Meet The Professional – Lisa Smith BANT, CNHC

As a functional nutritionist, I go a step further than offering standardised food and nutrition recommendations by also looking at you as an individual, considering the way your body works, along with the potential impact of any co-occurring conditions such as PMS, menopause, insomnia, anxiety, IBS or other gut-related complaints, as well as the interactions of any neurodiversity – which is not uncommon in binge or impulsive eating behaviours. This is vitally important in both pre- and post-bariatric surgery.

Pre-Surgery Consultation

A pre-surgery consultation is not routinely included, however at CFBS, we consider this an important step to help cement the foundations of support to achieve personal goals.

It is common for many bariatric patients to have an extensive history of unsuccessful dieting attempts to try to reduce weight. This means many enter into surgery already nutritionally depleted, which can hinder weight loss outcomes and add to the severity of some of the symptoms and side effects commonly experienced post-surgery.

During a pre-surgery consultation, your weight loss history will be examined to identify any areas for additional support, enhancing recovery, and maximising weight loss in the short and longer term. You will also be given tools to help support your physical recovery from the surgery during those important post-operative weeks.

Post-Surgery Consultation

Bariatric surgery results in beneficial changes in metabolism, appetite, and food intake, however, due to the malabsorption caused by surgically bypassing areas where food and nutrients are absorbed, it can also contribute to some long-term complications and many vitamin and mineral deficiencies.

Every human body is different, with our own unique genetic variations helping to influence who we are and how our bodies function. This means everyone’s nutritional needs vary and yet, when it comes to the life-long requirement for dietary supplementation, there tends to be a one-size-fits-all approach with little regard to the effectiveness of powders, liquids, capsules and tablets or their suitability to the individual.

Regular blood tests, both standard GP and nutritional, are equally important, although unfortunately, these are not always made readily available.

Looking at your genetic predispositions can also help to enable personalised advice, allowing you to make informed decisions and choices.

During your post-surgery consultation, your supplement and testing requirements can be established and personalised to ensure you are supported now and in the longer term, further ensuring the best possible weight loss and health outcomes.