Naturopath isn't thrilled

Hello again, I'm hope I'm not monopolizing the boards, but I was wondering if any of you see/have seen a naturopath as your primary care provider. Currently I do see a naturopath as my PCP, and lets just say she isn't thrilled I'm looking into WLS. She is, however, encouraging me to research it throughly. I think her main concerns surround me not getting the nutrition my body needs. So, I guess my question is whether or not many people face this issue. Do you constantly have to monitor your diet to make sure you are getting the RDA value of all the essential vitamins and minerals? I know many people drink the various supplemental drinks, but is that enough to give your body what it needs? Just wondering what works for all of you. Thanks again, PDXGAL

If you have a procedure that includes a malabsorption component (anything but lap band), you will have to take supplements for the rest of your life, as your body will not be able to absorb everything it needs.  I would be highly suspicious of any naturopath who wasn't against WLS.  After all, it's not a natural thing.  Linda

For restrictive only procedures you also need to take your vitamins and be very careful with your diet.  When you first start out you will only be consuming 400-600 cal per day.  You will need to increase your protein levels greatly, which most people use liquid sources of protein.  At one year out most people still only consume about 1000 cal per day.  You just cannot consume enough food to get all of your nutrients.  You will have regular blood tests to ensure your body is getting adequate nutrition. 

Hi there, a common myth is that gastric bypass patients only eat a few tablespoons at a time for the rest of their lives, but actually, the pouch is designed to eventually relax enough to accommodate 1 to 1 1/2 cups of food, AFTER it's chewed. Foods with a higher water content, like salad, will chew down much smaller than dense proteins. I can easily eat 4-5oz of fish or soft meat at a time, or 2 cups of salad. This is actually in line with what a healthy serving of food is supposed to be for everyone, not just WLS patients. Most of us who are a year or more out can easily eat far too many calories a day if we eat small amounts all day, so, yes, we do have to monitor our diets to make sure we are getting the right nutritional levels, but not overeat. We do have to be very diligent about taking our vitamins and minerals and getting enough protein, for the rest of our lives. Right now I am 10 months out and I eat about 1200-1300 calories a day. I could easily eat 2000 a day if I let myself, though. I am only able to do this because the gastric bypass drastically lowers your ghrelin level, the hormone responsible for making you feel hungry. So, I can eat small amounts and feel full, but if I give in to "head hunger" I could easily sabotage the procedure. It's a constant struggle, and not always easy, but all of my comorbidities are gone now and  it sure feels good to be wearing size 10!

Most nautropaths by training would discourage you from getting WLS.  A good "doctor" is one who supports your needs.  I've had a nautropath as my primary care doc on and off.  As long as I'm being supported (and I feel my needs are being met, I'm being treated fairly, etc.) then I know I have a good medical provider. I have lap band and haven't had any significant medical issues crop up because of it.  Lori