Bariatric Support Nutritionists and Dietitians in El Paso County, TX
I am a Registered Dietitian licensed in multiple states, a Kinesiologist, and a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) with over 15 years of experience in the health and wellness industry. My passion for helping individuals—including professional athletes—optimize their health and performance led me to graduate Summa Cum Laude from the University of Alabama. Since then, I have dedicated my career to delivering evidence-based nutrition and exercise interventions. Currently, I serve as the Director of KM Wellness Center in El Paso, TX, where I take a holistic approach to helping individuals with chronic conditions.
I am a Registered Dietitian licensed in multiple states, a Kinesiologist, and a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) with over 15 years of experience in the health and wellness industry. My passion for helping individuals—including professional athletes—optimize their health and performance led me to graduate Summa Cum Laude from the University of Alabama. Since then, I have dedicated my career to delivering evidence-based nutrition and exercise interventions. Currently, I serve as the Director of KM Wellness Center in El Paso, TX, where I take a holistic approach to helping individuals with chronic conditions.
I started Viva Real Renal Care as a resource to help people suffering with chronic kidney disease, but our services don’t stop there: We’re prepared to help patients address a range of health conditions that intersect directly with diet. We are based in New Mexico, but can see patients virtually across the country using your existing health insurance benefits, typically at no cost to you. We are also bilingual, and speak both Spanish, English, and the unique Spanglish dialects that live throughout the U.S. We look forward to serving you and empowering you to change your life!
I started Viva Real Renal Care as a resource to help people suffering with chronic kidney disease, but our services don’t stop there: We’re prepared to help patients address a range of health conditions that intersect directly with diet. We are based in New Mexico, but can see patients virtually across the country using your existing health insurance benefits, typically at no cost to you. We are also bilingual, and speak both Spanish, English, and the unique Spanglish dialects that live throughout the U.S. We look forward to serving you and empowering you to change your life!
Amy is a Registered Dietitian who practices at Health Loft. She specializes in personalized dietary guidance and evidence-based nutrition strategies. Her mission is to empower individuals and communities to achieve optimal health through sustainable lifestyle changes. Amy mentors, educates, and inspires clients to make informed nutrition and wellness decisions, believing lasting change is built through patience and a strong client-provider relationship. She is honored to be part of your wellness journey.
Amy is a Registered Dietitian who practices at Health Loft. She specializes in personalized dietary guidance and evidence-based nutrition strategies. Her mission is to empower individuals and communities to achieve optimal health through sustainable lifestyle changes. Amy mentors, educates, and inspires clients to make informed nutrition and wellness decisions, believing lasting change is built through patience and a strong client-provider relationship. She is honored to be part of your wellness journey.
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.