Question:
Has anyone ever became a vegetarian after gastic bypass?
I am curious about alternative ways of getting protein besides eating more meat. If someone has done it or knows of a way that it can be done please let me know. — Diana D. (posted on September 2, 2003)
September 2, 2003
I absolutely crave red meat since surgery. I couldn't possibly eat enough
tofu, beans etc to meet my protien needs otherwise. I would think you
could use protein supplements if you seriously need to be a vegetarian.
— **willow**
September 2, 2003
I have been wondering about this also. I know there are vegetarians who
have had WLS. I'd be interested to know how they get in enough protein. I
was vegetarian for several years but I don't think I was all that healthy
of a vegetarian at that time. However, with all the meat that I've been
eating, I've been thinking about the vegetarian alternative again - or at
least incorporating it more into my diet. I'm so sick of meat - beef,
poultry, and I can hardly tolerate fish which is very unusual from before
wls. Any help would be appreciated! Thanks!
— [Deactivated Member]
September 2, 2003
YES! I've since become a vegeterian. I've never been one to eat pork, and
the only beef I ate before surgery was hot dogs, hamburgers, and beef on my
pizza. After surgery I could eat it by suffered much discomfort. I never
really liked turkey,or chicken for that matter, and I eat NO seafood so
I've turned to the delicious Veggi burgers. I did still crave for burger
king's whoppers, but slowly over time, I discontinued it from my diet, and
got used to life without it.One thing I would advise is to talk to your
surgeon about it first though because red meat makes up allot of your
protein. I practically have to overdose on centrums multi-vitamins and
protein bars and shakes, although my surgeon said it wouldnt be so bad
since I was only 20. Good Luck and e-mail me if you have any further
questions, and/or comments!
— Miko P.
September 3, 2003
Thanks for your answer as I see not many have come forth with any other
alternatives. I think that eating so much meat for me is not that healthy.
I am 32 and very concerned about what I put into my body now. I eat so much
meat that it does not leave much room for veggies and that is because I am
to consume all of my protein through food and not supplements. I was never
a meat eater before "bread" was my best friend and worse enemy,
but that was my food of choice. Now, I crave veggies but know that I would
not get enough protein from them. Please email me the names of some books
or sites that can get me started in the right direction.
[email protected]
Thanks for any and all information.
— Diana D.
September 3, 2003
I did want to add that My cholesterol has gone from 240 to 123 while eating
red meat pretty much 4 or 5 days a week, and eggs at least 4 or 5
breakfasts a week!
— **willow**
September 3, 2003
I've been a vegetarian for 15 years, and I continue to be one after WLS (I
had the DS, not the RNY). In the first few months, it was difficult to get
enough protein, and I had to rely on shakes. Now that I'm 14 months
post-op, I really don't need the shakes anymore, though I still do them
occasionally. I get 80-100 grams of protein every day from food sources
alone. The same kinds of foods I ate before surgery -- beans, grains, tofu,
veggies, cheese, yogurt, nuts, etc. If you're interested, check out the
DS_Vegetarian Yahoo group (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DS_Vegetarian/).
It's not just for DS patients -- we have several members who had other WLS
procedures.
— Tally
Click Here to Return