fbpx

The Dietitians at the Sunshine Coast Medical Weight Loss Centre look forward to sharing your weight loss journey with you. Having your weight loss surgery is just the first step!

What is Dietetics

Dietetics is a specialty in diet and its effect on health, specifically a scientific understanding of nutrition, based upon a patient’s medical conditions & individual needs.

Dietitians are university qualified experts in translating scientific health and nutrition information into the practical “how to”.

Accredited Practising Dietitians undertake ongoing training and education programs to ensure that they are your most up-to-date and credible source of nutrition information. They practise in line with DAA Professional Standards.

The Dietitians at SCMWLC are Accredited Practising Dietitians(APD) with a special interest & extensive experience in Bariatrics (Weight Loss Surgery).

Why do I need a Dietitian after weight loss surgery?

Your Dietitian is essential for your maximal health & success long term. They provide you with dietary counselling, assist planning and equip you with tools you need leading into and for the days, months and years following your surgery to help you achieve your goals.

Weight loss surgery provides you with a tool which you will need to learn how to use. Our team is here to coach you. We believe our multi-disciplinary approach has the best results for long term outcomes in weight loss patients. The combined approach includes dietetics, psychology and a full support team from within our practice.

Your Weight Loss Journey

Your dietitian will consult with you prior to and after your surgery where your health & nutritional status will be monitored so that we can tailor your medical nutrition therapy, education and support throughout your weight loss journey. Having your weight loss surgery will help you lose weight, however your long- term success depends upon your commitment to changing your relationship with food and making lifestyle choices that support you.

Your journey begins BEFORE your weight loss surgery.

Pre-Surgery Diet

Prior to your surgery, you will need to follow a very low-calorie diet (VLCD) for between 7-14 days. Our aim at this stage is not weight loss, but to prepare you for your surgery. We want to shrink your liver so that the surgery will be safer to perform. This stage also prepares you for your post-surgery phases and can assist with improved recovery time.

Post-Surgery Diet

There are 5 stages from pre-surgery through to a reintroduction of a full diet. The stages are designed to avoid damage to the staple lines, discomfort, dumping and vomiting and to prevent the newly formed stomach from being stretched. You will require more detailed information and your dietitian will discuss each stage with you as you continue along your weight loss journey. Your nutritional needs are heightened following weight loss surgery, so you will need to focus on: Nutrient dense choices. Protein, Hydration, Vitamins

Our dietitians’ tips for long term lifestyle change and mindful eating

  • Eat small amounts regularly (dedicated Vs grazing)
  • Eat slowly and take your time to chew food and savour food
  • Eat consciously
  • Move from dieting to whole foods
  • Choose nourishing enjoyable foods & fluids
  • Use tools to support you (alarms/ reminders, cookbooks, plans, food diary, meditation, apps)
  • Your journey is unique to you so don’t compare yourself to others
  • Try to manage stress so as to minimize adrenal fatigue and not seek comfort in food/ alcohol
  • Celebrate the positives that are a result of the changes you are making. Remember you are more than your kg’s!
  • Participate in activity you enjoy
  • Stay in touch with your team
Go Back