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Optimum Intake Dietitians
Bariatric Surgery Dietitian and Nutrition Support
Optimum Intake Dietitians provides specialist bariatric nutrition care for patients undergoing weight-loss surgery with the Coast Surgery team.
Bariatric surgery is a powerful tool for improving health. Long-term success relies on developing new eating patterns, understanding your nutritional needs, and receiving the right professional guidance throughout the journey.
Our Accredited Practising Dietitians work closely with your surgical team to support you before and after surgery. We provide practical nutrition education, personalised guidance, and ongoing follow-up to help you safely adapt to the changes that occur following bariatric procedures.
Through structured nutrition care, we help patients:
- Prepare nutritionally for surgery
- Understand the stages of eating after surgery
- Achieve adequate protein and fluid intake
- Prevent vitamin and mineral deficiencies
- Develop sustainable eating habits for long-term health
- Navigate the physical and behavioural changes that occur after surgery
While many of the dietary changes may appear simple at first, adapting to new eating patterns can take time. Your dietitian will support you through both the successes and the challenges so you can feel confident managing your nutrition throughout the surgical journey.
Nutrition support is a key part of achieving safe and sustainable outcomes after bariatric surgery.
For more information about our services, visit
https://www.optimumintake.com.au
Our Bariatric Dietitians
Laura See – Accredited Practising Dietitian
Laura See is an Accredited Practising Dietitian with extensive experience supporting individuals undergoing bariatric (weight-loss) surgery. She completed a Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics (Honours) at the University of Newcastle and has been part of the Optimum Intake Dietitians team since 2019.
Laura works closely with the surgical team to provide nutrition care before and after bariatric procedures. She helps clients understand the physiological changes that occur following surgery and how nutrition plays a vital role in recovery, long-term health, and surgical outcomes.
Laura supports clients with:
- Pre-operative nutrition assessment and preparation
- Education about post-surgery eating progression
- Strategies to support healing and maintain muscle mass
- Monitoring nutritional intake after surgery
- Identifying and managing potential nutrient deficiencies
- Adjusting eating patterns as the body adapts following surgery
Laura provides structured guidance and ongoing support so clients can confidently navigate the nutrition changes required after bariatric surgery and maintain good health long term.
Learn more about Laura:
https://www.optimumintake.com.au/the-team/laura-see/
Megan Sharp – Accredited Practising Dietitian
Megan Sharp is an Accredited Practising Dietitian who supports individuals preparing for and recovering from bariatric surgery. She completed a Master of Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of Wollongong and is a member of Dietitians Australia.
Megan works with clients throughout the bariatric journey, providing nutrition guidance before surgery and helping individuals adjust to new eating patterns after surgery.
Her work includes supporting clients with:
- Preparing nutritionally for bariatric surgery
- Understanding the staged eating approach after surgery
- Meeting protein and fluid requirements
- Managing portion sizes and food tolerance
- Developing sustainable eating patterns
- Maintaining balanced nutrition for long-term health
Megan focuses on practical nutrition strategies that help clients feel confident navigating the changes that occur after surgery while still enjoying food and maintaining a positive relationship with eating.
Learn more about Megan:
https://www.optimumintake.com.au/the-team/megan-sharp/
Bariatric Nutrition Care Program
Optimum Intake Dietitians provides a structured bariatric surgery nutrition program designed to support patients throughout their surgical journey.
Our program includes:
- Comprehensive pre-operative nutrition assessment
- Education on the stages of eating following surgery
- Guidance on meeting protein and hydration needs
- Support for portion sizes and meal structure
- Monitoring of nutritional intake
- Follow-up consultations across the first 12 months after surgery
Working with a bariatric dietitian helps patients feel prepared for surgery and supported as they adapt to new eating patterns after surgery.
Bariatric Surgery Nutrition FAQs
Why do I need to see a dietitian before bariatric surgery?
A pre-operative dietitian appointment helps prepare your body for surgery and ensures you understand the nutrition changes required afterwards. Your dietitian will assess your current eating patterns, provide education about the stages of eating after surgery, and help you prepare for the lifestyle changes that support long-term success.
What will I be able to eat after bariatric surgery?
After surgery, eating progresses through several stages while the stomach heals. These stages typically include fluids, pureed foods, soft foods, and eventually regular textured foods.
Your dietitian will guide you through each stage and help ensure your meals meet your nutritional needs while supporting healing.
Why is protein important after bariatric surgery?
Protein is essential for healing, preserving muscle mass, and maintaining strength during weight loss. Most patients are encouraged to prioritise protein at each meal and snack.
Your dietitian will help you understand how much protein you need and how to include appropriate protein foods in your daily eating plan.
Will I need vitamin supplements after surgery?
Yes. Bariatric surgery can affect how the body absorbs certain nutrients. Many patients require long-term vitamin and mineral supplementation.
Your dietitian and surgical team will guide you on the appropriate supplements and monitor your nutritional status through regular follow-up.
How long should I see a dietitian after surgery?
Ongoing dietitian support is recommended during the first year after surgery and periodically after that. Follow-up appointments help monitor nutrition, review eating patterns, and address any challenges that may arise.
Learn more
To learn more about bariatric nutrition care provided by Optimum Intake Dietitians, visit:
https://www.optimumintake.com.au