Sounds like this might be a test since protein is such a huge part of the diet forever after the sleeve surgery. There are definitely protein sources other than meat but if you are vegetarian and lactose intolerant that might be their point to you, that the post sleeve diet will be very hard to achieve and maintain. If cheese, cottage cheese, ricotta, greek yogurt (thats big one for me) and meats are out that limits you to eggs, tofu and tofu products, nuts (highin fat) and fish. Knowing your dietary limitations did the nutritionist provide you with a suggested way to get the desired protein daily? I would ask for professional guidance not only to understand how this can be done within your diet kimitations but also to show how serious you are in learning how to make the life changes required to be successful long term. For me, that has been the biggest thing to keep reminding myself that this isn't something you do for a year then move on. It truly is forever and although doable I didn't really understand what that meant to eat as a sleever until I was in the thick of it and continuing to learn everyday! Best of luck.

This is something you've also had to have thought about how you were gonna do this life change...ready set is right maybe this is to get you to,really think about how you're gonna achieve this with your restrictions...if you aren't giving up fish then tuna in a can will probably be your best friend but again...I agree with readyset and this is up to you...surgery is only a tool, you have to work this out in your head and get a game plan going so you can stick with it.
Good luck

(I am not a vegetarian.)

It seems to me that anyone who's a vegetarian HAS to become almost a professional nutritionist to maximize their nutrition--particularly their protein.

There are other wonderful fish you can eat -- salmon is literally my favorite fish. And if you could possibly reduce your affection for chickens, you'd be set! I'm sure you also know about the relatively high protein levels of black beans and quinoa.

BTW, it's not clear from "I am lactose!" whether you're lactose intolerant or lactose friendly. If you won't or can't eat milk products that's a real shame because those foods offer much protein. And if you choose not to eat lactose protein that's probably going to be a real problem, because all the best tasting protein-enhanced foods, including P28 protein bread, are enhanced with whey protein.

In any event, it sounds like you should invest your time and energies to learn a lot more about how to be a healthy vegetarian. Start with google. Read some nutrition books written for vegetarians.

Good luck.

Beans! Don't forget about beans!

Quinoa is a good source of protein. I have a dairy allergy so no milk for me (although I can tolerate goat cheese.) I use a vegan protein powder made by Orgain. It is very good and provides 20 grams of protein per shake. I use organic soy milk for another 9 grams of protein per shake. There are two flavors, vanilla and chocolate fudge. I didn't know if I could make it through the sleeved process given all of my food allergies (I have wheat, milk, peanuts, bananas and garlic.) Once your tummy is completely healed, certain vegetables like spinach, broccoli (which I am not able to tolerate just yet), baked potato and brussels sprouts have quite a bit of protein too. As Midas said, beans are a great source and I find eating soup with white beans in it is very filling and hearty. These are just a few ideas but a certified nutritionist would be able to help you. You can also look for recipes on Pinterest. I was nervous about this process but it has thus far worked out well for me. Good luck to you!!

You said semi-vegetarian. If you can eat eggs - that would really help as well.

You can now get almond milk with 5 grams of protein!

Here some protein suggestions


Table 2: Protein Content of Selected Vegan Foods
FOOD AMOUNT PROTEIN PROTEIN
(gm) (gm/100 cal)
Tempeh 1 cup 31 9.6
Soybeans, cooked 1 cup 29 9.6
Seitan 3 ounces 21 17.5
Lentils, cooked 1 cup 18 7.8
Black beans, cooked 1 cup 15 6.7
Kidney beans, cooked 1 cup 15 6.8
Chickpeas, cooked 1 cup 15 5.4
Pinto beans, cooked 1 cup 15 6.3
Lima beans, cooked 1 cup 15 6.8
Black-eyed peas, cooked 1 cup 13 6.7
Veggie burger 1 patty 13 18.6
Veggie baked beans 1 cup 12 5.0
Tofu, firm 4 ounces 11 10.6
Tofu, regular 4 ounces 10 10.7
Bagel 1 med. (3.5 oz) 10 3.9
Quinoa, cooked 1 cup 8 3.7
Peas, cooked 1 cup 8 6.6
Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP), cooked 1/2 cup 8 15.0
Peanut butter 2 Tbsp 8 4.1
Veggie dog 1 link 8 13.3
Spaghetti, cooked 1 cup 8 3.7
Almonds 1/4 cup 8 3.7
Soy milk, commercial, plain 1 cup 7 7.0
Whole wheat bread 2 slices 7 5.2
Almond butter 2 Tbsp 7 3.4
Soy yogurt, plain 8 ounces 6 4.0
Bulgur, cooked 1 cup 6 3.7
Sunflower seeds 1/4 cup 6 3.3
Cashews 1/4 cup 5 2.7
Spinach, cooked 1 cup 5 13.0
Broccoli, cooked 1 cup 4 6.7
Sources: USDA Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 24, 2011 and manufacturers’ information.
The recommendation for protein for adult male vegans is around 63 grams per day; for adult female vegans it is around 52 grams per day.

Thanks SoooooOOOoooo Much for all the advice and information! (:

I emailed my nutritionist today, then went on a heath store spree. I found so many things I feel like I can breath again!
I was feeling like it was a test, she told me not to get anxiety we are just practicing.
I'm starting to feel a little more confident with everything!

I Found a lot of meat alternatives, quinoa ,beans, I got kale powder, coconut oil and a couple other things. For now I'm pretty excited with my results I'm not done yet!
I still plan on getting more veggies and tuna-salmon-scallops and on the hunt for more (:

I can't tolerate milk, yogurt or anything really creamy it makes me sick.
Sometimes depending on what it is, or how its cooked then its fine but if its creamy like milk or cheeses cake then I can't eat it.

I love to make things from scratch so with everything I found, an all of the information everyone gave me I feel more confident. I might not feel 100% yet but I feel like I will get there very soon!!

Thanks again everyone <3 <3 <3