Medical Nutrition Therapy & Nutrition Counseling
The way we eat is an important part of overall health, but especially important when it comes to weight loss. The expert team at Pivot Weight Loss includes registered dietitians who specialize in obesity treatment and weight management.
15+ years experience.
Our dietitians hold a combined 15+ years of experience working in the field of weight management and bariatric surgery. Weight loss programs are not created equal and it’s important to work with a team who uses science-based best practices to help you reach your goals.
What is Medical Nutrition Therapy?
Medical nutrition therapy (MNT) is nutrition-based treatment provided by a registered dietitian (RD). MNT requires a comprehensive nutrition assessment, therapeutic counseling specific to individual disease states, and a nutrition diagnosis.
Through this process, our dietitians assess patients’ current health status and provide education and recommendations based specifically on each individuals’ needs.
Registered dietitian (RD) VS Nutritionist or health coach?
The term nutritionist refers to a broad category of individuals who may help people eat a more balanced diet, while registered dietitians (also considered nutritionists) complete highly specialized training.
Most health coaches and nutritionists take a quick online course and receive a certificate, and never have to take additional classes or continue education to maintain that certification.
RDs are required to:
Registered dietitians are the only allied health professionals legally allowed to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy, write meal plans based on disease states, and assign a nutrition diagnosis.
Working with Nutrition Therapy Before Bariatric Surgery
Nutrition counseling before and after bariatric surgery is essential to success. Every patient must see a registered dietitian before having surgery.
Before surgery, your dietitian will complete a nutrition assessment and assign a nutrition diagnosis.
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Once the assessment is complete, your RD will work with your to set small, achievable goals to help you make improvements to your eating patterns to promote weight loss and better health.
They will also help you start changing your behaviors to align with those needed after surgery.
For example:
Working with Nutrition Therapy After Bariatric Surgery
After surgery, it is essential that you learn to fuel and nourish your body with a smaller stomach. Our dietitians are trained in working with surgery patients and help ensure adequate intake to prevent vitamin deficiencies and malnutrition.
Your dietitian will guide you through a 6-week diet advancement process while your body heals. During this time, you will get guidance on proper protein intake, vitamin intake, and how to balance everything you need throughout recovery.
Most patients have at least 6 appointments with a dietitian in the first year after surgery to guide you through the entire recovery process. It’s also recommended that you see your bariatric dietitian at least once a year for continued follow-up and support.
Vitamins and Supplements After Surgery
Taking the right combination of supplements after surgery is essential for your health after surgery. Because serving sizes are significantly smaller, you won’t be getting all the nutrition you need from foods anymore. For those having a gastric bypass or switch procedure, vitamins are even more important due to the malabsorption that occurs after surgery.
Our goal is to make your vitamin routine as easy as possible. The easier it is, the more likely you’ll actually take them! Most patients take three vitamins per day - a multivitamin and two calcium supplements. Each person is different, so specific vitamin recommendations will be given to you at the time of surgery.
Are you a Candidate for our Weight Loss Programs
Are you a candidate for weight loss surgery?
