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I would like some fellow lap band surgery patients opinions of something I am considering kicking around.
I am thinking of going back to school to be a nutritionist . I would LOVE To solely work with WLS patients. SO here is my question ...
Would you pay someone for advice as a nutritionist who has been through this process ?
Or i guess my question would be , would you be MORE willing to pay for services of a nutritionist being they have been through this process ? NOW granted , I can go to work in a surgeons office and I would be happy with that. I was also thinking about doing "Free Lance" working. If someone needs some help with food they could come to me for advice for a small fee i could give it to them ?
What do you think ?
Yes
No
Either way i think im going to go back to school for this . But on a WLS side wanted your opinions.
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Hi there, I'm a newbie/lurker. At my WLS surgeon's office the only nurses there are former WLS patients. I LOVE IT! I love getting advice from people who have actually made this journey. They also have a former WLS patient on staff as a nutritionist and she gives classes and such. If I were going to a nutritionist, I would prefer someone who has been through the process.
ReplyDeleteGood luck! You look great, by the way!
Hi! I think this is a great idea. But. . I have another idea that might be interesting for you . . what about becoming a personal trainer for WLS patients?
ReplyDeleteI feel like most of us have been on so many diets (and get so much guidance from our WLS doctors) that we already know what we should eat. BUT the one area where most of us could use help is in getting more exercise.
I also think that training WLS patients could be uniquely satisfying, since all of your clients would show such amazing progress and really be transformed with your help!
Anyway, either way, I think you are on to something good here. I wish you the very best with it! If you are half as successful at your new career as you have been with your band, you will be setting the world on fire (in a good way)! :) :)
Catherine
YES!!! As a recent lap band patient I am always looking for guidance and first hand knowledge about the band and peoples experiences with food. I wouldn't even have to think twice about choosing you! Hope it all works out for you.
ReplyDeleteThat's a big fat YES from me!! I would love to pay someone that had been there and done that for their advice!!
ReplyDeleteA definite yes from me too, Mindy! I think that the only people who can truly understand what we go through are others who have gone through it too. :)
ReplyDeleteMindy, Yes! I believe you will be more credible to your clients if you have been there and done that! You can speak from experience not just what you have learned. I would think a surgeon would want someone like yourself to be there to consult with patients. Have you thought about becoming a screener for insurance companies who are deciding if a person is a good risk for the surgery? You would certainly know what to look for in a candidate. By the way, there are some good grants or scholarships for women to go back and get an education.
ReplyDeleteI would say YES....someone who knows the process and what you have been through rather than someone who just loves/likes nutrition but doesn't really know what it is like to be heavy or have had food issues...that would be awesome!
ReplyDeleteI think this is a fantastic idea! I'd definitely be willing to pay more for someone that has gone through the process. Good luck and let me know how it goes. :-D
ReplyDeleteHey there....
ReplyDeleteIt's great when something has impacted and transformed your life so much so that you want to spend your work life dedicated to it! This is what a good career choice is all about! So, yes---go back to school for nutrition and definitely think about working with WLS patients! I'm not sure if I would "pay more" for someone who has had the experience but I would definitely be happy to know that the nutritionist on staff at my surgeon's office is a WLS pateint. Especially in that type of medical setting, it would be comforting. And, it definitely would help you in doing your job better-- "understanding" as well as empathizing what the patients are going through and what challenges are out there for them! As far as free-lancing---I'm not sure if there's $$ out there doing one-on-one stuff. Just my 2cents but I say this because just think of how much information and connecting goes on via the internet between WLS patients--many of them very knowledgable and willing to help. If you are thinking about "freelancing"---why not think about writing articles and selling them to magazines (maybe online sites have opportunities as well)? It might be a little tough to break in but that's where you may make an income. Freelancing with individual clients might not be where the $$ is at (because of what I mentioned earlier). Check out WLS Magazine....they always have articles written by WLS folks. But, I'll bet there's lots of other publications who would love to have an article focused on it. Your advice and guidance is worth it!
Your success and how you have changed your life is an inspiration! Share it!
All the best!
Judi