Bariatric Support Nutritionists and Dietitians in Knox County, TN
Many diets have us thinking about what we need to remove from our life. My approach focuses on what you can add to your life. My goal is to provide you a sustainable, personalized roadmap to achieve your health goals. Together, we will target your unique needs by setting practical, achievable goals that empower change toward a healthier you.
Many diets have us thinking about what we need to remove from our life. My approach focuses on what you can add to your life. My goal is to provide you a sustainable, personalized roadmap to achieve your health goals. Together, we will target your unique needs by setting practical, achievable goals that empower change toward a healthier you.
Are you seeking nutrition strategies for long-term wellness, but feel overwhelmed with where to start? At Radiant Nutrition, our philosophy is to heal the body using a science-based, inquisitive, and simple approach. We look at our client's physical and emotional stressors from a holistic lens and work with you to create a behavior-based plan that is both doable and enjoyable. We work with individuals and families who seek education and support related to eating disorders, disordered eating, body image and weight concerns, polycystic ovarian syndrome, general nutrition, diabetes, digestive issues, and sports nutrition.
Are you seeking nutrition strategies for long-term wellness, but feel overwhelmed with where to start? At Radiant Nutrition, our philosophy is to heal the body using a science-based, inquisitive, and simple approach. We look at our client's physical and emotional stressors from a holistic lens and work with you to create a behavior-based plan that is both doable and enjoyable. We work with individuals and families who seek education and support related to eating disorders, disordered eating, body image and weight concerns, polycystic ovarian syndrome, general nutrition, diabetes, digestive issues, and sports nutrition.
Bariatric Support Nutritionists and Dietitians
What is bariatric surgery?
Bariatric surgery is a weight-loss method involving surgical intervention to help individuals lose weight. There are several types of bariatric surgery, including gastric sleeve procedures, gastric bypass, and duodenal switch surgeries like the biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch. This approach is often considered a "last resort" due to the high risks and potential complications, such as nutrient malabsorption, "dumping syndrome," gallstones, and hernias. To qualify for bariatric surgery, adults typically must have "class III obesity," defined as a BMI over 40, or a BMI over 35 with at least one related health issue. Adolescents and children can also undergo bariatric surgery but have different inclusion criteria due to the risks associated with the procedure.
How long does it take to see results from bariatric surgery?
In general, the primary goal of bariatric surgery is to promote weight loss to prevent or better manage obesity-related conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, chronic mobility issues, and certain cancers. Therefore, since these diseases are chronic, it may take several years to see significant improvements or prevention following bariatric surgery. However, rapid weight loss often occurs in the initial weeks and months after surgery, with the extent of weight loss varying depending on the type of procedure and the patient's condition. Typically, the fastest weight loss occurs in the first 2-3 months post-surgery, with weight loss plateauing within 1-2 years.
What can you eat once you've had bariatric surgery?
In the first 1-2 months following bariatric surgery, individuals are placed on a restricted diet, such as a fully liquid or pureed food diet, to aid in recovery. After this initial period, most individuals can gradually reintroduce regular foods back into their diet, although they may find that some previously tolerated foods now cause discomfort, nausea, or vomiting. As a result, individuals are encouraged to reintroduce new foods slowly, especially those that are harder to digest, like salads, raw vegetables, and red meats. In addition, many clients may work closely with medical and nutrition professionals in the months and years following bariatric surgery in order to adopt a diet that promotes a healthier lifestyle and maintains their weight loss following bariatric surgery.
Who can benefit from bariatric nutrition support?
All individuals undergoing bariatric surgery can benefit from the expertise of a nutritional professional, such as a registered dietitian (RD), to manage their nutrition post-surgery. Given that bariatric surgery is often considered a "last resort" option, many individuals have already consulted a nutrition professional before their surgery to explore less invasive weight loss options. Following surgery, however, RDs can provide particularly valuable guidance in helping clients find foods that minimize post-surgery symptoms like nausea and vomiting and help develop a meal plan that promotes sustained weight loss. Additionally, RDs can help clients address certain nutritional deficiencies that may arise due to the altered digestive process after surgery, ensuring that clients maintain an adequate intake and receive essential vitamins and minerals following surgery.