Are all NUTs nutty...or just mine?

Sorry if this is a long rant, but I'm am flabbergasted.  I am a pre-op, that has been considering this surgery for a number of years--including a lot of research.  So at my last appointment with the NUT (Nutritionalist) we were discussing the differences between natural sugars (like what's in an apple, milk, etc.) and additive sugars (can you say the white stuff...for starters).  And she hands me this yogurt type of drink that contains 32 grams of sugar per serving (2 servings per container)  and asks if that would be a good choice.  I say no, because it has too much sugar.  (yes it did have 8 grams of protien but I can think of a lot better ways to get 8 grams of protein for a lot less calories and sugar...I'm also concerned about dumping post-op)...long story short, she didn't seem to like my answer.  She claimed that because it had lactose in it, a number of those sugar grams were likely natural sugars (be that as it may...I still would not drink the stupid beverage).  GRRR  Anyways then we started to talk about calcium, and she flat out told me it doesn't mater what type of calcium a post-op takes....I'm like whoa.  STOP, HOLD THE PHONE.  I happen to have the ASMBS guidelines saved to my phone (makes it easier when talking to non-bariactric docs) and it clearly states Calcium Citrate NOT Calcium Carbonate.  And she clearly didn't care.  This makes me want to find a different team, BUT this is the only team anywhere near my home covered by my insurance...

Sorry for the rant, but I'm floored.

If this nutritionist works in you doctors office, you need to have a talk with him.  He may not know what she is telling people.

They aren't all nutty, no, but many are.

Is this a registered dietician?  RD's have college degrees in nutrition and have to pass a licensing exam.  Anyone can call themselves a nutritionist, though, and they don't have to have any kind of degree or formal education or license.  scary, huh?

But some RD's are nuts, too.

If this nutritionist works in your doc's office, or if your doc recommended her, I would definitely let him know what she's telling you.

Luckily, you seem to be on top of this stuff.  You've done your research.  If you're satisfied with your surgeon and the rest of the team, I'd stick with them and just ignore the nutty nutritionist.

She's correct that some of the sugar in that drink would be lactose, because all yogurt has lactose in it, it's made from milk.  If there is real fruit in it, that would add some sugar to it in the form of fructose.  If you read the ingredients, though, I bet you'll see it has added sugar in the form of sugar, sucrose (just another word for sugar), high fructose corn syrup, etc.  Also, some people do dump on natural sugars, although some don't.  I dump on the white stuff, but not natural sugars in fruit or milk.  but I agree with you, that drink does not sound like a good choice at all. 

For the most part, it's better not to drink your calories, with the exception of protein drinks.  And eight grams of protein doesn't really make that a protein drink.  You can make a good protein shake with 20 to 30 grams of protein, and many protein powders are sugar free so the only sugar would be the lactose in the milk, if you mix your shake with milk.  So about 12 grams of sugar for an eight ounce shake, and all of it natural sugar from the milk.

And the type of calcium totally matters.  Not only can we not absorb calcium carbonate, but it can cause  kidney stones in some people.

As always, you have such good information. I didn't realize the difference between milk sugar and other sugar. Milk is one thing I handle well and seems so soothing and satisfying. I make protein de-caf coffee drinks with added flavorings. Yummy.

If I remember correctly it stated brown sugar and high fructose corn syrup...that's why I was so confused on why she said it would be an ok beverage.  I agree with you, drinking calories is not the way to go. 

In the past, I've agreed with most of what she said (still shaking my head over I eat--as a preop--too much veggies) but that just through me for a loop.

Every time I read about these wacky nuts, I count my blessings in that I have an excellent one. I am continually reminded by posts like yours that I am most fortunate. I agree with the others in that it is best to talk to the doctor. 

I went out and Found my own NUT and she is totally awesome.  When I pushed my Fitness goals to the level they currently are she admitted I had outgrown her expertise and referred me on to someone else.

I will likily do the same post-op...but until then it's one team all the way.  I'm so thankful I have the whole OH community.  It's made this "waiting game" much more bearable.

i got to find a new team, i stopped going to my dr in park rapids because i didnt like the aftercare. i saw a new surgeon and he told me that i have to start back up on the follow up care.