I am going to go vegetarian due to my Rheumatoid Arthritis. From what I have read it seems to help with the inflammation and if I can solve it with diet rather than the awful drugs I want to try.

I am concerned with getting enough protien that we need as lap bandsters. I am also concerned that I wont be able to get the leafy veggies to pass through the band.

I have currently stopped getting any fills as I am on so many medicines right now that I cannot take the chance that they won't pass through the band and sit in my upper pouch. This can cause erosion and bleeding ulcers, not what a bandster needs.

I am hoping that this helps to put my RA in remission and who knows maybe I'll lose weight faster!

I do eat meat, but find salads a treat because I don't have trouble getting them down. I make variations on a chicken Caesar salad with chicken breast cut up, hardboiled egg cut up, Parmesan cheese, Romaine, light Caesar dressing, and fat free croutons. Getting your Protein will be more of a challenge, unless you plan to eat dairy, such as cheese, yogurt and the like. Beans are a good source of protein, and if you like Mexican, refried beans could be your new "meat". I would certainly try anything to relieve the RA pain so that you don't have to take so many drugs. I have OA in my knees, but I hardly need any pain medicine now. I can't remember the last time I took it. I do use glucosamine/chondroitin/MSM, and I take fish oil (I found it in a liquid--one tblsp gives about 1600 Omega 3's--I use Twin Labs Emulsified Fish Oil--it is mint flavored--just one tblsp a day).

Good luck on your journey.

I am currently on Prednisone 15mg per day, Plaquinil 400mg per day, folic acid, nexium, and will start Methotrexate injections on Sunday.

I am really leery of the Methotexate as the side effects are quite nasty, hair loss, stomach bleeding, almost total supression of your immune system so a common cold or flu can turn dangerous. Log term use of the Plaquinil can effect your eyesight as well. Prednisone has been a lifesaver lately, but it promotes weight gain and robs your body of potassium and other vital nutrients.

I will start the meds as my Rheumatologist wants me to, but I am hoping if I go vegetarian and get the inflammation under control that I can slowly wean off of the meds and control it through diet. This is the worst sort of pain I have ever had in my life, it is constant and debilatating at times. So I will try anything.

I hate being sidetracked from my lapband journey like this, I had come so far and was doing so well b4 this hit. I was walking everyday, now I can barely walk 10 feet at a time.

BEANS! Beans are your best friend for protein. Refried beans are WONDERFUL. Also, make best friends with your crock pot and learn the joys of all kinds of bean soups... Pea Soup, Veggie Stews, 15 bean soups... There are endless possibilities and they are NEVER tiring for our family. Vegetarian Chili is another REALLY good one...