How can i be a vegetarian and survive in the south?

You must discipline yourself, and do as your doctor instructs. All meat is not bad for you and it doesn't have to be fried to taste good. I'm from the South myself and I love fried foods and vegetables seasoned with pork fat; there's nothing that tastes better. But I learned to eat those foods in moderation; I eat mostly healthy foods and exercise regularly. Talk to a dietician about healthier menu choices, start exercising and get your weight and blood pressure under control. Train yourself to eat to live instead of living to eat. Once you have reached your goals you can reward yourself from time to time with some of those foods we all love. Good luck.