Nutrition & Metabolism

I live in central\southern NJ, I am looking for a Dr. that specializes in nutrition & metabolism. The Dr. that was recommended to me is up in west orange, and that is a long ride. Any suggestions would be great. Thanks, Denise

Hi Denise! I too had surgery with Dr Nusbaum. I also went to the same nutritionist and I live in Perth Amboy and it was far for me also. Look in your ins book and find one there. That's what I did. If you don't have an ins book directory, call your ins co. I'm sure that there's one in your area. I had my surgery (in November) will be 3 years. Best of Luck, Cathy : - )

Question: Is a nutritionist & Dietician the same? I can only find a dietician on my insurance. Thanks for the help... PS I have Dr. Nusbaums partner Dr. Bilof.. the office staff is great!! Charlene

I also had Dr. Bilof as my surgeon and I believe that a nutritionist and dietician are pretty much the same. I go to the nutritionist at the St. Barnabus Ambulatory Care, but like the previous comment, it may be best to contact your insurance carrier to find out local nutritionists or dieticians in your area. My nutritionist has been a tremendous help with me regarding recommendations of foods that I should eat as well as making sure that I'm getting in my protein and liquids. Carla

Hi Charlene, Nutritionist and Dietician are pretty much the same. You can be certified as a nutitionist (i am in sports nutrition) but you are registered as a dietician...which means you had to get a college degree in it. I think when it comes to WLS I like registered better!! (they had to study anatomy, math, science...etc...) Take care, Barb

Charlene, Dietiticians have gone through a special course of study as prescribed by the American Dietetic Association. It is a science based program with the full complement of pre-med science. Additionally, dietitians are trained in counseling skills, nutrition planning and food service managment. The also must participate in a supervised nine month internship. Dietitians, because of their rigorous training are usually the only acceptable providers of nutrition services that insurance companies will pay for. Some dietitians are called nutritionists by their patients, but they are in fact dietians. Nutritionists do not have any specific training, though many are well educated.... You can get information about dietitians from the ADA web site. Eatright.org Kelly

Hi Denise, I, too, had my surgery with Dr. Nusbaum. He is fantastic!! I can't say the same, however, for the nutritionist that he wanted us to see. I really did not care for the man at all. A nutrionist and dietician are not necessarily the same thing though. Dr. Nusbaum wants us to see an MD who specializes in nutrition and metabolism. A nutritionist/dietician is not the same thing. An MD who specializes in nutrition and metabolism will monitor our labs, prescribe meds and/or labwork as needed and be able to treat us for any vitamin/nutritional deficits that we might have. A nutritionist/dietician will follow our diet and make suggestions to keep us healthy but is unable to prescribe and treat us. My solution was to use my PCP as my nutritional/metabolic support person. He is very involved and pro weight-loss surgery. He knows his stuff and I feel comfortable with him following my labs and making changes in my vitamin/nutrition routine. Hugs and , Kathy 5'2" 285/138 almost 2 years post-op and loving life!!!

I also disliked the metabolic specialist associated with Dr. Nusbaum. I'm using my PCP also. I have 3 nutritionists on my medical plan, but none of them can see me One is on maternity leave for 6 months, one only takes diabetic patients and does not do any WLS patients, and the third has a disconnected phone.

Kathy, I was ready your post and I myself was wondering about some good nuturition and metabolism. I had surgery Feb. down 43 lbs. (Not much and very slow) but For the last 3 months I really haven't moved gone up and down the same 3 lbs. and it is getting sooooo discouraging....I Know I haven't been exercising and drinking all my water so I know that is part of it, Do you have any suggestions to get this started again. I haven't gone for a fill since July also, and the only appointment I was able to get was Nov. 7th. Could you believe it.l I guess that is part of the reason also, Prob, notthing left in my band. It prob. evapurated. LOL Well let me know. Antoinette