Fun with NUT's

[Becky]

I had my final pre-op appointment with the nutritionist yesterday. I'd already been to the required class with a different nut, so I knew going into it that she wouldn't know what she was talking about with regard to the DS, but I didn't expect it to be quite as bad as it actually was.

First of all, she thought the DS was the same as the lap band. Then she was all "Oh, well that surgery isn't as complicated as the normal gastric bypass, so you'll probably only be in the hospital for 24 hours."

I know I don't post often, but I lurk on this board like crazy (and have been since June -- well... the other board, anyway) . I spend tons of time here. I read everything and have learned so much from you all. I'm really thankful for this board and the vets... otherwise I'd be in some serious trouble post surgery!

[bookfaerie]

It really stinks when the professionals you're supposed to be able to trust don't know wtf they are talking about. I hate that part of the DS, because to my mind it's malpractice. It isn't HARD to learn. It doesn't take a genius IQ. You want me to come to your office, listen to your drivel, and then PAY you for it?! SMDH

[Leonie]

Could we perhaps compile a document especially for NUTS?

[Sandra C.]

Research is the best way to take care of yourself. Be as informed as you can, all along the journey!!

[zoetrope]

That's a really uninformed person. Too bad she's got a degree and is counseling patients. What a waste. Are you gonna tell the doc?

[Becky]

I plan on mentioning it, but I'm not sure how far it will get me since she's through the hospital and not the surgeons office.

[Deleted]

I'd make noise about her to the surgeon. You never know how much influence s/he has with the hospital.

[Gail R]

DSFacts.com should be required reading in all nutritional courses of studies. Perhaps we should petition the schools responsible for the terrible training these people are getting that they require study of ALL weight loss surgery. This should no longer be a problem as the DS is well established. Actually this should go a step further and all medical schools should require education in this growing number of the population. Physicians seem to be equally uneducated.

[carolinem]

Talk to your surgeon's office. It's beyond asinine and potentially dangerous to send a DSer to a nutritionist who knows nothing about the surgery.

I'd probably also contact the hospital and my insurance company. Pointing out the potential harm and possible liability might get their attention. You know enough to ignore the nutritionist; not every DS patient would.

[vangy04]

I'm thinking I may need to go back to school to become a nutritionist specializing in DS WLS and be a consultant to every surgeon's office in America. I can do web consulting instead of in-office. There certainly is a demand for it.

[justelizabeth]

Jan 12, 2012 1:19:15 GMT -5 Leonie said:

Could we perhaps compile a document especially for NUTS?

Wasn't Kirsten talking about doing something like this for Dr Patel's office in London?

[Deleted]

You definitely need to mention how clueless this NUT is to your surgeon.

Best of luck to you.

[brybry76]

Wow. Can't believe how grossly uninformed your nutritionist is! Mine just doesn't understand that the nutritional needs of the DS patient is different from RNY, but I would say she knows the difference between the surgeries themselves!

A vet (can't remember who) put it nicely when they said just jump through the hoops and lean on the vets at this site and your labs for true guidance. I'm a firm believer in collective intelligence and it has served me well so far!

[melissawhitener]

suddenly i feel really lucky
my surgeon has a team that works with him, and the Nut is only for his bariatric patients. she has really impressed me so far, she is a tiny little thing and has great empathy and understanding for the patients.

[annaleigh]

I can't believe some nutritionists get paid well for what they do. I've met one who is astoundingly undereducated and willfully ignorant of DS issues.

[sdld2001]

I would absolutely mention this to your surgeon. It's one thing to stand by what you learn in a book (their advice on our diets) but it's totally different to not even understand the basic mechanics of a surgery they are trying to counsel about. Wow, that's crazy!

[meredith123]

Wow, I'd say something to the surgeon and insist that they refer me to someone that understands the surgery if they require you to go back after the surgery.
My surgeon has 2 NUT's that work at his office, so far they have both been pretty good. I just saw one on Tuesday. She totally gets it, actually told me that she's jealous of the diet us DS'rs get to eat when I mentioned that I like to get a big mac without the bun when I take my kids out to McDonald's.

[Leonie]

I am seeing mine next week and I plan to take some printouts of ds-facts along for her. I don't know why, but I just cannot resist attempting to educate her.

[Sandra C.]

I have had quick informed replies by e-mail from my NUT. Some of my questions go beyond her expertise, she forwards the e-mails to bariatric specialists in the office for answers. All their suggestions have been very helpful. I feel I am well taken care of !!