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

Recommended Posts

So I'm going through classes for WLS. I have 2 classes left and one of the dietitians told me that because I'm vegetarian (almost vegan) that the doctor should not sign off. I'm very concern, I did all labs, finished 10 of my 12 classes, started a support group, down 5% of my body weight; I think I'm off to a great start, so for my next appointment I wanted to put together a eating plan for me vegan style meeting all my Protein needs for post surgery. Showing them I can do it. So what are some of the menu plans you used for protien right after surgery. I plan on the basics protein powder, soy milk. What did you do to insure you got enough protein.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

You may have to compromise and go vegetarian without being vegan if that is an option. I can't see how you would be able to have a diverse enough or healthy enough diet as a vegan because there isn't a ton of Protein in many vegetables. cheese is a great source of protein for us sleevers, is that something you would consider eating?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Chicabo, how many grams of Protein does your doctor want you to have?? New whey makes a liquid Protein that comes in a 3.8 oz bottle that has 42 grams of Protein, 2 carbs, and NO sugars. Mix it with a liter of Water and sip on it all day long. Then have a powder Protein shake in the morning and one in the evening and boom u got 82-87 grams of protein!!! GOOD LUCK ON YOUR JOURNEY!!!!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks Packerfan61964 doc says 70-80 grams. I will for sure look into that Protein Powder. I just order a bunch of sample and stuff to try. You make it sound very tolerable right out of surgery

Edited by chickabo

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Protein.aspx" rel="external nofollow">http://www.gardenoflife.com/Products-for-Life/Foundational-Nutrition/RAW-Protein.aspx

this Protein powder is organic and vegan. i really like the chocolate.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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

Edited by newlifejen

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Whoo hooo go Jen.

We also have a list of vegetarian Protein sources. Vega is great, Garden of Life is, I've tried Sun Warrior. There are pea Proteins, etc. too. Can you get some of those and show them to the doctor and ask why they would have a problem with it if you got the 60 grams from your food and those? Beans are great too.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

So I'm going through classes for WLS. I have 2 classes left and one of the dietitians told me that because I'm vegetarian (almost vegan) that the doctor should not sign off. I'm very concern, I did all labs, finished 10 of my 12 classes, started a support group, down 5% of my body weight; I think I'm off to a great start, so for my next appointment I wanted to put together a eating plan for me vegan style meeting all my Protein needs for post surgery. Showing them I can do it. So what are some of the menu plans you used for protien right after surgery. I plan on the basics Protein  powder, soy milk. What did you do to insure you got enough Protein.< br>

Almond milk has more protein than soy milk, seitan has a ton, Chia seeds and flax seeds can give shakes a boost.



Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

So I'm going through classes for WLS. I have 2 classes left and one of the dietitians told me that because I'm vegetarian (almost vegan) that the doctor should not sign off. I'm very concern, I did all labs, finished 10 of my 12 classes, started a support group, down 5% of my body weight; I think I'm off to a great start, so for my next appointment I wanted to put together a eating plan for me vegan style meeting all my Protein needs for post surgery. Showing them I can do it. So what are some of the menu plans you used for protien right after surgery. I plan on the basics Protein  powder, soy milk. What did you do to insure you got enough Protein.< br>

Oh, and broccoli had a ton of Calcium.< br>


Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

On 3/12/2017 at 8:17 AM, Knittychic said:


Almond milk has more Protein than soy milk, seitan has a ton, Chia seeds and flax seeds can give shakes a boost.


I love Chia seeds. Was told by my nutritionist that I'd have to lay off of them for a while after surgery. I haven't even had surgery, yet, but am already looking forward to being able to add them back into my diet post-op!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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 realize this post is several years old and I'm not sure if you still use this app, but I love your post. Thank you so much. I am vegetarian and, as I ready myself for surgery, I am having some difficulty finding the "right" kinds of proteins to add to my diet. Your post is really helpful. Thank you.


Transitioning from lapband to bypass on June 12!
HW: 402, CW: 314, GW 185

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi

look into some of the high Protein Pasta thats out there. They taste good and you can get up to 30 grams of protein in a 3 ounce serving. Don’t give up, it just takes more work. I’m willing to add protein to my Water or drink shakes if it keeps me on track. The key is just to try whats best for you. There has never been more quality info out there for people like us to take advantage of.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi

first of all vegan sausage is VERY high in fat. Try eating veggies or tofu. Check out Dr V bariatric surgeon on iTunes. He is a surgeon who’s patients eat vegan.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I see this is an old post and I hope after these years you have figured out that there just was such bad advice and not enough information on being vegan after WLS. First of all being vegan is an ethical choice and we should never be killing animals for our tastes. There is enough scientific evidence that a whole food plant diet is the healthiest option. There is no problem getting enough Protein and our society is obsessed with protein. People are thriving on this lifestyle after WLS and I am one since 2012. If you haven't already check out Dr. Garth Davis. Dr. Neal Barnard at PCRM also has a podcast by Chuck Carroll the weight loss champion who had WLS and is vegan. He is such an inspiration

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

    • NickelChip

      I got a little bag of samples when I saw the nutritionist last week. Turns out I much prefer the Celebrate 45 Tropical Twist vitamins to the Bariatric Fusion orange flavor, so I've placed an order for those and the sweet treat assortment of calcium soft chews, which were almost dangerously tasty. The Unjury chicken soup was better than the other brand I tried, but not enough to buy it. And their vanilla shake was vile. I just can't do artificial sweeteners, and probably not vanilla unless I add something to it to mask the flavor. The aftertaste was so strong and I had a vague impression of drinking baby formula. So far the only ones I've really liked have been the orange and peach flavored Syntrax Nectar Naturals, so I'm going to get two vegan fruit flavored options in case I have trouble with whey after.
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Longview Lady

      PS: Also, the 'My Surgery' section of my profile - how do you edit/update that section??  I want to put my height, weight, etc. there but can't find edit button.   
      Can someone help me with that?  
      Thanks in advance.  
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Longview Lady

      I'm new here and unsure how to reply/respond to people. Guess I'll figure it out, or maybe you can help me a lil. lol.  A lil direction would be nice.
      I'm still wrapping my head around having this surgery to lose weight. I have completed all requirements, in 2022, and now it's a waiting game.  I missed a call in Aug. to have the surgery. 1st call I have missed in years and it had to be THAT one!   I was so upset at myself and then fell back back that weekend to my ol' comfort food; ice cream.  I fall from time to time but then get backup on my Johnny Wayne Saddle and do better. 
      I have been waiting so long I forgot what the specific surgery is called. 🤔.  It's the one where my stomach will look like a banana.  I just want this done so I can be on my way to a healthier and more active person, and hopefully feel physically and mentally better and better sleep too. We'll see. 
      Wishing everyone a safe and successful surgery. 
      Shawna 😁
       
      · 1 reply
      1. New To This23

        Has anyone messaged you and helped?

        If you go to the top of the page and click on your user name there will be a drop down that will allow you to do things from there. The interface on this site is a little wonky and could use some improvement, basically, you'll kinda have to click around until you find what you want to edit/update.

        I tried adding stuff to my albums and it uploaded the same things twice and I can not delete the duplicated picture. If you add a ticker and later you want to update it, like you lost more weight or you're closer to a certain goal, you have to go through the whole ticker choosing process again. The site can be a little frustrating.

    • BeanitoDiego

      Today was my 1 month followup, 5 weeks post surgery. My dietician gave me a gold star review for my post op diet, and I graduated to Stage 4 of my program. Stage 5 should be approved in November, and that is the forever way of eating.
      I had to go to a post op nutrition class as part of my appointment today. There was a young lady in there that had been eating WAY off diet, and she was not doing well... She had been eating fast food, but peeling the buns off, eating vegetables that were not well-cooked, and eating all kinds of foods that were not part of the detailed instruction that everyone in this program receives. We had SO many caveats from Day One to not try to jump ahead on the schedule for the foods that we eat. I was baffled that someone would decide to eat off program, especially so soon after surgery. She became tired of the liquids & soft foods, so she chose to eat ahead.
      The result of her skipping ahead was that she had experienced a lot of vomiting & foamies, a lot of pain, and was unable to drink any fluids. She started feeling flushed and faint in class and had to be sent to the hospital to get some IV fluids.
      The discipline that one needs for bariatric surgery cannot be overstated. We have to dig deep mentally and physically to get through surgery itself, learn new things, manage medications, and really lean into that crucial change of mindset and behavior. I hope that this young lady is able to get herself together to make the most of her surgery.
      · 1 reply
      1. Longview Lady

        Great post. Thank you for the insight/update. So happy to hear you are doing so well. Keep up the good work.

        I am still waiting for my surgery...though classes were completed 9/2022. I don't like the waiting game. But I will say that my 'surgery buddy' mentioned this site and am happy I'm hear and hope to gain support and insight for my surgery.

    • Kaitlyn Rowlett EKU Student

      Hello! I am a student at Eastern Kentucky University and a member of the Occupational Therapy program. I am reaching out to find an individual who is interested in answering a few questions for a project that I am conducting. I am in need of someone who is willing to share a typical day in their life as well as someone who is open to helping me create an occupational profile surrounding the topic of obesity. If you are interested, you can direct message me on this platform or email me at kaitlynrowlett20@gmail.com. Through email, I will send the questions I will need answered and you can take your time to send back a response to each! Thank you! 
      · 2 replies
      1. New To This23

        I sent you an email!

      2. Kaitlyn Rowlett EKU Student

        I just responded! Thank you so much!

  • 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

    ×