Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Recommended Posts

Can a vegan get the sleeve?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Lol you're silly.

I was just thinking that since sometimes its harder for a vegan to get their Protein especially, I didn't know if it would work with this, since we have to eat Protein first.

When I ate Raw vegan a couple years ago I had a lot of green smoothies. there is supposed to be a lot of protein in Spinach, but I don't remember exactly how much.

I can probably put a lot of Protein powder into my smoothies also, I love vanilla pea Protein Powder.

I'm not eating a vegan diet right now, but ultimately I would love to be sleeved and vegan

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

One day, this too, is my goal. I have done it before, but my relationship with food was so poor that I could not see it for what it needs to be, for me. With the sleeve, that relationship has changed and my confidence in being stronger over food allows me to think that I can do it.

Just like when I was first sleeved, I have to set myself up for success and be sure that I am mentally ready for that next step. I am not there now, but I can see a day when I will be.

As far as ability to get the needed Proteins, I think it would be difficult to do early out. But now, at 10 months out, I have learned what I can eat and how to work the sleeve to my needs. I'm pretty sure the average vegan is not a food gorger and now, neither am I, so, I know I can do this.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I think you could do it if you were willing to be OK with supplements as a permanent part of your diet.

I just cannot see how this is better for you, but to each his own.

I guess I can recall the times my vegan buddies would get seriously injured and the first thing they had to do was go off the vegan path - or later wished they would.

I had a friend crawl, on-fire, out of a small plane about 5 years ago 3rd degree burns over 45% of his body - totally vegan and was told to eat meat or risk not healing for years...

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Well, if I find myself on fire, I think I have other things to worry about. But barring that, I think there are other ways to survive and thrive than feeding on our fellow Earthlings. Yes, they are tasty, but I think they may object if they had a say in it.

But that is another topic for another thread.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Yes, you can definitely have the sleeve and be healthy as a vegan. It will require some planning and attention to detail--I'm moving that way right now. I've eaten vegan at several points in my life, once for a 2-year stretch (broken by an up-close encounter with bacon). After being sleeved and dropping the weight, I now realize that my goal wasn't/isn't just to be thin; it's to be healthy, and I'm starting an exercise program and looking for the most optimum nutrition way of eating that I can find. For me, since my sleeve is uber-picky and still really small, veganism is going to be a challenge simply from a volume perspective--and I suspect this is the case for a lot of us.

Protein is in almost every food in some form--you can read a lot about plant-based diets and Protein just from a simple Google search, so I won't bore you with that here. But the big issue is immediately post-op. You're going to want to find some quality Protein drinks that use soy-based protein (not hard to find, happily!) and avoid dairy and/or egg protein. After that immediate post-op period, you're probably still going to need to supplement with Protein shakes just because you won't be able to eat enough legumes/beans/nuts/tofu to cover your protein requirements as your sleeve heals. That being said, some of the best sources of vegetable protein can be soft/mushies (think Beans, tofu, nut butters).

At this point in my sleeve career (I'm 13-1/2 months out), I eat small, frequent meals--the challenge for me is going to be switching out of dairy into exclusively plant-based protein, as I have been relying pretty heavily on dairy as a protein source (my sleeve doesn't tolerate a lot of animal-flesh Proteins, except for shellfish and occasional lunch meat ham or turkey--and those sometimes don't work). I'm going to have to learn to be more proactive in eating beans/legumes at almost every meal in some format--happily, white Beans can be hidden in smoothies at Breakfast (sounds gross, can't really taste it, thank goodness)..... stuff like that. I'm going to have to plan my meals instead of just going with the flow; I'm not thrilled about that, but the trade-off is worth it.

Anyhow, keep us posted!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Beans, tofu, soy milk, and almond milk all are very high in Protein. If you stick with strict label reading, and maybe adding in a few extra scoops of protein powder into a Soup or bowl of beans, there should be no reason why a vegan can't be successful on the sleeve.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

If you are already vegan, then you are probably used to planning. Start calculating things now to see how much of things you eat that will get you to your daily Protein needs.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am vegan and getting sleeved (hopefully) this summer. My doctor and nutritionist tell me it is do-able, but difficult. The issue is that in order to get the Protein you need, you usually get too many carbs (tofu is like this) which can slow your weight loss. Most vegan Protein Shakes have the same problem. I am working closely with the nutritionist, but it is possible I may need to go vegetarian during the weight loss phase and back to vegan during "maintenance". I REALLY hope that isn't the case, but my health has to come first and I must lose this weight!

-Lauren

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am currently TRYING to transition. I won't say that I am totally shooting for VEGAN, because if things are made with eggs/milk (i.e. breads/crackers but not cheesy milky sauces), I'm ok with that. I was inspired by a few documentaries I watched recently. One is "Forks over Knives". It was very eye opening and really convicted me about changing my diet. Of course, the Protein challenge is my biggest hurdle. I am trying to tackle it daily and PRAYING that I don't set myself back in the process. I will say that I feel GREAT! I am 8 months post-op and have already experienced a "prolonged" plateau due to emotional eating of the "wrong" comfort foods. But, I am back on track now and doing what I have ALWAYS felt was best for me. Now just taking it one day at a time.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • vsg.with.sharon

      Hey everyone!
      I’m new here! Looking for some friends! 🥰
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • LeighaTR

      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 3 replies
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

      2. Selina333

        I'm in Houston so kind of near you and had the sleeve in Dec. Down 61 lbs. Feeling better. Was definitely worth it. I hope the everything is going well for you. Update us when you can!

      3. Doughgurl

        I am back home after my bypass surgery in Tiajuana. I'm post op day 4. Everything went great! I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who have not encountered much pain at all, no nausea thus far and I'm having no problem keeping down broths and water. Thank you for your well wishes. I cant wait to keep up this journey and have a chance at better health and simply better quality of life. I know there will be bumps in the road ahead, and everything won't be peaches and cream, but at least I have a great start so far. 😍

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×