Bariatric dieticians Melbourne

Your bariatric dietician

Maintaining great nutrition will be an important part of your weight loss journey. Bariatric dieticians are healthcare providers who have specialised knowledge in the role that nutrition plays after weight loss surgery.
When you see our bariatric dietician, they will work with you to create a nutrition plan suited to your individual health needs and goals. Over several visits, your bariatric dietitian will talk to you about eating a variety of foods and making smart choices around calories and portion sizes.
Depending on the bariatric procedure you are having, your dietician may also suggest that you take vitamins or supplements. They will also suggest changes to your food intake if you run into any nutritional problems.

Before surgery

Before surgery, you will have at least one appointment with your dietitian. At this appointment, your dietitian will:
• Assess your nutritional status. This will include weight, BMI, micronutrient status, protein requirements, any gastrointestinal issues, food allergies or intolerances, weight-sensitive medications and obesity-related biomarkers.
• Address any ongoing deficiencies or identified nutritional issues.
• Provide education and counselling about the lifestyle and dietary changes that you may need to make after surgery. This will include vitamin and mineral supplementation, texture progression after surgery and appropriate portions and proportions of food types

Very Low Calorie Diet (VLCD)

• Your dietitian will explain the VLD process to you, and let you know how long you will need to follow a VLCD before surgery. The VLCD is a scientifically formulated total food replacement program. It is designed for individuals requiring rapid weight loss. It is very low in carbohydrates and calories. It provides all the vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, trace elements and protein that the body needs. Weight loss before surgery will help reduce the size of the liver and the fat stores around the stomach.

After surgery

Your dietitian will work with you after surgery to ensure you are meeting all your nutritional requirements as well as learning what your new diet and lifestyle will be. These sessions will include:
• Guidance through diet progression stages after surgery – from fluids to puree to soft then solids
• Detailed meal plans to ensure all nutritional needs are met to maintain health while losing weight
• Education strategies for eating and drinking following surgery. Adopting good eating habits and techniques will help avoid complications such as nutritional deficiencies, vomiting and regurgitation, reflux and indigestion, dehydration, food intolerances, constipation, inadequate weight loss or weight regain.
• Discussions around exercise in line with the Physical Activity Guidelines for Australians.

If you have any questions about your diet after weight loss surgery, your dedicated bariatric dietician will be your first resource.

For more information, call us today on (03) 9457 6690