Question:
I am a semi-vegetarian
I would like to know if there are vegetarians out there who have had WLS? It seems as though protein in highly stressed and I know there are other means to get protein. What exactly are vegetarians/vegans doing to keep with the diet without starving themselves or comprimising their diet? — [Deactivated Member] (posted on September 9, 2005)
September 9, 2005
I am not a vegetarian but I have been in the past. I don't particularly
like meat all the time so I have to substitute with other forms of protein.
When I find myself not enjoying or tolerating meat, I will eat a lot of
edamame (soy beans) and tofu. If you are already eating a primarily
vegetarian diet, you are probably familiar with other forms of protein.
That will likely be fine to continue. Of course, your doctor and/or
nutritionist can give you additional pointers as to foods that could be
consumed. I've never particularly liked protein shakes but that's another
alternative for you to consider. Best of luck!
— [Deactivated Member]
September 9, 2005
I am not a vegetarian either, but have been so fully in the past. I find
even now I get bored with meat and chicken and fish. The good thing is
there are numerous soy products on the market and they do great.
— Carole J.
September 9, 2005
Go to yahoo groups and type in WLS or gastric bypass or a similar search.
I know there are Vegetarians on a lot of the groups. The ones I've seen
posting are saying they eat: nuts, dried beans and peas, tofu, soybeans,
eggs, cheese, peanut butter, nutritional yeast, etc. Any of the things you
now use for protein are what you will use after the surgery also. The
protein drinks are mostly vegetarian/vegan friendly also. Carmen
— kccjer
September 9, 2005
I'm not sure I'd even consider myself a semi-vegetarian, because I will
still enjoy a steak or some chicken or fish sometimes. But I do try to eat
responsibly as often as I can. After my surgery, I've noticed that a lot of
the soy alternatives actually have more bang for the buck, so to speak, in
the protein department. For example, not that their particularly nutritious
anyway, but the average hot dog doesn't have much protein. Well, a couple
times of year, when we're cooking out, I actually want one. So I buy the
morningstar veggie dogs. Thay have twice the protein content of a lot of
popular regular hot dogs. So there are good alternatives and I believe it
is possible to remain vegetarian after the surgery. I would encourage you
to read labels and strategize. But choices abound. I can't stand any of the
protein drinks myself, but I do eat protein bars sometimes. I eat eggs,
cheese, yogurt, nuts, (I think I'm addicted to almonds) and tofu. So I
believe it can be done, just check out the labels and remain vigilant. Best
wishes for health and happiness always!
— Donna F.
September 11, 2005
I have not eaten any meat except occasional chicken since I was 10 years
old (18 years ago). I do eat dairy products though. I try to just get my
protein from other sources like RF peanut butter, eggs, milk, and cheese.
Suprisingly, Special K (my favorite cereal) has a lot of protein per
serving versus other cereals. I kept a log for about a week to see what my
protein intake was because I was worried, and surprisingly I was hitting 60
grams per day which is fine. You can definately do it!
— emilyfink
September 14, 2005
I have been a lactavo vegetarian for five years and my husband has been one
for nearly 15 years. I do not eat any meat, fish, poultry or animal
byproducts for which the animal had to die. There are many tasty veggie
substitutes out there. One of the most popular brands on the market are
Morningstar farms, which is owned by Kellogg's. Their website is great.
http://www.morningstarfarms.com It lists all the nutritional value
information for each and every product they carry. Boca, Quorn, &
Lightlife are also great companies that offer good tasting high protein
items. You will find that after comparing beef to veggie beef and chicken
the veggie chicken, the veggie products are almost always lower in cals,
carbs, and fat. Veggie products tend to be a bit pricier, but isn't
anything that's good for you? I'm probably going to get killed for
mentioning pasta on here, but Soy7 pasta line is also good. Pasta is nice
to have occassionally with a leafy salad and it won't sabbotage you. A
normal, non wls, portion of Soy7 spaghetti has 200 cals, 1g fat, 33g carbs,
13g protein. When I make it at home, I boil it with no added salt, drain
it, spray it with I Can't Believe It's Not Butter Spray (all zeros down the
board) and sprinkle it with no fat cheese for an added protein kick. Tofu,
tempeh, and TVP are also great sources of protein, but usually are some
what of an aquired taste. They also have a learning curve when it comes to
cooking them. Don't forget about legumes and lentils. They are also high
in protein. Chick peas with lemon juice and pepper are a tangy and tasty
high protein snack. Get yourself a veggie cook book that lists the
nutritional information of every entree. Use butter spray for butter, skim
or lite soymilk for regular milk, etc and you'll make it even better for
you. Lastly, if you're still having trouble getting protein from veggie
foods, enlist a nutrionist that either specializes in vegetarian diets or
will take the time to learn it with you. GOOD LUCK TO YOU!
— Jennifer D
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