Difficulties with lap band as vegan?

[annanyc 33]

I've been a vegan for the past two years. In terms of health and weight loss, it's actually been terrible for me so far.. I don't cook much, and it was always easier for me to find something nutritious and healthy when lean Proteins and dairy were options. Now, a lot of meals consist of french fries and assorted overprocessed crap. Total junk food vegan. No surprise, while most vegans lose weight, I've gained 40 lbs since avoiding meat and dairy. Whoops

The thing is, it wasn't a nutritionally-based decision, but a moral one, and staying vegan is important to me. I do know I have to get better about cooking going forward (and stop living off 80 ounces of diet soda per day (not an exaggeration)). But I was wondering if anyone out there is vegan or vegetarian, and if there are particular challenges you faced when banded? I imagine getting enough Protein is just a little bit more of a concern than for non-vegan eaters?

I also wonder whether the two diets mesh well together, since the typical healthy vegan diet (not mine) is pretty high volume, with lots of fruits, veggies Beans and rice. And I understand breads are a no-go? I'm really not sure, and just asking about others' experiences/thoughts.

Thanks!

(As an aside, the search function was really helpful to me a few days ago when I joined the forum, but it doesn't seem to be working for me now. Anyone else having problems with this? Or is there a troubleshooting step I might be missing?)

[NiftyNinjanator 51]

I am not vegan, but I imagine that if you were to find a vegan Protein shake/powder, that you should be able to do this similarly to anyone else. Milk is important as it has Calcium, but there are supplements for that you can take (and probably will have to). Other than that, fruit and veggies are a good way to go! Try now by making some health vegan entree's. I usually cook a big meal, and a ton of it, once a week and have leftovers for days. Try that with some healthy vegan dish, make a bunch of it once a week, and have some each day. As you get used to that, add in another option, like adding fruit to each meal, or fruit every day for a snack. French fries and soda are hard for anyone to give up! I miss my soda already...but iced tea is tasting better every day

Just try one little change at a time, so you don't overwhelm yourself. I would start with the vegan Protein powder though. Protein is super duper duper important in the pre-op and post-op diet I've been given and those shakes are most of it.

Good luck!

[2muchfun 8,928]

Just my opinion, but I wouldn't recommend the band to a vegan. Hard Proteins like fish, chicken and red meats give us the satiety we need to be successful. I'm sure there are some who have been successful but I would think the % goes down for those who don't eat meat.< /p>

[GuyMontag 1,264]

I don't think I could go it vegan but I guess it's possible. You'd better REALLY like Beans. A lot of bandsters eat rice fine. It's certainly easier to eat than bread or Pasta in my opinion.

[NiftyNinjanator 51]

Have you spoken with a Dr. about it? I would get their opinion, although it seems that theirs can vary greatly too.

http://www.veggieboards.com/t/71367/going-vegan-easier-after-weight-loss-surgery

I don't see why Beans, tofu or some other Protein rich food could not replace meat in order to satiate yourself. Or even just continue with Protein shakes. Those fill me up now, I'm sure they will post op as well. I would definetly speak with a Dr. about it. In the meantime, it won't hurt to cute out soda and eat more fruit/veggies than fried stuff anyway, even if the band were out. Good luck to you!

[NWgirl 574]

I am not vegan, but have had some really great vegan food from local restaurants. They have some thing called soy curls that you can order online and they have the texture of meat and can take on the flavor of whatever sauce you mix them with.

Otherwise I dont have much to offer in terms of food options...

[GoingforGoal 1,734]

I use to be vegan, not anymore. But I understand wanting to be true to your beliefs and not having to sacrifice them for some silly band.

There are vegan friendly Protein shakes http://www.mensfitness.com/training/build-muscle/best-protein-powders-for-vegetarians-and-vegans

Soy milk contends with bovine milk except in the Calcium category

supplements are the same

Tofu, huge variety of Beans, tempeh, quinoa, Peanut Butter, nuts, potatoes, and veggies are all good sources of Protein

However, I think you will be more successful cooking at home opposed to eating out to maximize the protein punch in your meals without too many additives like frying oils, sauces etc as most meals are catered to flavors not protein content

[annanyc 33]

Thanks so much for all these great responses. Super helpful!

[hope2 35]

I have been banded almost a year now and have been a vegetarian for about 7 years. Last month I decided to end being a vegetarian due to the band. I however did not have a moral reason for being vegetarian, I just don't have to have meat. I was having a difficult time getting all nutrients not just Protein. I do not eat a lot of meat but I try to have something one time a day. Being a vegetarian I found that my options for quick food to eat was too limited with the band and my high paced job. It can be done with some planning but I was so tired of worrying about it. There are so many meat alternatives out there now days, I am just a very picky eater. I wish you the best of luck. Quinua was my best friend as a vegetarian. You can eat it hot or cold and spicy or sweet.

[rmalikone 108]

I'm not a vegetarian, but quinoa would be very helpful. 1 cup cooked has 8.14g Protein.< /p>

[annanyc 33]

Yeah, there are actually a lot of options out there. I live in NYC and there are at least 15 or so completely vegan restaurants, which I love. There are also so many mock meats and Protein substitutes out there I could use in my own kitchen- some healthy, some less so. (Ever tried Beyond chicken? Most people seriously can't tell the difference.) I just need to get better about cooking and dropping the processed crap. It's amazing what's vegan out there and how terrible it can be for you.

I think I'll give it a try. I'm currently healthy and not deficient in any of the Vitamins tested in a standard blood panel. I do have vegan Protein powder, and cook or no, there's not much to mastering a tofu scramble. If I do feel like my health is suffering, I can reevaluate my restriction level and my options at that point.

[dylanmiles23 2,198]

I've been a vegan for the past two years. In terms of health and weight loss' date=' it's actually been terrible for me so far.. I don't cook much, and it was always easier for me to find something nutritious and healthy when lean Proteins and dairy were options. Now, a lot of meals consist of french fries and assorted overprocessed crap. Total junk food vegan. No surprise, while most vegans lose weight, I've gained 40 lbs since avoiding meat and dairy. Whoops

The thing is, it wasn't a nutritionally-based decision, but a moral one, and staying vegan is important to me. I do know I have to get better about cooking going forward (and stop living off 80 ounces of diet soda per day (not an exaggeration)). But I was wondering if anyone out there is vegan or vegetarian, and if there are particular challenges you faced when banded? I imagine getting enough Protein is just a little bit more of a concern than for non-vegan eaters?

I also wonder whether the two diets mesh well together, since the typical healthy vegan diet (not mine) is pretty high volume, with lots of fruits, veggies Beans and rice. And I understand breads are a no-go? I'm really not sure, and just asking about others' experiences/thoughts.

Thanks!

(As an aside, the search function was really helpful to me a few days ago when I joined the forum, but it doesn't seem to be working for me now. Anyone else having problems with this? Or is there a troubleshooting step I might be missing?)[/quote']

Have read any of Neal Barnard's books? He is the king of good health and a vegan. He is my DIL's uncle also that is why I know if him. Good luck