Dietician Meeting -- What questions would you ask?

[heel5man 0]

I am pre-op and going through prerequisites. So far I've done a lot of research online and have been to a support group. Next comes a meeting with the dietician, then the psychologist and finally the surgeon.

What questions would you recommend asking the dietician? Or what would you want more clarification on?

Thanks!

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

Ask about things that matter to you. I am a vegetarian. My first question was what were her thoughts on plant based diets? I also have multiple food allergies and can't eat artificial sweeteners and food dyes. I needed to know we could work around these things.

I found many dietitians point to the many flavored Protein drinks. Some programs even have deals with some of the bigger names. None of them would have worked for me. It took doing some homework but I have found that Isopure makes an unflavored whey Protein isolate powder and Bob's Red Mill makes a soy isolate Protein Powder. I haven't tried the Bob's Red Mill although I do use a lot of their products. I do use the Isopure and like that is can be mixed in both hot and cold beverages. That sickly sweet taste often leaves many burnt out on Protein shakes.

[svelija 18]

Make sure to discuss what schedule for eating will look like after surgery. My nutritionist made a custom schedule for me based on my daily routine and work schedule. If you get a schedule stay getting used to it prior to surgery. I second the other response, do your own homework on Protein Drinks. Be careful about recommendations at the store too, I had one employee almost convince me to purchase a supplement that would not have been good for me at all.

[naenae85 1]

Blerdgirl, how did you manage not having artificial sweeteners or dyes during your preop diet. I had the band back in 2011 then it was removed for a flip and slip in 2012. I didn't have a liquid preop but for the sleeve it is likely I will. I only find plain Protein which is fine, but what do you mix with it? Any suggestions? I'm allergic to red dye, and have reactions to artificial sweeteners that ranges from a numb mouth to headaches.

Thanks

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

@@naenae85 - Thankfully I didn't have a liquid pre -op diet. I only had to make it through 2 weeks of full liquids so I could be a little more flexible. I mixed the plain powder with diluted apple juice or almond milk. I also used my nutra bullet and added cacao powder or almond butter. I found I could tolerate sucralose in small doses so I occasionally used CVS vanilla flavored whey Protein. I ate a LOT of FAGE 0% greek yogurt that I would blend with fruit in the nutra bullet. I drank loads of Kefir and I made bean Soup with pureed black Beans and veg broth strained to make sure all the skins were removed.

[naenae85 1]

Thanks for the reply. I'm hoping my doctor this time can deal with my issues. I have my first appt with him on Monday. Sad my doctor moved to Texas. While his wife is still here my insurance doesn't cover the local hospital. I have to go Almost two hours away.

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

Just make them aware of your allergies up front and show that you have done your homework. My allergic reactions vary from severe hive to anaphylaxis. I've had several ER treatments and one hospitalization that ended up with me intubated and placed in a medical coma for 4 days. I made sure they were aware of my history and because I had done my homework, I didn't have much of a problem with the nutritionist.

Edited March 14, 2015 by BLERDgirl