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Our Registered Dietitians
Left to right: Pam Helmlinger, RD, LDN, Valerie Hawkins-King, RD, LDN, Jill Burns, RD, LDN.
Please review our frequently asked questions listed below. If your question has not been addressed, please ask the dietitian.
Frequently Asked Questions PRE-OP patients:
Will I get to meet with the dietitian prior to surgery? Yes. We offer pre-op nutrition classes with the dietitian and require that all of our patients attend one prior to surgery. This will be scheduled by your surgeon’s office.
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Do I have to be on a “diet” prior to surgery? The answer to this question varies. Some insurance programs require that you follow a medically supervised program for 3 months, 6 months or 1 year prior to surgery. Sometimes your surgeon may recommend weight loss prior to surgery.
Will I be on a liquid diet prior to surgery? The requirements for this vary. Your surgeon will give you pre-op liquid diet instructions.
Do I need to start taking my vitamins before surgery? Yes. We recommend taking a complete multi-vitamin with minerals and calcium supplement. Remember to follow your anesthesiologist rules prior to surgery as to when to stop taking any medicine or vitamins. We recommend discontinuing your multi-vitamin and or vitamin E two weeks prior to surgery. You will need to take additional supplements after surgery. Your surgeon and dietitian will review all of these recommendations at your pre-op consult.
Where can I buy the supplements I need after surgery? You will receive an owner’s manual at your consult with the surgeon. The nutritional guidelines section has suggestions on where the appropriate items you will need following surgery can be purchased.
Frequently Asked Questions POST-OP patients:
Will I lose any hair after surgery? Probably so. The amount of hair loss or thinning varies with each patient. Hair loss during weight loss is directly related to protein intake. Another important reason to meet your protein needs of minimum 60-80 grams per day. Hair loss generally occurs 3-9 months after surgery and starts to come back in around 1 year after surgery or when your weight loss slows down. Remember this is temporary! The best defense is adequate protein intake.
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What is the difference between net carbohydrates and total carbohydrates?
Net carbs are calculated by taking total carbohydrate grams and subtracting those from fiber and sugar alcohols. Counting net carbs is based on the premise that certain carbohydrates contribute to increased blood sugar levels, while others do not. There are 2 kcal/gm sugar alcohol versus zero calories in artificial sweeteners like Splenda, Equal, and Sweet n low. We always recommend counting total carbohydrates.
How many carbohydrate grams am I allowed per day? If you are in the weight loss phase, you are allowed 5 grams total carbohydrates per meal. Weight management must be individualized. Please speak with your registered dietitian and surgeon for recommendations.
Do I have to crush my vitamins and minerals forever? Yes. You have to take chewable, liquid, or crushable forms. Also all gel caps need to be pierced or capsules need to be opened. Swallowing pills whole could potentially cause them to get stuck or cause ulcers.
What type of calcium supplement do I need? For gastric bypass patients, we recommend calcium citrate. Calcium citrate is easily absorbed because it does not require an acidic environment. This makes it highly absorbable for gastric bypass patients. Calcium citrate or calcium carbonate is acceptable for band or sleeve patients.
I have hit a weight loss plateau. What should I do? The first thing you should do upon hitting a plateau is try to determine the cause. Sometimes it is easy to overestimate daily calorie intake. We recommend keeping a food journal, increase activity as tolerated, increase protein, increase fluids and follow up with your registered dietitian.
How much fluid do I need per day? Minimum amount is 64 ounces per day. Non-caffeine, sugar-free, calorie free non-carbonated beverages can count.