I have an appointment on January 2nd which is my last requirement before my Dr. will submit to the insurance. What do they do at this appointment. Tell me what to eat or something? I tried to make an appointment with one in my town and she told me she didn't believe in WLS and wouldn't help me, so I ended up making an appointment with who my surgeon recommended. I hope she doesn't try to talk me out of the surgery. I have tried everything else and nothing else worked. I'm a little nervous about this appointment.

Anyone else have a problem with a nutritionist?

Thanks

Wendy

Honestly, I haven't gotten much out of mine at all. I've actually learned more here on this board than anyplace! However, it's a requirement of my surgeon and insurance...so I do it.

My doctor and insurance did not require one.

I saw one but it was only to go over the post op requirements - when to progress, ideas for what to eat in the various stages, nothing about long term diet whatsoever other than what constitutes a healthy diet - basically an outline of the food pyramid. Which I was happy with since I consider being banded a lifestyle, not a diet with strict rules.

The nutritionist I spoke to works with the lap band doc, so she definitely did not try to talk me out of it. When I spoke to her it was just to get a rundown of what to eat and how to eat in the before and after phases of surgery. The information is useful, but I agree it is also available on the board here.

I really think that a nutritionist recommended by your surgeon is not going to try to talk you out of the surgery.

I also think that nutritionist who "does not believe" in WLS was out of line. Even if you think that WLS is not so great, you have to compare it to the alternative. Being extremely overweight is just too damaging to the body. It's hard enough getting ready for surgery. You don't need additional obstacles from people who are not doctors and have not walked in your shoes.

Wendyjoy...my nutritionist just went through eating habits post surgery with me...she didn't try and talk me out of it...well i didn't give her much of a chance really cause I was gung ho on getting it done...but the appointment was really informative and well worth while...I hope yours is the same.

becky

Mine was useless. You'll learn more here.

Mine went over meal plans. Since you will not be able to eat huge quanities mine taught me how to get my protein in with 3 small meals a day. You will do fine. Good luck.

I see and talk to mine more than the doctor himself. She works along with my doctor very closely and has helped me so much. She calls me to check to see how I am doing. I talk to her on the phone or in an email every week sometimes twice a week. She has been great support to me. She even goes in with me to get my fills, holds my hand and we talk about everything. I send her a daily food log weekly she then tells me what I need to focus on the most. I rely on her alot.

This may be late info, but don't be nervous, they don't really do a whole lot. The most valuable thing I walked away with was a copy of my surgeon's post-op diet. They could have e-mailed me that. The meeting was about 2 hours. She asked about what I ate now, then proceeded to tell me that my "selective and special" eating habits would probably comply well with the band. Then she really went through the lecture they give to RNY patients... my stomach will be the size of an egg, something the size of an m&m is all I can get down, I can't do red meat for 6 months, etc. My surgeon's program really caters to RNY, so obviously some of the information was a little invalid. She gave me a list of supplements to take, wished me luck, and I left.

About 2 months later I called her because I had lost something like 65 lbs, had lost all appetite, and wanted to make sure that the supplements I was taking were enough considering the lack of food intake. She didn't really know what to say, and told me, "Just get your Protein, that's all that matters". Tell that to my calf & thigh muscles.

in general, nutritionists working with the morbidly obese is like a jew working with a nazi. these people (mostly women) choose this profession because they LOVE healthy eating. they love it so much, they want to tell everyone how they should be eating.

the first one i went to was a total bitch. i could see the disgust in her face. so judgemental. the second was nice, but robotic. just spent five minutes (10 at most) going over a handout. i found most of the handout completely useless, obviously written by someone without a band.

Wheetsin...your weight loss is amazing. the band most really be the right tool for you. i sometimes think i should have gotten RNY