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

The transition to vegetarianism…



Recommended Posts

Since surgery, I have been less and less interested in eating meat. I'd like to say that vegetarianism appeals to me because I'm some kind of humanitarian, but really I just feel increasingly disgusted with the thought of dead animal flesh even though I've always been a huge meat eater.

I find that occasionally my body requires actual meet but most of the time, I'm OK without it. I get much of my Protein from cheese, a little from yogurt, and the occasional egg.

All of the dishes I know how to prepare feature meet as the main attraction. That's not true: Pasta is the other main attraction.

I'm getting quite bored with my staple foods, I need some super simple superfast super easy one dish recipes that are high-protein, low-carb, and vegetarian.

Can any of you magnificent vegetarian veterans help me out?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm not a vegetarian, but I don't really have any big craving for meat on a regular basis. I like turkey burgers and chicken sandwiches, but past that it's just not something I really think about eating. Although it isn't high Protein, you can replace Pasta with zucchini noodles if you use the Vegetti (it's like $10 on Amazon). I like that swap. You can also add tofu into Tomato sauce and that adds Protein on top of the veggie noodles. I like cauliflower pizza too, where you can get a reasonable amount of protein from the cheese and egg that are included in the crust recipe and you can always use a non-meat protein as a topping. I've recently started drinking a lot of milk (which is mostly because I make skinny macchiatos at home) and the Fair Life milk has a ton of protein, no fat in the skim version, and also a lot of Calcium. There are ways to be a vegetarian and still get enough protein, you just have to be creative.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

There are a couple of successful long term veggie sleevers on this site that can offer insight. I am afraid if I tried to give up meat, my primary source of dense Protein, I would regain. :(

@@Oregondaisy

@@feedyoureye

any suggestions??

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

There is a a soy Protein called textured vegetable Protein of TVP for short. You can buy it at bulk barn. You add Water or broth to it and it soaks it up and looks like ground beef. You can add it to Soup, Pasta, make tacos pretty much anything because it is flavored by what you add it to

Sent from my SM-G903W using the BariatricPal App

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My surgeon (Garth Davis) advocates a switch to vegan/vegetarian diet... or as close to it as you can do. He has a book out, Proteinaholic, and there are a bunch of good vegan/vegetarian recipes in it that I find WLS friendly. I'm not off meat/dairy 100%, but I'd say 90%+ of my daily caloric intake is plant based... and when I have meat, it's usually lean poultry or fish.

Here's a recipe for quinoa with black Beans that I make often. I like to eat it plain with hot sauce, or as a salad topping... I imagine it'd be good in some sort of low carb wrap. If you eat dairy, you could up the Protein with some cheese or plain greek yogurt. http://allrecipes.com/recipe/49552/quinoa-and-black-beans/

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Feel free to search for and join "WLS Vegetarians" on Facebook! There are plenty of successful veggie WLS'ers out there! :)


Feel free to search for and join "WLS Vegetarians" on Facebook! There are plenty of successful veggie WLS'ers out there! :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Feel free to search for and join "WLS Vegetarians" on Facebook! There are plenty of successful veggie WLS'ers out there! :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

For years my Dr.'s have been telling me to cut back on my meat consumption for better health.Especially my Cardiologist.

After lap band surgery, it became more and more difficult eating meat.

So I decided that was as good as time as any to stop.

I have not eaten red meat, processed meat, or any meat in over 5 years, and Healthwise I can definitely tell the difference.

I am now eating less and less chicken, also for health reasons.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My surgeon (Garth Davis) advocates a switch to vegan/vegetarian diet... or as close to it as you can do. He has a book out, Proteinaholic, and there are a bunch of good vegan/vegetarian recipes in it that I find WLS friendly. I'm not off meat/dairy 100%, but I'd say 90%+ of my daily caloric intake is plant based... and when I have meat, it's usually lean poultry or fish.

Here's a recipe for quinoa with black Beans that I make often. I like to eat it plain with hot sauce, or as a salad topping... I imagine it'd be good in some sort of low carb wrap. If you eat dairy, you could up the Protein with some cheese or plain greek yogurt. http://allrecipes.com/recipe/49552/quinoa-and-black-beans/

I follow him. Totally envious of you!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thank you all so much! All of your suggestions are very helpful. I am going to look deeper into this. I just really feel my inner compass leaning more and more toward eating purely organic and unprocessed non-animal foods. The surgery has changed me, is changing me, in ways I really didn't expect at all!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Some Targets carry " better than beef". And meatless meatloaf. Both made with soy. They agree with me and are a great source of Protein. I also think Beans are a great source, tho I think they need to be paired with rice to be a complete protein... If I remember nutrition 101...

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

    ×