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Jo-Anne M. Rizzotto, M.Ed, R.D., L.D.N., C.D.E.

Jo-Anne Rizzotto, MEd, RDN, LDN, CDCES, is Director of Educational Services at the Joslin Diabetes Center and Harvard Medical School in Boston, MA. She is a registered dietitian and a certified diabetes educator with over 25 years of clinical, research, management and industry experience and is a key member of the clinic leadership team. Jo-Anne is co-chair and an active member of the National Certification Board of Diabetes Educators Exam Board. Jo-Anne has a proven track record of managing many facets of quality assurance and improvement with documented outcomes including advancing the use of technologies in the clinic for the management of diabetes. Jo-Anne establishes, directs and manages all aspects of diabetes education programs including overall direction, content, design, delivery, budgeting and staff management. She ensures all programs and staff delivering education meet the highest quality standards and do so with the highest level of efficiency and effectiveness. Jo-Anne participates in and has been the co-principle investigator in numerous clinical research studies. Jo-Anne chairs and participates in a variety of high level selection committees, clinical guideline committees, publication review committees and academic promotion committees. She also chairs the quality committee with the General Counsel at the Joslin in addition to the Clinic policy and procedure committee.

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Bariatric Surgery Types
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Post Bariatric Surgery Diet

Ask the Expert

Q:

I had bariatric surgery four months ago. I eat lots of protein, but my hair is falling out, and I don't have room for vegetables and fruit. However, I do take a liquid vitamin and calcium. What type of foods should I be eating?

A:

Eating a healthy, balanced diet after having gastric bypass surgery, also known as stomach stapling, can be a challenge. In order to get adequate nutrition you may need to eat more frequently—five to seven small meals every day. Remember, your stomach has been reduced to the size of an egg, so it is important to chew foods slowly and to drink fluids about 45 minutes to one hour before eating solid food. Over time your stomach will stretch, which will allow you to introduce new foods and more food in general.

Although you are eating many foods high in protein, you may need a protein supplement to help you meet the daily requirement and stave off hair loss. Along with protein, however, it is critical to eat foods and take a multivitamin high in all of the essential vitamins and minerals, particularly zinc. Zinc is needed for normal cell growth and repair, therefore is a crucial nutrient for healthy hair. Food sources of zinc include lean beef, fish, soybeans, wheat germ and whole-grain foods. It's also important to limit your intake of foods high in fat and sugar. Foods high in fat and sugar are not very nutritious and may cause unpleasant symptoms, such as dizziness, nausea and diarrhea. If you find it difficult to eat a varied diet, consult a dietitian for more personalized advice. A dietitian can help you plan healthy, tasty meals appropriate for your condition.

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