Hello forum, I'm a 50 year old Australian and proof that you can be both vegan AND morbidly obese ?. As I'm sure is a familiar refrain, I'm a life-long struggler with my weight. My last best effort to drop weight the analogue way (in 2019) was looking really successful - I'd gone from about 128kg down to 105kg and was SO CLOSE to two digits. I was loving fitness, and enjoying my new eating habits.

Then the dreaded Panini hit us all in 2020, and the gym closed, and we locked down and I spent 2020 eating my feelings and regaining all the weight I'd lost. Again. Wit's end time, despair time, and so I decided to pursue my last hope. I did research on doctors and procedures, took out top hospital cover and dug in for the 12 month waiting period. Finally contacted my surgeon in August, and my surgery date is fast approaching.

So it's almost chocks away. And I am champing at the bit for it. I cannot wait to get active and fit again.

Hello and welcome.

I had my WLS in NSW though I live in another state) and my surgeon was Dr David Joseph.

Sounds like your surgery will be here before you know it. Do you have a pre-op diet you need to follow?

Just now, Hop_Scotch said:

Hello and welcome.

I had my WLS in NSW though I live in another state) and my surgeon was Dr David Joseph.

Sounds like your surgery will be here before you know it. Do you have a pre-op diet you need to follow?

Thanks for the welcome! My surgeon is Dr Joseph too; he previously did my cholecystectomy (oh gallstones... so fun) so I feel I'm in good hands.

I'm four days into my pre-op diet given to me by his lovely dietician. Protein shakes and vegetables. The time is flying as I get closer. Combo of normal pre-op anxiety and "I have to get X done beforehand!" panic, I suspect.

8 hours ago, Smanky said:

Hello forum, I'm a 50 year old Australian and proof that you can be both vegan AND morbidly obese ?. As I'm sure is a familiar refrain, I'm a life-long struggler with my weight. My last best effort to drop weight the analogue way (in 2019) was looking really successful - I'd gone from about 128kg down to 105kg and was SO CLOSE to two digits. I was loving fitness, and enjoying my new eating habits.

Then the dreaded Panini hit us all in 2020, and the gym closed, and we locked down and I spent 2020 eating my feelings and regaining all the weight I'd lost. Again. Wit's end time, despair time, and so I decided to pursue my last hope. I did research on doctors and procedures, took out top hospital cover and dug in for the 12 month waiting period. Finally contacted my surgeon in August, and my surgery date is fast approaching.

So it's almost chocks away. And I am champing at the bit for it. I cannot wait to get active and fit again.

Then the dreaded Panini hit us all, haha so true for me. We had to stay in our house with the windows closed for 6 months and then for the following 9 months we were indoors but with windows open, weather permitting [ it was almost British winter by then]

We needed lots of distractions and like you food became very important. One of the items most used was a panini/ toastie machine. It was like being back in the 1970's and it was the best new food ever.. 3 stone later and here I am. 2 months away from surgery and very unfit. We can do this

12 minutes ago, summerseeker said:

Then the dreaded Panini hit us all, haha so true for me. We had to stay in our house with the windows closed for 6 months and then for the following 9 months we were indoors but with windows open, weather permitting [ it was almost British winter by then]

We needed lots of distractions and like you food became very important. One of the items most used was a panini/ toastie machine. It was like being back in the 1970's and it was the best new food ever.. 3 stone later and here I am. 2 months away from surgery and very unfit. We can do this

Oh my god, you were locked inside in summer? I know UK houses aren't made for hot weather, so that sounds hellish you poor buggers. We did ok in 2020 in AU, but this winter... yikes.

I hear you on the unfit. And yep, we can definitely do this! 2 months isn't too long - home stretch!

1 minute ago, Smanky said:

Oh my god, you were locked inside in summer? I know UK houses aren't made for hot weather, so that sounds hellish you poor buggers. We did ok in 2020 in AU, but this winter... yikes.

I hear you on the unfit. And yep, we can definitely do this! 2 months isn't too long - home stretch!

To make it worse we live in a flat. No garden space. The furthest I went was to the bathroom. I dream of the laughter and fun we used to have pre panini at Zumba and Aquafit. These classes are still off limits

11 minutes ago, summerseeker said:

To make it worse we live in a flat. No garden space. The furthest I went was to the bathroom. I dream of the laughter and fun we used to have pre panini at Zumba and Aquafit. These classes are still off limits

Wow, that is cabin fever madness. We miss the gym too, but can at least leave the house for our allocated exercise time. What you guys went through is rough.

11 hours ago, Smanky said:

Hello forum, I'm a 50 year old Australian and proof that you can be both vegan AND morbidly obese ?.

Are you able to get plant-based protein shakes and powders in Australia?

I prefer them to whey-based. I particularly like Orgain and Purely Inspired although there are other brands, also.

9 hours ago, Sunnyway said:

Are you able to get plant-based Protein Shakes and powders in Australia?

I prefer them to whey-based. I particularly like Orgain and Purely Inspired although there are other brands, also.

Yep, there are a lot of options including some locally made ones, so I've got alternatives if I dislike one. A couple contain psyllium husk, but thankfully those seem in the minority. I Haven't seen those brands you like yet, but will keep an eye out. So far I've only tried one (Amazonia Raw Slim and Tone), and at five days in now I'm enjoying it. I've got Clean Vegan Protein to try next, and have unflavoured Prana ON Power Plant for adding to soups.