thread: Seeing a dietician- Is it worth it?

  1. #1
    Registered User

    Jul 2009
    Ormeau
    1,028

    Seeing a dietician- Is it worth it?

    Have put a couple of other posts up, but am just wondering if anyone has seen a dietician at all. I'm trying to lose weight in a healthy way. I cook pretty healthy food but I just wonder if perhaps a dietician would be able to provide some insight into healthier things and ways to help me lose weight.

    Would love to hear your experiences...

    Thanks

  2. #2
    Registered User

    Aug 2005
    Melbourne, Victoria
    1,635

    Yes, i thought why see one - I've heard it all before, but after seeing my dieitician 5 times it has been a big help.

    Not only did she go through the basics again, she also went through portion sizes, how to make little changes in my cooking etc to make a difference, what to look for in ingredients that are bad for you, and how to jigg your day as to when you eat, exercise etc, so to get your metabolism working the best.

    It was also good having somebody to talk to, to encourage you, and also to be accountable to.

    Can't recommend it enough

  3. #3
    Registered User

    Aug 2006
    On the other side of this screen!!!
    11,129

    Ella - I twice lost weight by seeing a dietician (then got pregnant and failed to shed the baby weight LOL). I found it very helpful - she was able to give me guidelines that were specific to me and my typical diet/lifestyle. There's lots of keeping a weekly food diary that goes on but fairly easy to do. Plus you learn what to look for on the grocery shelves, ie you can assess a product based on the nutrition panel, and not just because someone tells you it's worth x calories or x points, kwim?

    And portion sizes!! Very helpful.

    Just chose your dietician carefully, if one's not working for you, see another.

  4. #4
    Registered User

    Jul 2009
    Ormeau
    1,028

    Thanks for the replies. I'm going to go see my GP tomorrow as he is super duper and see if I can get a refferal. Was reading somewhere earlier that if you have a health care card you can see one free with a refferal. Anyone know if this is true?

  5. #5
    Registered User

    Jul 2005
    Perth Western Australia
    1,697

    Ella- I saw a dietician and found it very useful too. I am not sure if it is the same in everystate, but I know in WA if you are over a certain BMI you can get medicare funded dietician visits when you go on some kind of medical plan with your GP. Good luck!

  6. #6
    Registered User

    Aug 2005
    Melbourne, Victoria
    1,635

    Not sure, but as I had another health issue i got from my GP a "primary enhanced health care plan".. you need 1 other reason (i.e. diabetes, allergy, mental health etc etc), and they make a care plan between your GP-dieitician-other specalist. They are all supposed to work together as a team to help you get better

    You get 5 sessions per calender year basically for free (i was OOP like $2 per session)

    I also have one for my son as he has grommits in his ears and needed speech therapy, so i get 5 free sessions for him per year

    A lot of people don't know about the health care plans, but they area big help when you spend a lot of medical expenses per year anyway.

  7. #7
    Registered User

    Jul 2009
    Ormeau
    1,028

    Thanks girls, I'm off to my GP now to get a refferal. Wish me luck!

  8. #8
    BellyBelly Member

    Oct 2006
    Queensland
    2,039

    How did you go ella?

  9. #9
    Registered User

    Jul 2009
    Ormeau
    1,028

    I didn't end up seeing one Jas, was just too expensive for us. $80 for a consult. That's ok I'll just have to cut down what I'm eating myself lol

  10. #10
    Registered User

    Jul 2006
    Melbourne
    4,895

    Ella,

    Have you tried using a free online tool like Calorie King or something similar? I use that as a food diary & calorie counter. My trainer worked out my daily calories for me, but you can yourself by using the BMR calculation. (Google it).
    Best of luck

  11. #11
    Registered User

    Aug 2005
    Melbourne, Victoria
    1,635

    Ella,

    Mine was covered by medicare (minus a few dollars), if you have another health issue - ask your GP if you qualify for that.. You get 5 sessions under medicare.

  12. #12
    Registered User

    Jul 2009
    557

    Hi Ella.

    Its great to see your so keen to get things started in weight management/loss.

    It's a shame your dr didnt give you a referal on a EPC plan as yael explained.
    i am a nutritionist/dietician but am only practising 1 day a week atm as i am supposed to be on maternity leave.
    where abouts are you living?
    i suppose the reason im writing this is i would be happy to help you out a little if you would like. i am currently going through a breakup with XDP so i have been a little slack on getting on the computer. but if you are interested just let me know.

    If not goodluck xxxx