TamaraS

The meeting with the nutritionist I paid for out of pocket because it takes my insurance (Anthem Blue Cross Medi-Cal) a while to get around to approving you to go. I met with her Monday and the cost of the appointment was 65.00. My particular registered dietician was very pleasant. When I arrived I had to fill out the diets I been on and what I ate the last 24 hrs. It took a while for me to recall ALL of the diets I've been on over the years. We spoke for an hour and a half. She had lots of children’s play food and empty bottles of Protein Shakes and Vitamins which she used as props as she went over the new way I would be eating. It was very helpful seeing the portion sizes while we talked since I had no idea what small amounts I would be able to consume. She asked me questions about how much I usually eat, the kinds of foods and when. Most of the time was spent with her telling me about the different stages of food intake after surgery and reinforcing over and over chew at least 20 – 30 times, no Water with meals or up to an hour after, and the importance of Protein and vitamins. At the end of the session she tells you whether or not she will recommend you for the surgery and then has to create a report (can take up to two weeks for her) to send to your surgeon. By the way, she never asked me what surgery I was getting and assumed it was for the gastric bypass. Make sure you tell them on arrival you are getting the sleeve! Our appointment ran over 30 minutes because she had given me bypass info.

Hi Gabby, I went for my first visit in March. I remember filling out all those forms and feeling the same way you do. My advice is to fill them out as best you can. Nobody can remember every diet and the dates. Especially if your like me and have tried diet after diet. I am currently on my 4th month of my 6 month insurance requirement before surgery. 6 months seemed like forever but I have learned so much information the past 4 months that will benefit me after surgery. I too have been overweight since I was pregnant with my son who is now 15. I had gained 80 pounds and lost and regained ever since. Good luck with your appointment! You are making the first step to a new you!