Fresh Start Bariatrics Shares Top Tips for Nutritional Health Before and After Weight Loss Surgery

    COLUMBUS, OH, July 28, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Unlike many weight loss surgery programs, Fresh Start Bariatrics at Riverside Methodist Hospital focuses on a holistic, comprehensive approach to ensure patient's ongoing success. Jan Johnston, RD, LD, CDE, the nutritionist with Fresh Start Bariatrics, plays a vital role in every patient's weight loss journey.

Johnston works with every patient in the Fresh Start Bariatrics program, after they complete the initial seminar with Dr. Stephan Myers and speak with a financial advisor. On the patient's "Intake Day," they meet with Johnston, as well as a psychologist and a specially-trained internal medicine physician.

"I work with patients to help them understand how to eat successfully after surgery," Johnston said. "And, I provide support as they practice those habits to adopt them as part of their lifestyle."

Johnston will review personalized nutritional goals and objectives with each patient and listen to understand where each one is starting from. Then, an individualized approach will be created that, along with Johnston's continued support, helps patients become nutritionally ready to have surgery.

Sometimes, daily circumstances can make it difficult to keep a food plan on track. For example, some patients have varying work shifts, or are not allowed to even drink water in certain areas while working. Johnston helps each patient find creative solutions to their unique situation. "It's so important to always leave your house prepared; to take along water bottles, healthy snacks, etc.," Johnston said. "I help patients practice these things ahead of the surgery date, which helps them be more successful after surgery."

Patients develop a relationship with Johnston, meeting once a month before surgery and three times after surgery. Plus, support groups are available once a month at McConnell Heart Health Center. Some Fresh Start Bariatrics patients have achieved so many of their weight loss, health and activity goals that they have chosen to prepare for a marathon or triathlon - and Johnston has helped them learn how to eat properly while training.

"It is so important for patients to not be misled into thinking the surgical procedure stands alone and will take care of weight loss for you," Johnston said. "Surgery is a wonderful tool, but at Fresh Start Bariatrics, each patient also has my full support and the support of our entire team to provide everything needed to be successful. As you practice new lifestyle behaviors and begin losing weight, these behaviors become easier and engrained in your daily life. Because it's still possible to gain weight back, I'll help you create goals that you can stick to for life - not just until your surgery."

Playing such a vital role in the weight loss process, Johnston shares that she is thankful to have such a gratifying job that allows her to educate bariatric patients about nutrition. For her, the most rewarding moment is when patients have their last visit with her, and she can tell them all of their pre-determined goals and objectives have been accomplished.

"I learn just as much from the patients as they learn from me," Johnston said. "I'm reminded how tough life can be; the strength and courage I see from people who have overcome so many obstacles is amazing. I love to get up and go to my job, and I'm encouraged every day by someone's strength of character."

For more information about Fresh Start Bariatrics program, visit www.freshstartbariatrics.com.

About Fresh Start Bariatrics
What makes Fresh Start Bariatrics so unique is our compassion for each patient as an individual. In fact, our highly personalized care is the reason Fresh Start Bariatrics at Riverside Methodist Hospital stands out from other bariatric surgery programs in Ohio. Our team approach means you will have support every step of the way throughout this life -changing and life-saving procedure and every one of our operations is performed at Riverside Methodist Hospital, respected nationwide for exceptional patient care and outstanding results. That is why so many people from all over Ohio choose Fresh Start Bariatrics. If you think you may be a candidate for weight-loss surgery, sign up for one of our free seminars.

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