Bariatric Nutrition

What is Bariatric Nutrition?

Bariatric nutrition is a specialized area of nutrition support focused on helping individuals before and after bariatric surgery. This includes providing dietary guidance to prepare for surgery, support during the recovery process, and long-term nutritional management to ensure sustained health and weight loss success.

Who is Bariatric Nutrition For?

Bariatric nutrition is beneficial for individuals who:

• Are preparing for bariatric surgery
• Have undergone bariatric surgery and need ongoing dietary support
• Need to manage or optimize their weight loss post-surgery
• Require assistance with dietary adjustments due to changes in digestion and nutrient absorption
• Seek to prevent or manage potential nutritional deficiencies after surgery
• Want to develop a healthy relationship with food post-surgery

This nutrition support is especially helpful for:

• Individuals scheduled for gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, or other bariatric procedures
• Those in the early recovery stages post-surgery
• Long-term post-operative patients aiming to maintain weight loss and overall health
• Individuals experiencing complications or challenges related to bariatric surgery

Common Bariatric Surgeries

• Gastric Bypass: The stomach is divided into a small pouch, and the small intestine is rerouted to it, reducing food intake and calorie absorption.
• Sleeve Gastrectomy (Gastric Sleeve): A large part of the stomach is removed, leaving a smaller, tube-shaped stomach that limits food intake.
• Adjustable Gastric Banding (Lap Band): A band is placed around the top of the stomach, creating a small pouch, limiting food intake, and can be adjusted.
• Gastric Balloon: A balloon is placed in the stomach and inflated, taking up space to help you feel full sooner and eat less.
• Duodenal Switch: Part of the stomach is removed, and the intestines are rerouted, reducing food intake and nutrient absorption for more weight loss.
• Biliopancreatic Diversion (BPD): A complex surgery that removes a large portion of the stomach and bypasses part of the intestines to limit calorie and nutrient absorption.
• Mini Gastric Bypass: A smaller stomach pouch is created and connected to the small intestine, providing a simpler version of the gastric bypass to help with weight loss.

Our Expertise

A dietitian who specializes in bariatric nutrition can help you understand what to eat before and after weight loss surgery. Bariatric surgery is a type of weight loss surgery that helps people lose weight by making changes to their digestive system. After bariatric surgery, it is important to follow a special diet to lose weight safely and keep the weight off.

Our team of dietitians has extensive training in bariatric nutrition, ensuring you receive comprehensive and personalized support throughout your weight loss journey. We provide:

• Pre-Surgery Nutrition: Tailored dietary plans to prepare your body for surgery and enhance recovery.
• Post-Surgery Recovery: Guidance on nutrition to support healing and adjust to new dietary restrictions.
• Nutrient Absorption Management: Strategies to optimize nutrient intake and prevent deficiencies.
• Long-Term Weight Management: Sustainable dietary practices to maintain weight loss and improve overall health.
• Behavioral Support: Addressing emotional and behavioral aspects of eating to foster a positive relationship with food.

How We Can Help

At Appetite for Nutrition, we understand that each individual’s bariatric journey is unique. Our dietitians take the time to listen to your concerns and thoroughly assess your nutritional needs before and after surgery. We then create a personalized bariatric nutrition plan tailored to your specific requirements.

Our bariatric dietitians can support you with:

• Pre-Surgery Preparation: Including protocols like Optifast.
• Post-Surgery Diet Progression: Guiding you through stages such as fluid-only, puree, soft mashed, and full diets.
• Multivitamin and Supplement Guidance: Ensuring you receive the necessary nutrients.
• Long-Term Nutrient Requirements: Focusing on ongoing nutritional needs following bariatric surgery.
• Meal Planning and Portion Control: Helping you plan meals, control portions, and understand which foods to avoid.
• Key Nutrient Focus: Emphasizing important nutrients such as protein and fluid intake.
• Blood Test Reviews: Monitoring and interpreting blood tests to ensure optimal health.

Our bariatric dietitians understand that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. We will listen to your concerns and needs, and tailor a nutrition program suited to your health and lifestyle.

Our Services

• Individualized Nutrition Assessments: Comprehensive evaluations to understand your dietary needs and surgery preparation.
• Personalized Nutrition Plans: Customized strategies to optimize your nutrition for pre- and post-surgery.
• Performance Monitoring: Regular follow-ups to track progress, adjust plans, and ensure continuous improvement.
• Support Groups: Workshops and support groups for individuals undergoing bariatric surgery.
• Supplement Guidance: Providing evidence-based recommendations on necessary supplements post-surgery.

Locations and Accessibility

We offer home visits in Victoria and Queensland, including Melbourne, Shepparton, Bendigo, Albury, and the Gold Coast. Additionally, our telehealth services are available Australia-wide, ensuring you have access to our expertise no matter where you are.

Our dietitians are registered with Medicare, DVA, TAC, WorkSafe, and NDIS, making our services accessible and affordable.

Get Started

To book a consultation with a bariatric dietitian, please fill out our referral form to connect with the most suitable dietitian. Contact us today to schedule an assessment and start your journey towards a healthier, happier you.