Giving veganism a try...

Now that I'm 3+ months out, and I'm on a pretty good schedule, I am giving veganism a try. I'm finding that while I can (usually) tolerate most things, I'm also finding proteins I used to eat to be difficult for me. For instance, I've probably had foamies and vomitting at least once a week for some time now. I know part of it was eating a little too fast or a little too much, but it's starting to make me not want to eat, but I know I need to eat. I'm already eating on the clock, and it's very hard sometimes.  I don't have a stricture--it's just my pouch telling me to cool it after an episode. 

It will be a gradual transition, and I'm hoping I have better luck with it. I know some folks on here are vegetarians/vegans, so if you have any words of wisdom to pass on, then let me know. Thanks so much!

I am a vegetarian and eat many vegan meals each week, but I could never give up things like my whey protein shakes, cheese, and yogurt.  I find the consistency of vegan cheese to be equal to vinyl. :)

 

What type of proteins are you eating?

I'm eating everything--fish, chicken, pork, ground beef, cheese/yogurt, veggies, certain fruits, breads (very limited)--you get the idea. LOL I'm currently having some issues with recurring yeast infections, so I'm cutting back on cheeses, yogurt, milk-based products, certain fermented items, etc. to see if that helps. I know it will be a gradual process, but I just wanted to see what others do. 

I have been giving this some thought as well....for the same reason.  Meat protein sources just plain hurt to eat.  I have a much easier time with yogurt and cheese.   How do you consistently get your protein in? 

Currently, I've been eating seafood, veggie burgers, some meats, beans, dark-leafy green veggies (which actually have some protein), etc. I will start adding in tofu, tempeh and seitan after I get my yeast infections in check.

I switched over to unsweetened coconut milk, and starting to try out other vegan/vegetarian protein powders. I know whey protein is best, but I really need to avoid dairy at the moment. I'm just feeding my yeast infection by continuing to eat dairy and other milk products.

I'm not against post-op vegetarianism or veganism BUT I want to make sure I'm understanding you.

Is your food intolerance mainly a function of eating animal proteins or because you are eating too much/too fast? If it is the latter, being a vegan isn't going to cure that.

I am not vegetarian or vegan but I don't eat a lot of animal flesh. My main sources of protein are whey, dairy, eggs and seafood all of which I tolerate much better than chicken, beef or pork. Not trying to sway you one way or the other, just sharing my experience.

My only comment is to get to know what it will take to get in your protein if you stop eating animal products. It can absolutely be done but I'm sure the vegetarians on this board will tell you it takes some very intentional food choices. But you are fortunate that there are a few folks here that can give you great advice and recipes!

The food issues I've been having are mostly due to eating too fast or too much. I don't expect going veg to be an answer to that--it's something I have to work out on my own. However, I've also noticed that most meats don't sit well either.

I'm not opposed to eating meat, and it has nothing to do with saving the animals for me. It has to do more with giving it a try--to see if I can fully incorporate it into my life. It is a gradual process, so we'll see how it works itself out.  I'm also still fighting recurring yeast infections, so I've been cutting out dairy, milk-based products, certain fermented products, in the hopes of curing myself of this awfulness. 

I have considered this as well, due to pouch fussiness about solid protein.  I  realized that I can eliminate pork and beef and keep eggs, dairy, poultry, fish and seafood.  It doesnt have to be all or nothing, it is just a choice.  Pork gives me the foamies and beef hurts my pouch.

On November 25, 2012 at 6:21 PM Pacific Time, Candy V. wrote:

I have considered this as well, due to pouch fussiness about solid protein.  I  realized that I can eliminate pork and beef and keep eggs, dairy, poultry, fish and seafood.  It doesnt have to be all or nothing, it is just a choice.  Pork gives me the foamies and beef hurts my pouch.

Someone who eats fruits, vegetables, legumes, dairy and seafood is called a pescetarian.  I found that out when I practiced that eating style when younger and I needed to notify airlines of my dietary restrictions.  

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pescetarianism

 

There are quite a few vegan brands of "meat" in my local grocery store.  They have vegan "jerk chicken", "bbq ribs", "chicken breast", etc.  I haven't eaten beef, pork or poultry since the 80's so I can't compare their flavor to real meat, but I think they are tasty and I can eat small portions of them (chopped up tiny!) since 2 weeks after surgery.

I am a Lacto-Ovo Vegetarian. Please see my profile page for some ideas of what you can eat if you are interested.