Who has NUTs?

Hi All, It sounds like most everyone sees or has seen a NUT since surgery...? I was never given one and have never gone over a food plan or anything. I was wondering who all has a nutritionist and were you just assigned one thru your Dr or insurance? How often do you see them and did they lay out a food plan for you? Thanks, Rebeka 286/261/190/150

My doctor's office has one. I see her whenever I have a question or concern about my eating. She does go over a food plan with you. It includeshow many calories you should be at, what foods to eat, etc. MJ

my doc requires you to see the one at the hospital pre op and your first couple of post of apts. we have military insurance so it is pretty much all in clusive danni 372/254/170

The surgeons office who did my wls has their own nutritionist and psychologist. I can call or email any of them with any questions at any time. If I feel need to come in and see them I can. I'm sure there would be a copay for that, but that's cool! I have asked the NUT a couple of questions recently at this months support meeting. She is usually there and a couple of the PA's. I'd say maybe check with your PCP, see if they would give you a referral to a nutritionist, insurance may cover it that way? I'd do some pre-checking to see if you can find a local Nutritionist that is familiar with wls, so you could give that name to your PCP and check they are in your overall network. As far as a food plan, I only got the initial booklet that did have foods and sample menus for the first 2 weeks, then 4 weeks, ie: the different phases and then there out. She had mentioned that for like the first year it should be 1/4 food at meals. Only 3 meals a day, no grazing, and that later on after a year or so out that you should never be eating more than 1 cup of food at a meal. Hope you find someone for guidance. Good luck!

Hi Rebeka, I have a NUT. I have seen her since before my surgery. It was mandatory to see one and to follow-up with her. I see her about once every three months unless I need something sooner. She doesn't prescibe a food plan but talks about our choices and offers suggestions for better nutrition. She also gives us her email address so that if we have questions in between appts we can reach her. I think its great to talk to her just so I make sure I am doing the right things and she is very encouraging as well. Our insurance picks up all costs for her. Robin

Like most others, my surgeons programme has a NUT. I don't have appointments with her, but I can call or e-mail her anytime. She calls every few months to see how things are going. I was provided with an eating programme from my surgeons office that covered the forst 3 months--- the rest is up to us--- we need to follow a general healthy eating plan, and we can call if we have any questions.

My doc's office has a Nut & an exercise physiologist. Whenever we have appointments, we meet with them. I meet with the nut more than the exercise person, because I was having problems getting my protein in and needed advise. As far as our food plan, we have everything laid out in our "Bariatric Bible" they give us. It covers what we are allowed to have through six months, including the order we are supposed to eat them in, i.e. protein, low carb veggie, moderate carb veggie. At six months we start to add fresh fruits, fresh veggies, beef & pork back into the diet. And they suggest staying away from breads, potatoes and pastas until we reach goal. Hope this helps! Kim 359/236/150

Kim, Wow, I'm jealous you get all that and get to meet with them so often! BTW, I love how you have your month by month pics on your profile! i wish i had been better about remembering to take those! You're doing great, you look awesome! Thank you everyone for your replies, I'm going to look into it and see if I can talk to a NUT as well.

I didn't do as good of a job as it looks...I didn't get one for every month. Tomorrow, I've been asked to speak at a function by one of my friends regarding my weight loss and in going through my computer photos, I just don't have as many as I thought. I've got enough to make my quickie photo album, but not many like what you see on my profile. And thanks for the compliment. I need it today. I've been down in the dumps and that helps me when I'm down! You're doing great too! Kim 359/236/150

sorry you're down in the dumps (((((HUGS))))) 6 months has been rough for us Marchers! I'm sure #7 will be better! Whenever I think my progress is not what it should be, I think---you may not be thin yet, but LOOK HOW FAR YOU'VE COME...! So don't just look where you still need to get--look where you've come from! You've come a long way! Hope your day gets better.