Programs & Services
Nutrition Counseling
Nutrition Care for Bariatric Surgery
Patients will have mandatory one-hour classes for three weeks prior to surgery. During their hospital stay for bariatric surgery, dietitians will supervise their diet. Post-surgery, patients will meet with the outpatient dietitian for half-hour sessions at two weeks, four weeks, six months, 12 months and as needed for gastric bypass patients. Lap Band patients will meet with the dietitian post-surgery at six weeks, six months, 12 months and as needed.
All pre-op and post-op visits are held at the Mercy Bariatric Center, located on Mercy – North Iowa’s Regency campus at 621 S Illinois, Mason City.
During the initial assessment Mercy’s health care professionals will review a patient’s weight loss history, medical history, and any history of eating disorders and also will review current dietary intake and eating behaviors. They also will advise to complete optimize nutritional status prior to surgery and address other dietary restrictions; and give instructions on two-week pre-operative diet and initial post-operative diet plan.
Post-Surgery Education
This will include long-term nutrition needs to prevent malnutrition, maintain weight loss, and prevent relapse. Mercy Bariatric Center will address: vitamin/mineral needs, protein needs, fluid needs, and diet progression.
We will expect hard work as a partner with your health care providers and a willingness to follow recommendations.