OT: Wanting to become a nutritionist

Ever since I had my RNY in 2008 I feel drawn to learning more about nutrition and health. I also love helping others,I just feel like it's too late sometimes because I'm already 35 yrs old and I know that I will need atleast 4 years of college. Has ayone else felt this way?

Actually you don't need any type of education or degree to be a nutritionist.  Anyone can call themselves a nutritionist.

If you want to become a dietician, you will need a four year degree and you will need to pass an exam in order to become a registered dietician.

I don't think it's ever to late to learn and if you think you'd enjoy that field of work, I think it would be worth the time it takes to earn a degree.  If you're 35 right now, you could be finished with your degree and working as a dietician by the time you're 40.  That's a long ways before retirement, right?

I have become absolutely fascinated with nutrition myself since my WLS but for many reasons going back to school is not in the cards for me.

My dietician worked in another field for over 10 years before she went back to school to become a dietician.

Look at it this way. In 5 years you are going to be 40. You can either be 40 and a dietician or 40 and not.

Those of us who are in the "Senior's" class can giggle because at 35, you're just a puppy.  Go to school now as you're definitely young enough to embark upon a new and rewarding career.

Do it while you are still young enough.  You have a lot of work life left in front of you, so might as well be doing work that feeds the soul.

 I am a Registered Dietitian and a Certified Diabetes Educator. Need 4 years of college and a year internship after college. But you are so young so dont be afraid of the time commitment - it will go by fast.  Be aware however that the job may not be the same as learning the info.  i am scheduled for RNY in 4 weeks, but am very concerned about the possible nutritional deficiencies.  Have you experienced any? I have no problem taking supplements - take them now.

Can I ask how much you learned about nutrition as it relates to WLS patients while earning your degree?

 Didnt learn much about nutrition and WLS during school, but that was over 20 yrs ago! Did watch a gastric bypass during my internship (also 20 yrs ago). BUT since then have done many pre-screenings for WLS and have also seen people with problems post op. Have learned a lot about WLS as it relates to diabetes, but most info i have gathered on my own. 

No, Thankfully I have not had any defiencies as of yet. I hope not to. I specifically want to work with those that have had RNY or WLS at all. I know in this area there is not a specific RNY dietician. I believe that having had RNY and becoming a Dietician I could help alot of other people.