What Does a Bariatric Dietician Do?
As the name implies, a bariatric dietician is a dietician who specializes in weight management. This professional helps patients achieve their weight loss goals by identifying the nutritional deficiencies present in their diet. These deficiencies can affect the patient’s energy, hormone levels, and hair growth. The dietician will help patients develop a customized meal plan to address these deficiencies.
A bariatric dietician will create a customized nutrition plan for each patient to help them lose weight safely and gradually. She will also educate patients on how to choose healthy foods and how to control portion size. Nutritional supplements may be necessary following bariatric surgery, since many bariatric procedures reduce the absorption of nutrients in food. As a result, the dietitian will help patients get the necessary vitamins and minerals that their bodies need to heal.
Once bariatric surgery is complete, patients continue to receive bariatric dietitian counseling. The goal is to help patients adopt healthy eating habits and approach everyday situations with their new outlook on their health. Among the benefits of continuing to receive nutrition guidance is the ability to cope with the emotional and physical challenges following surgery.
Steven Vegors is a bariatric dietitian with extensive experience with bariatric vitamins. She has worked in public health and private practice, where he provided nutritional care to bariatric patients. He is also involved in research in the field of bariatrics. During the last 15 years, he has helped a wide range of clients in the medical field and is a vital part of the multidisciplinary team at the Adelaide Bariatric Centre.
In the long run, bariatric surgery will require a lifetime commitment to losing weight and maintaining the results. A bariatric dietician can guide patients through this process and help them maintain their weight loss long after the surgery. In addition to nutritional counseling, patients can expect to meet with a support team and make necessary lifestyle changes.
A bariatric dietitian is a vital member of the interdisciplinary team and is an essential part of the healthcare team for patients who are undergoing bariatric surgery. During the pre-operative assessment, the dietitian will assess whether a patient is ready for dietary change. He or she will also monitor for signs of dietary deficiencies. In addition to preparing patients for bariatric surgery, a bariatric dietician can offer counseling before and after the procedure.
Typically, a bariatric dietitian earns a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition. After graduation, many dietitians also pursue a Master’s degree. The next step is to take a state licensing exam to become a Registered Dietitian. Although the specific qualifications vary from state to state, most employers require a bariatric dietitian to be licensed.
A bariatric dietitian will help obese patients lose weight by developing and documenting a diet plan and reviewing the most up to date bariatric vitamin comparison chart. He or she will work with physicians in clinics and hospitals. They may prescribe prescription diet drugs or liquid diet supplements. In some cases, they may even perform gastric bypass to help patients lose weight.
