I am a lacto-vegan. I don't drink milk (almond or soy), only vegetable rennet cheese and soy yogurt, whey Protein I am tolerating but prefer soy.

The success of our surgery is framed around protein, which is understandable.

However, my wish is that the doctor's office would education themselves properly concerning our lifestyle.

My question is suggestions on possible protein recommendations during the pre-op phase and post-op phase. Even a diet you follow would be helpful.

I'm 2 weeks post op and vegan. In my experience, doctors don't know any more about vegan nutrition than you're average non-vegan.

I'm on full liquids so my diet is extremely limited, but I'm not worried about the future. Make sure you supplement (liquid and dissolvable for me now) all your Vitamins and minerals. Very important.

I am currently blending almond milk (unsweetened vanilla) and vegan Protein powder. There are several different kinds. Some good quality ones are "Vegn" brand, "Raw Power" brand, and various rice Proteins. You can also mix the plain versions of these powders into Soups (there are tons of vegan pre-made soups (try "Imagine" brand).

As you probably know, they make vegan everything now and it's easy to find vegan foods with protein. I suggest taking a very long, slow comb of your local health food grocery and you will be surprised at how many things that work post op. I can't wait to get on mushies...I'll have more choices than I'll know what to do with.

Please PM me anytime and we can compare notes as the food stages progress. I would not have done this if I couldn't stay vegan, so don't be too concerned. Just do a lot of looking into vegan proteins. My favorite stuff in the world is "Gardein" brand foods. I can't wait to get to solid foods again so I can have those amazing protein foods. *sigh*

You can easily do this as a vegan. And I think for us it might even be easier because we're accustomed to saying "no" to 90% of the food out there. (This is just a portion thing for me.)

Best wishes!