1.

Get your blood work done. Aim to have your blood work done about one week prior to your visit. We check certain vitamin and mineral levels that are most likely deficient in post-op weight loss surgery patients. If you get blood work done by your primary doctor or another specialist, it may not include the specific vitamin levels we need as a bariatric center to evaluate your complete nutritional status. Please use the prescription provided by your surgeon because it is very specific to bariatric patients.

2.

List your supplements and their dosages. Write down all of the vitamin and mineral supplements you take and the dosage. Alternatively, bring the bottles of the vitamins and minerals you take.  Not all multivitamins have the same amounts of vitamins and minerals. Some lack iron or do not have the right amounts of other key nutrients you need. Knowing what you take as far as supplements makes it easier for us to help you stay healthy. Also, avoid any type of “gummy” vitamins — they typically are not nutritionally adequate for people who have had weight loss surgery. If you have a question about which vitamin or mineral supplements to buy, call your surgeon or nutritionist's office for advice.

3.

Note your protein intake. If you use protein bars or drinks, write down the brand and the amount of protein. Getting enough protein each day is vitally important and using supplements helps many people reach their protein goals. There are many protein supplements on the market — not all are the best choices for people who have had weight loss surgery. Some are too high in calories, and many do not have adequate protein or are made from a poor quality protein. Having this information at your nutrition visit allows us to better assess whether you’re reaching your ideal protein needs.

4.

Keep a food journal. Keeping track of what you eat and drink helps to monitor your diet and keep you focused. It’s also useful to share these journals at your nutrition visits so your nutritionist can more accurately see what you’re eating. Food journals are especially important if you’re having difficulty tolerating foods or having poor weight loss or weight regain. ObesityHelp's Health Tracker can be used to keep track of your food and activity, plus share it online with your nutritionist if you choose to.  Health Tracker can also be accessed from your mobile devices.  Using smart phone apps like My Fitness Pal, Fit Day, Spark People or Lose It are also tools to use for keeping track of your diet.