day - that is not easy. So to me, making a few food changes to my diet didn't seem that hard compared to all the other "not easy" stuff I was agreeing to do.

So, after my pre-op and post-op diet of all liquids (which I had for 3 weeks), when I made the move to soft Proteins I incorporated some yogurt (which I still can't stand) and then I incorporated some string cheese and some egg whites (not eggs). I did this very slowly. I then progressed to eating salmon, tuna, and shrimp. I still use all my vegan Condiments (vegan mayo, cream cheese, sour cream, etc.) but I chose to add in easier proteins to my day. I'm not going to tell you how great I feel or how I'm losing weight by the lbs daily, but I'm just going to tell you that it is working for me right now, today and that's all I have. Opening my mind and putting more focus on me is working for me, today. And everyday is another day to do it better. I have tried to get away from "I did bad today," to "I will try to do better tomorrow" and that has helped to.

I hope some of this has helped you a little bit. It's okay if it didn't. I just want you to know that whatever you choose to do, do it for you. This is YOUR time and no one or no thing can take it away from you.

Sending you all the best and well wishes. Keep us posted on here!

Jen

I found a massage therapist that did chair massages. The one where you sit in a chair and lean forward and the massage therapist works your neck and back only. It was great because you aren't laying on your stomach. It was a HUGE help. I told her I had laparoscopic surgery and she spent a ton of time working both shoulders. It was 30 minutes and I have had zero pain since.

Hope you get relief soon!

I survived the pre-op diet (barely) by being as creative as I could with my Soups. I found that I lacked flavor and after two or three days of the Soups I was making and Protein I was drinking, I became sick to my stomach in a nauseous kind of way even though I was keeping my stomach full eating every 1.5 hours but hated what I was eating and so sick. So I ventured out of my kitchen and went out for my soups.

I had Olive Garden vegetable Soup and just asked them for mostly broth, I went to my favorite Chinese place and asked them for their sweet and sour soup but as much broth as they could give me. I did that at Jason's deli with their french onion soup. Basically, any place that I knew had good soup, I went there and purchased large containers of it and asked for mostly broth. Because restaurant soup is flavored much differently than canned soup or my broth I made, it really really helped me a lot.

My biggest issue was flavor not necessarily quantity. Now, please keep in mind, my pre-op diet was intended to shrink my liver and for "weight loss." I did lose 8 lbs prior to surgery, but my goal and objective was to survive it without eating my children.

I was also allowed to eat yogurt. I'm don't do dairy (something I am working on changing) so I ate soy yogurt and it was pretty good but I didn't do it much. One morning I put non flavored soy yogurt and blended it with orange juice and ice and it was a really great drink. My heartburn flared up after so I only did it once, but it was satisfying.

Hope this helps! Good luck with your surgery!!

Mine was on the 3rd. I am still very sore in the shoulders. I am pretty sure I can feel my port - not at the incision site, but a little above it and everytime I walk, I can feel it pulling inside. I'm hoping it didn't flip. I don't want to go through another surgery right now.

I'm beyond thirsty and eating some Soups, but the shoulder pain is pretty much diminishing my appetite right now.

Can anyone else feel their port when they move?

I was banded September 3rd. Feeling better today, but yesterday was a bear. Also, the worst pain is in my shoulders. Wish it would go away.

How are you doing?

I can't take hydrocodone at all either - it makes me dizzy and nauseous. My doctor gave me oxycodone and it works great. No side effects so far.

I'm experience it horribly. I have found that by standing up and putting my hands on the bed and pressing down letting my head drop and relax that I feel a release in the pressure. It hurts worse for about 5 seconds and then there is an immediate release. I stay in that position as long as I can and then when I stand straight up, I burp and the pain goes away temporarily.

Hope this helps someone. It's helped me quite a bit.

Congrats! This is exciting! I just finished a 10 day liquid only diet. I cheated one time and had two bites of a sandwich because I felt super sick.

I posted a thread call "pre-op diet" that explained what I did. It seemed to work really well for me.

Hope it helps! Good luck to you!

This is very helpful. What type of Protein drink? This is a big issue for me, scared of this more than the surgery. I am still at least 1.5 months away from this part of the process but I have been eating Jello, pudding, Soup and shakes ( no protein) just to get ready. The first few days I did not feel well, so I am going to try your suggestion about eating every 1.5 hours ( setting my phone to tell me when to eat). Thanks for sharing.

I use the Sun Warrior Protein because I'm vegan who is switching to more vegetarian after my surgery. I love it. I use the chocolate flavor and sometime mix in vanilla. However, I do not like the one that says, "New Taste" as it is awful! Good luck to you. I'm two days out and it can't come soon enough!

Hello everyone. This is my first post. I am getting banded tomorrow in London, very excited with this new beginning!

I am not nervous, but can't wait to get done with it. Lost 4 kilos on the pre-op diet so far which is about 8lbs, but that is due to the fact that I have cheated on the pre op diet, could have been more. My dietitian advised me to have ago at the shakes only diet and that was a nightmare, I was hungry the entire day, could not work properly, not even drinking tons of Water helped. As I got closer, I stopped cheating, but only when I replaced one of my four daily shakes with some of the allowed vegetables. Spoke to dietitian about it and she was happy that I gave it a go and managed to loose some weight. I wasn't required to loose any beforehand from my doctor, he examined me and said I was fine the size I was for surgery, so maybe that is why I wasn't too disciplined.

My surgery is tomorrow evening 02/09. Wish me luck! Can't wait to go through this journey with everyone here!

Best of luck to you today! We are all here thinking about you! Sending you good vibes!

I'm on day 4 of my pre-op diet and I wanted to share with everyone here how I've managed and for others to put their tricks and ideas out here as well. I know that as a pre-op patient this was one of the things that I was most worried about.

I read somewhere that if you schedule to eat every 1.5 hours (on the dot) that a liquid diet is really quite easy. I, myself, didn't really believe it, but I put it to the test.

I set my phone alarm for every 1.5 hours with an alarm name of "EAT." To my surprise, it has actually worked perfectly. I drink one cup of Water and then I have a cup of Soup or a Protein Shake or two or three jello's, etc.(I have them planned out in advance) and then another cup of water every 1.5 hours. So really I'm getting 2 cups of water and a pretty good snack/meal every 1.5 hours and it has been awesome. I do not have the "head hunger" or actual hunger.

The key to this that I read was that if you "eat" consistently and never fully get "hungry" then you won't "starve." I know I'm using a lot of quotes here, but you get my drift. I know if I didn't set my alarm and if I would get busy and work for say 3 hours or so in the morning and not eat anything i would look up from my computer and be starving and there would not be any soup or Protein shake in the world that could satisfy me! With this plan, I don't let myself get hungry and the first four days have been really really easy. Shocking! If this changes, I will definitely repost, but it has helped me get through the first 4 days!

Anyway, I would love for this to be a topic where people share their secrets to surviving the pre-op liquid diet! I know there is a lot of fear of failure and we are all here to provide each other support! Thanks in advance for sharing!

Hugs to all!

During my 2 week pre surgery diet, my fiance drank shakes with me and did indeed lose weight. Today I am 5 weeks post op and have fared very badly. He has been by my side and cared for me every step of the way.

I could not have asked for a better man to be my future husband.

I just read your posting. It looks like you have lost a substantial amount of weight since July 14th, but you say in this posting that you "have fared very badly." Just curious as to how you are doing?

I've only heard this from "BandedWendy" on YouTube. She traveled for work and on days she flew in the early years I think it bothered her. You may want to check her out. I don't remember exactly when she was having issues, but I'm pretty sure it was after the 10th week banded and up to a year after that. Hope this helps!

Hi Newlifejen et al! My banding is also scheduled for Sept 3. Flying from BC to Toronto to have it done (out of my poor pockets) because I am too heavy to have it done locally - BC Medical Assoc restrictions. I turn 41 on the 1st of September. I see myself in so many comments on these boards. I stopped pictures a year ago, I used to be cute even very heavy and now I can't lie to myself anymore. This body has reached it's breaking point and I'm not enjoying life even though I have do much to be grateful for.

Hopefully we can share our experiences as we go through the procedure! All the best to you!

Joyce

When do you start your pre-op diet? Do you have one?

Congradulations to the September Lap Banders! I too and schedule for September 18th for my lap band. I'm a young 61 year old but way overweight. It's been a struggle to for me most of my adult like. I'm trying to imagine how cool it really be when you can fit into your cloths and to be able to tie your shoes! I've enjoyed these boards a lot. And plan on hanging around for awhile.

Good luck to all of you. Thank you,

Roger Lochridge

Yay! Good for YOU! I share in your excitement and can't wait to get healthy! Best of luck to you. Keep us posted on your progress and after your date! We'd all love to hear!

Well, I am ready. I am actually looking forward to this pre-op diet. I went to the store this am to get everything I need and my broth Soups are cooking as I type. (I'm really writing this for me so that in 2 days when I want to shoot myself because I am so hungry, I can look back and try to remember this excitement!). Anyway, love hearing how the late August, early September lap- banders are doing! Keep us updated!

I start my 10 day pre-op diet on Sunday. Can't say I'm looking forward to it, but I'm almost to the point where I'm so sick of "I'm eating this (insert bad food) for the last time" phase that I am ready for the pre-op diet. I've gained 10 pounds since I scheduled my surgery! So pathetic!

Anyway, for whatever reason I am worried about my pre surgery appointment with my primary care. I don't know why, but I'm scared that they will find something that will delay my surgery. I hope not - so I'm trying to focus my mind that it is going to happen on the 3rd.

Anyway, to all those out there jumping on the pre-op diet I wish you well!

Congrats! So happy for you! Keep us posted!

This one was my favorite for a long time.

Garden of Life Raw Fit and Raw Protein are both vegan. <br><br> Spiru-tein has a huge line of vegetarian Protein products, but not sure where you stand on the consumption of spirulina.

I recently was a devote vegan for a year, nothing from a living creature. I'm working on going back to it after my RNY on Aug 18th. Does anyone know if Protein powders are vegan friendly?

I've been a vegan for about 3 years and have tried every kind of vegan Protein out there. My favorite that has 17 protein, 2 carbs and 1 fat is Protein Raw Vegan by Sun Warrior. I love the chocolate but they have vanilla too that I haven't tried. Stay away from pea protein ones as they are impossible to drink (not just my opinion).

Good luck!

This is great! I have been plant based only for over 3 years and I did it based on the animal side, not the nutritional side. Myself, my husband, and both my boys (14 and 12) are plant based only as well. This is an incredible way to eat and we can eat anywhere and not have an issue (which is one of the many many comments I get when I tell people I am plant based - they will say, "don't you starve?" and I have to laugh because I weigh over 225 lbs, so no, I don't starve ha!). We have traveled to over 12 states over the past 3 years and we made an 18 day trip to Europe visiting 5 countries this last May and didn't have an issue at all.

Having said that, I will tell you it does take a little more planning at first and a lot of research. I had to keep the food similar for my boys at first to get them around the idea so we were definitely more "junk food" vegans (example: Oreos are vegan) for the first 2 or 3 months, but their palettes changed quickly and within a couple of months they were eating much more healthier and now, it is incredible. Our dinner last night was BBQ chicken (Beyond Meat), sweet potatoes, broccoli, green Beans, and watermelon. And the meat (Beyond Meat) is an incredible product made vegetables (not soy) as well . There are substitutes for all Condiments as well as milk. We do organic rice milk and almond milk instead of Soy milk, but either is fine.

As for Vitamins, it is critical and I mean critical that you take a Vitamin B12 supplement daily or get 2000 micrograms a week and make sure you are getting Omega 3 & 6 with DHA (300 milligrams daily) through either a supplement or I get mine from flax seeds (which I put into my smoothies). BTW, milled flax seeds are the BEST egg substitute to use in recipes that call for eggs as well.

Now, having said all of that and me being a huge animal advocate, please know that I am 3 week PRE-surgery, so I know that I am going to have to make many more adjustments as I get closer (and I already have started) than most. Another words, when I read posts that people are doing "chicken noodle Soup (minus the noodles and chicken) post-op, I'm figuring out the best plant based alternative. When the doctor told me to eat Protein first, I am going to have to make adjustments and figure out what I can eat to fill me with the right amount of Protein without the volume (example: meat versus broccoli). So even though I am educated about plant based food, I am in the learning process of being a banded, plant based food person.

Anyway, I could go on and on here, but if you would like to talk with me one on one, please direct message me anytime.

Best of Luck!

Hey Jen! I am a newbie to and my surgery date is 8/14 about 2 weeks prior to yours but I would love to find a few people to that are experiencing this and make the journey together. I live in Texas and just joined this site and I am very excited and nervous too! I am on my pre-op right now and am looking forward to not feeling hungry!! Lets take this ride togther! I am surprised that there are so many people out here that have or will be doing this type of surgery. I didn't want to but I went ahead and took a couple pics of myself the other day at work. I am like you and hate them too!! I had a good feeling here that no one is here to judge me but to encourage me so I posted them. The way I see it... I can only start to look better and I can't wait to post after pictures!!

Looking forward to getting to know you and many more!

Kelly

Hey Kelly - good luck to you. How is the 14 day liquid going? I'm trying to cut down my food intake starting today. It's so hard!

Hi Newlifejen et al! My banding is also scheduled for Sept 3. Flying from BC to Toronto to have it done (out of my poor pockets) because I am too heavy to have it done locally - BC Medical Assoc restrictions. I turn 41 on the 1st of September. I see myself in so many comments on these boards. I stopped pictures a year ago, I used to be cute even very heavy and now I can't lie to myself anymore. This body has reached it's breaking point and I'm not enjoying life even though I have do much to be grateful for.

Hopefully we can share our experiences as we go through the procedure! All the best to you!

Joyce

Good luck to you, Joycey. I'm looking forward to building a relationship on here!