Lisa Smith

As a functional nutritionist, I go a step further than offering standardised food and nutrition recommendations by also looking at you as an individual, considering the way your body works, along with the potential impact of any co-occurring conditions such as PMS, menopause, insomnia, anxiety, IBS or other gut-related complaints. I also specialise in the potential interactions of any neurodiversity – which is not uncommon in binge or impulsive eating behaviours.

Every human body is different, with our own unique genetic variations helping to influence who we are and how our bodies function. This means everyone’s nutritional needs vary, and yet when it comes to the post-bariatric, life-long requirement for nutritional support, generally, there tends to be a one-size-fits-all approach.

We all know that bariatric surgery results in beneficial changes in metabolism, appetite, and food intake; however, by surgically bypassing areas where food and nutrients are absorbed, malabsorption is expected, which can lead to long-term complications and many vitamin and mineral imbalances. These can hinder weight loss outcomes and add to the severity of some of the symptoms and side effects commonly experienced post-surgery. While the aim of initial weight loss can often be easily achieved, maintaining this weight loss and gaining health are the ultimate goals.