I need your Help with finding a Nutritionist

Greetings friends, I do not know what I should do. I need to find a nutritionist. Since my Doctor for wls is in Johnson City and I live in Knoxville, I have a problem with finding nutritionist here. I Was hoping that some of you will know of a nutritionist here in Knoxville or near here? I ask any of my good friends here{please help me out!} And please tell me their price so I may save the money or if my BlueCare/TennCare Medaid will pay for it . Your friend, Tina

Have you tried calling your local hospital? They may have some on staff or be able to refer you to one. Or maybe you can ask your PCP. -Maria

Tina, My suggestion would be to call blue care and ask them for names/numbers of nutritionists in your area, and while you have them on the line, ask if they will cover your visits. That way, you can make sure you only get in-network providers and you can call them each ahead and ask if they have experience with WLS patients. That is very important, as our nutritional requirements are quite different from the normal person's. Good Luck! --joanna 325/175/125(someday, I hope!!)

Hey Tina! Hope all is well with you. Are you needing a nutritionist for continuing your 6 mth diet?? Depending on your insurance -you can technically do that through your PCP to weigh in monthly. Then you just have to have one appointment with a nutritionist. Just one. It does not have to be monthly as long as you are going to your PCP monthly. At least that is how I am doing it and what my insurance allows me to do. I will be going for my one visit with the nutritionist that is required around the last month of 6 mths. Have you asked your WLS dr to refer you to someone. His office can probably also help you find one close to you that is covered in your plan. Good luck. Misty

Tina, is the nutrionist for the 6 month diet? Are you referring to a nutrionist for the qualifications needed to have surgery? I saw several different nutrionist for the wls, but each surgeon has their own and you will need to see your surgeon's prior to surgery. Usually, if not covered, or the nutrionist doesn't bill the insurance, it will run around $250. The most you will have to see the nutrionist is once prior to surgery and maybe once after. When in doubt about eating something, you can just call your nutrionist. So don't fret about not having one close to home. Mine is in Maryville, she will contact me next week when I can start on other certain soft foods. So check with your surgeon's office and they will refer you to their nutrionist after you finish the 6 month program. Love Kathy