What To Ask A Dietician Before Going With One?

[Ritzy_Jewels]

Hi All!

I want to hire a dietician to help me do all I can for my CKD kidney condition. What are some questions to ask him or her to ensure a good match?

Is it customary to sign a contract for a certain number of visits or can you meet when needed?

I have never done this and am afraid that I will get caught up in something that isn't working for me.

I'd appreciate your input.

Sally

[Hidden]

My first question would be, "Are you a licensed Renal Dietitian?"

Then, if they say yes, "What will you need me to bring?"

If the first answer is "Yes." and the second answer is, "Your last six months to a year's worth of your lab results," then make the appointment. If either answer is no or nothing, find someone else.

My insurance covered my RD. After the first two visits, we make changes as needed by e-mail. The RD will use the lab reports to help you design a kidney-friendly meal plan for you. It can be vegan, vegetarian, or it can include fish and poultry.

Best of luck.

[orangecity41 NKF Ambassador in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for sharing good information Mr K.

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

HI Ritzy,

Dietetic support is not always covered by insurance. That would be my first question: "Do you take my insurance." Then the questions Mr. Kidney said. Then I would ask if there is ongoing support?

When you see the dietician, remember why you are there. And this is for anyone who may be a larger person.... if they get into a "lose weight mode", run. This is not why you are there. Many dieticians ( and physicians) can not get paste weight as the cause of every malady. Not true Buttercup. If that is your intent, then make sure your doctor is also on board with weight loss. Changing over to a renal diet can often result in weight loss. So make sure you get enough calories. You will need to bring a food journal with you of at least a week, maybe too weeks of everything that passes through your mouth. Imagine my surprise when I found out from all the years of weight loss dieting that I was not only not eating the right foods, I was not eating enough calories. So when I started journaling my foods on a renal diet, I was actually eating more often and better choices, I lost weight.

[Allank in reply to Bassetmommer]

thanks for your great advice - for me keeping a journal sounds good to also help me be more compliant and cut out the junk . Weight loss is an issue for me . I started eating oats porridge - recommended by posters. If I do put on weight I need to know how to direct it to my face , so I look healthy and not to my belly. I agee that although the main focus of the RD diet is of course the kidneys , we need a more holistic approach to our health and well-being and that will include also exercise - get guidance also from the RD , sugar , cholesterol , vitamin levels etc plus emotional well-being , being supported by family, friends, fellow forum members , doing things to you enjoy etc

[orangecity41 NKF Ambassador in reply to Bassetmommer]

I use Davita Diet planning and can look at what you have done for the week. It helps you stay within limits of the CKD diet.