Question:
What is the difference between a regular nutritionist and a "bariatric nutritionist"?

I would think that your *regular* nutritionist (**NOTE, nutritionists, please don't take offense) would not be as interested in the nutritional concerns of a WLS patient as opposed to someone who has never had the type of surgery we have had. I know of some dieticians/nutritionists that are COMPLETELY against WLS's!! I'd like to find out where I can locate one that can advise me specifically what's best for me. Help, everyone, anyone, if I stand to be corrected... I'd like your input on this, please. Thank you!~~Hadiyah    — yourdivaness (posted on February 25, 2003)

February 25, 2003
The nutrionist I went to see deals with obese people all the time. She knows what morbidly obese people go through. She's hired as a consultant by my doctor to teach what we're suppose to be eating after surgry. She was great and knows all about the different surgeries. I wouldn't go to anyone that was against the surgery.
   — Debbie W.

February 25, 2003
If you are lucky enough to find a true bariatric nutritionist or a nutritionist with experience is working with WLS patients consider yourself finding the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. I brought up the same question to my surgeon on Monday asking if he knew of someone I could work with to make sure I am making good choices etc. Basically his answer is that they are still trying to deal with that portion of their program. They are using the dieticians at the hospital but one clearly comes across as she does not want to be involved in this program and the other one came to see me the day after surgery when I was so drugged I didn't give a rip what she was saying. She said she would be back another day, but I never saw her again. This way of eating is 180 degrees how they have been trained. Maybe I should get a new career and become a bariatric dietician.
   — zoedogcbr