Nutrition and the Surgical Weight Loss Patient

Medical Nutrition Therapy is a term that has gained popularity in the medical community. It is a method of managing nutrition-related diseases through individualized counseling, intervention, and self-management training.

Surgical Weight Loss patients at Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital receive Medical Nutrition Therapy from the hospital’s food and nutrition experts. OLBH Registered Dietitians use medical nutrition therapy to optimize patients’ nutrition status, immunity, and overall well being before and after surgery.

“We use medical nutrition therapy to assist patients in maximizing the effectiveness of their surgery,” said Angie Skaggs, OLBH registered dietitian. “It is very important for surgical weight loss patients to follow the applicable nutrition guidelines to avoid side effects or complications that may occur after surgery.”

Medical Nutrition Goals for Surgical Weight Loss Patients at OLBH include:

• Teaching eating and lifestyle behavior modifications to attain and maintain a healthy body weight
• Preventing intolerance to foods
• Promoting safe and successful weight loss

Medical Nutrition Therapy at OLBH begins with an initial assessment and intervention with an individual appointment, which your physician’s office can set up for you. “Further nutrition intervention is recommended to modify treatment goals and nutrition therapy as the patient progresses.”

Medical Nutrition Therapy is a comprehensive and integral part of the Surgical Weight Loss Services at OLBH. The hospital’s registered dietitians provide nutritional counseling to help patients take control of their health. If you are considering surgical weight loss, speak to your physician about how OLBH Registered Dietitians can help you succeed in your life-changing process. For more information, please call the CareLine at (606) 833-CARE (2273).