Bariatric Support Nutritionists and Dietitians in Wilson County, TN
—Currently Accepting New Patients—
Perhaps you have an eating disorder (or disordered eating) + an autoimmune disease, MCAS, ADHD or other chronic illness and feel that no one truly understands how complicated this makes navigating food, your body, and your recovery.
I’m an eating disorder and chronic illness dietitian who’s been in your shoes. I had an eating disorder in my teens, and was later diagnosed (following recovery) with a chronic autoimmune illness. That experience decades ago reshaped how I view healing, health, and recovery, and it shapes how I support my clients today.
—Currently Accepting New Patients—
Perhaps you have an eating disorder (or disordered eating) + an autoimmune disease, MCAS, ADHD or other chronic illness and feel that no one truly understands how complicated this makes navigating food, your body, and your recovery.
I’m an eating disorder and chronic illness dietitian who’s been in your shoes. I had an eating disorder in my teens, and was later diagnosed (following recovery) with a chronic autoimmune illness. That experience decades ago reshaped how I view healing, health, and recovery, and it shapes how I support my clients today.
Balance Nutrition Counseling is a dietetic practice located in Nashville, TN. The practice was founded by Melissa Giovanni MS, RDN, LDN, CEDRD. Melissa is a certified eating disorders licensed registered dietitian nutritionist who believes everyone deserves a healthy relationship with food. We take a non-diet, health at every size, balanced approach to nutrition and wellness. Our process is based on proven, scientific information, not the trending fads of the week. We understand that what and how you eat can be a very personal and vulnerable experience. Therefore, we tailor our support to each client’s individual needs.
Balance Nutrition Counseling is a dietetic practice located in Nashville, TN. The practice was founded by Melissa Giovanni MS, RDN, LDN, CEDRD. Melissa is a certified eating disorders licensed registered dietitian nutritionist who believes everyone deserves a healthy relationship with food. We take a non-diet, health at every size, balanced approach to nutrition and wellness. Our process is based on proven, scientific information, not the trending fads of the week. We understand that what and how you eat can be a very personal and vulnerable experience. Therefore, we tailor our support to each client’s individual needs.
Online Dietitians and Nutritionists
Lea is a Registered Dietitian and Health Coach with over 12 years of experience guiding individuals toward better health. With a background in dialysis, she now focuses on weight loss, helping clients build sustainable habits. Lea believes in a personalized approach, working as a team to create a plan that fits your needs. She offers support, accountability, and encouragement but emphasizes that success requires effort. Her goal is to help you make lasting, meaningful changes.
Lea is a Registered Dietitian and Health Coach with over 12 years of experience guiding individuals toward better health. With a background in dialysis, she now focuses on weight loss, helping clients build sustainable habits. Lea believes in a personalized approach, working as a team to create a plan that fits your needs. She offers support, accountability, and encouragement but emphasizes that success requires effort. Her goal is to help you make lasting, meaningful changes.
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.