meat yuck! help!!

I was born and raised lacto ovo vegetarian.(I am 32 and still alive!) I have tried meat at different times in my life. I can't stomach it,I find it repulsive. So of course I am still a lacto ovo vegetarian. The problem is I have gained 50 pounds, and have read many books, and had many, many people tell me it is due to my diet lacking in protein and being too high in carbs. No matter how much advice I am given that I "should" be a meat eater, I couldn't, not only for ethical reasons, but just yuck! I don't like it. Can't do it period. I have tried to become vegan a few times, but found it difficult to fit into the "real" world as a vegan, with dining out etc. But I think dairy is destroying my diet. I not only am severely lactose intolerant, so I have to take a bunch of expensive pills before eating dairy, but I get congestion and cough after eating dairy.This isn't too healthy! Plus the saturated fat, and the animal products used to make cheese. I know my post is lengthy and doesn't sound specific, but to sum it up, my main concerns are: Why is it so important to others, and in so many books that meat eating is the only way to lose weight? Can one lose as a vegetarian? Would you have any advice or suggestions on becoming vegan, because I think the dairy is what is ruining it for me. Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks!! Tweet