Nutrition Appointment and Weight Loss

Hi All.

I was wondering if they expect you to lose weight while going through the whole process before you get to the Surgeon?

I'm still early in my process, I haven't gotten to the Nutrition Class yet, but am wondering if they expect you to lose weight through better food choices. Or is the class to help you make better food choices whether or not you lose weight?

Does this vary between centers? I'm going through Windsor, but like to know people's experiences at any center regarding the nutrition part of the program.

I must admit, I haven't made any major changes to my eating habits yet. I'm trying to drink more water, and less pop. Eating three meals a day is a challenge for me. I know I'm going to have to work on all that. I'm hoping after the Nutrition Orientation, it will motivate me more to make more significant changes and smarter food choices.

Anyone in the same boat or have you started making better choices since you got referred? Any advice or help would be insightful.

Thank you!

Hi, I went through Windsor as well.  Losing weight is not a requirement but certainly they want to see you making better choices and trying to change your "bad" habits.

I started making changes before my referral.  I was already on board for wanting to get the weight off, changes were necessary whether or not I got accepted through the program for surgery.

The earlier you get your head in the game the better, IMO.

i don't think they want to see you gaining a bunch of weight, however I don't think 1/2 pounds would be a huge deal, but if your gaining each time you have a weigh in, I really think it delays your process as it shows your not ready and have to see the dietician a lot more than just a couple times.(a couple times is normal for some). just make small changes and follow the Canada's food guide(they discuss this and more at the nut class) give up pop/alch/juice any of that and of course "junk" (you can still have a treat once in awhile but not a lot lol) but I don't think weight is a huge deal if your showing your making chances and trying to do what they ask. if you want to go through without issues do what they say when they say it and you shouldn't have many issues :) 

I went through TWH and they didn't ask me to loose weight. I pretty much maintained the weight I had when I started, until optifast when I lost 27 pounds in 3 weeks.

I would definitely work on cutting out the pop. Remember you can flavor water - I add "real lemon" juice to my water and sometimes some sf raspberry syrup  too to make a raspberry lemonade type drink.  Plus crystal lite and other flavorings like that can help you get in tha****er!

Thanks for the reply.

Never thought about lemon juice in water. I don't have issues drinking water, its just sometimes you want flavour. I will have to look into sugar free syrups, and/or crystal light.

Weight loss is not a requirement but demonstrating healthier eating is. You need to show that you are willing and able to give up the junk and pop.

Start eating 3 meals a day. Post op you will need to eat 3 meals plus snacks. Keep a log of the changes you make. The classes are more about the changes post op. If you can make healthier choices now it will help with the whole process. I think that's why it takes so long. It shows your commitment.

I had acess through EAP to a dietitian who help me emensly find healthier alternatives. Knowing I was headed for wls I was able to stick with it and lost 30 lbs and kicked the junk food

May I ask what EAP is? 

I do understand the requirements and the importance of eating three meals and snacks after the sugery. And I do realize three meals a day is important in general, but I've always had trouble eating breakfast. I don't like eating when I get up, and I know that will have to change. Do you think drinks like boost or a drink that would be considered a meal replacement would be deemed acceptable by a nutrionist.

My sister starting using boost, as she's as bad as me when it comes to a breakfast eater. She seems to like it and seems to fill her up and keep her going through the day.

I notice you had your surgery back in 2011. What has your experience been like over the years since you've had the surgery? Would you do it again?

I know I will do it, but yes I'm nervous about having surgery, and I'm sure there might be times I will be second guessing myself through this process. Any advice or insight would be very much appreciated.

Post op a protein drink will do in a pinch. But your 3 meals are a necessity. Even grap a yougurt or cheese would be tter.

EAP is employer assistance program. If your work participate it is free. Depending on program they have dietician, psychologists etc... to help and completely confidential.

I have been lucky in that few food intolerances,  I do have reactive hypoglycemia since yr 2 but may not be a bad thing as makes me watch what I eat. Having issues with low ferritin since last yr which is treated with iron infusions. 

Would do again no question

Glad to hear you'd do again! Thanks for taking the time to reply.

Thanks for all the replies.

I know I need to be making better choices especially giving up the pop and junk food. I had to give up regular pop a couple years ago due to IBS and that was pretty easy; however drinking diet pop doesn't cause me severe pain like regular pop.

I have one bottle left of diet pepsi in the house, and I think my first small step is saying I will buy no more!  Think of the money I could say that should be motivation enough.

No more pop for me! I'll have to keep saying its in my best interest and move forward and starting cutting back on treats. I really can't wait to have the nutrition class to get more informed about better food choices.

Thanks everyone! Gave me a kick in the butt...lol