First WLS Support Group Meeting - I'm Cranky Now

So Saturday morning I went to my first WLS Support Group that my surgeon offers every month. It is led by the NUT, who I have already had disagreements with (i.e. advice that I should be losing 15 lbs. per month pre op, cause that's what she did).

So this class had 25 people in it, half who were pre-op and half who were post-op. The most popular type of surgery was the sleeve. To start with, I was in a BAD mood, because the NUT had a huge bowl of oily, cheese filled pasta to “sample”. Then she gives a big lecture on “protected carbs” vs “regular carbs” and how this brand (Dreamfield Pasta) has some new type of pasta that is indigestible, so a huge helping only has 5 carbs. Almost everyone (including the TWO WEEK OUT SLEEVERS) got big helpings and started chowing down. I was like "Uhh, there's like barely any protein in there and it's oily and I'm trying to lose weight in pre-op and I think pasta is kind of a bad idea for new sleevers". Oh, well.

So the NUT starts fielding questions from people. Now, I've read enough here at OH over the months that I know that all support groups are different and all NUTs are different, and you can pretty much make up any "rule" you want to and you'll find people that believe it. But the things this NUT was saying to people...

"You only need to get 60 g of protein a day".
"Drink 64 oz. of water Maximum per day. Don't overfill your sleeve/pouch with water!"
"Nausea can be reduced by eating a slice or two of browned toast".
"Bob Evans makes a great sausage gravy that blends well for pureed folks. And it has protein!"

OMG, I was freaking out on the inside. I did happen to meet some early sleevers who asked some of the more reasonable questions, so I got their MFP usernames. That's a plus.

It just stinks that while my surgeon gets rave reviews, the NUT in his office is so....whatever the word is. I totally understand now why most patients in his office only lose 60% EWL.

Luckily, I have OH and the guidance I've received on here to help me formulate my own post-op eating plan. I'm just a little bummed that I got so excited about having a local resource and it was less than successful.

Good grief.   I don't know if I'd go back to that meeting after all that.  Are you locked into being counseled by that particular nutritionist?  Is she repeating your surgeon's instructions, or is she doing her own thing?

Nancy,

That's a good question about the NUT. I'm not sure if she is doing her own thing or repeating the surgeon's school of thought. I've talked to my surgeon only once, and I asked him all surgical questions.

Well, regardless, GOOD FOR YOU that you are thinking all of this through so well and that you didn't just blindly flock to the pasta bowl as did others. 

Your NUT is definitely wacked out. Sounds like she smokes drugs.

 

Seriously, it is good to hear you know how to think for yourself. And you are right, there are people who will believe anything just because a so-called "authority" says it is law. Fortunately you're not one of them.

LOL! Yeah, I always say people "are smoking crack". I probably shouldn't do that, because there are people that smoke crack for real. Oh, well.

Dreamfields pasta is 3-5 carbs true but u measure like regular pasta. Pre surg i added ground turkEy, green peppers, mushrooms n onions...no cheese or oil. 

It tastes the same as its 44 carb counterpart. 

tia

 

I don't even know where to start with that lady... good luck to those folks.

I couldn't eat pasta even NOW much less a freaking biscuit. Sigh. Those people are just asking for troule.

I can totally relate!!! My NUT said I should be only getting 45g of Protein per day. She literally SCOLDED me for getting in 60-80g protein a day. She also said I should not get my protein from shakes. I was also only allowed water after surgery for an entire week! I landed back in the ER because I felt so sick. My ketones were through the roof. I was almost in DKA and I'm not even diabetic. When I emailed her about my stall she said I don't need anything more than 45g protein daily because the goal is weightloss by using my "considerable fat stores." I pointed out that 45g protein gives 180 calories, so what was I supposed to do to get the remainder of my calories? She said I'm "over thinking things." Just stick to the formula of 45g protein a day and I'll be fine. I felt like she was basically just telling me to sit down and shut up with the questions.

During the classes she pushed for highly processed and artificial foods. She raved and raved about crystal light and other drinks full of chemical artificial sweeteners. She said plain water would get too boring.

I was doing a 10K within 2 weeks of surgery. There is no way I could have done that on under 200 calories and low protein. No dang way! I am so thankful to have this site! I appreciate the advice because I know my NUT is useless.

I've wanted to rant about this so many times, but I'm just a "newbie" and I kinda just stalk the site reading and learning. Thanks for letting me rant with you!

Anytime! You and me, we'll just rant together. :)