FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHY WORK WITH SUSTAIN BARIATRIC NUTRITION?
As a team of Registered Dietitians with over 30 years combined experience in the field
of weight management and bariatric surgery, we are thrilled to offer nutrition coaching
to help you meet your personal health and lifestyle goals. We practice with your unique
interests in mind, tailoring your nutrition care plan to suit your individual needs. Our
philosophy involves applying simple, yet practical nutrition advice using the most up-to-
date evidenced based research.
WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED?
Sustain Bariatric Nutrition is based out of Ontario. As all of our appointments are done online through video chat technology or via telephone, you can work with us from the comfort of your own home! We are currently able to see virtual clients living in Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador.
WHAT DOES "BARIATRIC" MEAN?
Bariatric is a medical term used to describe or address the causes, prevention, and
treatment of obesity and its related medical conditions.
WHAT IS BARIATRIC SURGERY?
Bariatric surgery is a procedure offered to assist with weight management and the
treatment of co-existing obesity related medical conditions (for example, diabetes, sleep
apnea, gastroesophageal reflux disease, etc).
Sustain Bariatric Nutrition offers support for nutritional management in preparation or
follow-up to gastric bypass (also known as roux-en-y), vertical sleeve gastrectomy,
duodenal switch, single anastomosis duodeno-ileal bypass (also known as SADI), and
gastric banding/ballooning procedures.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A ‘REGISTERED DIETITIAN’ AND A ‘NUTRITIONIST’?
The designation ‘Registered Dietitian’ is a legally protected title in Ontario. Registered
Dietitians must undergo a rigorous accreditation process involving completion of a four-
year undergraduate degree in nutrition/dietetics, practical experience through a
supervised internship, ongoing self-directed learning, and accountability to their
professional college (The College of Dietitians of Ontario). Since Registered Dietitians are
legally held accountable for their professional conduct and the nutrition care that they
provide, they must practice in an ethical and evidenced based manner.
On the contrary, any individual offering nutrition services may use the designation
‘Nutritionist’, but not all ‘Nutritionists’ are ‘Registered Dietitians’. This means that
educational backgrounds, training, and ethical considerations for ‘Nutritionists’ can vary
significantly person to person. The title ‘Nutritionist’ does not guarantee a set level of
qualification, nor does it provide you with the security that you are receiving safe,
sound, and ethical nutrition guidance.
For more information, please refer to www.dietitians.ca/Your-Health/Find-A-
Dietitian/Difference-Between-Dietitian-and-Nutritionist.aspx
DO I NEED A REFERRAL FROM MY DOCTOR TO SEE A REGISTERED DIETITIAN?
No, a referral from your doctor is not required to see a Registered Dietitian (unless
specifically requested by your insurance provider). Please check with your insurance
provider to verify if a referral is required.
IS THE COST OF REGISTERED DIETITIAN SERVICES COVERED BY MY EXTENDED HEALTH BENEFITS?
The services of a Registered Dietitian are frequently covered through many extended
health benefit plans. The coverage that each insurance company provides can vary, so
please check with your insurance provider and verify your plan.
DO YOU PROVIDE DIRECT BILLING?
No, we are not able to direct bill to insurance companies at this time, but we will
provide you with a detailed receipt that you can submit to your insurance provider
following your appointment.
WHAT FORMS OF PAYMENT DOES SUSTAIN BARIATRIC NUTRITION TAKE?
Currently we accept payment via e-transfer. Details will be provided when booking a service.
HOW LONG ARE YOUR APPOINTMENTS?
Your initial assessment appointment with us will be scheduled for 60 minutes.
All follow-up appointments can be scheduled for either 30 or 60 minutes.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT WHEN SEEKING/PURCHASING SERVICES FROM SUSTAIN BARIATRIC NUTRITION?
Prior to purchasing services:
Our team will schedule a 15-minute ‘meet and greet’ consultation over the
phone or video chat software. You will have an opportunity to speak with one of our Registered
Dietitians about your personal nutrition goals and interest in seeking our service.
Immediately following the purchase of services:
We will contact you via email to book your first appointment at a time that is
convenient for you. When your initial assessment appointment is booked, you will be provided with
a nutrition questionnaire and food journal template. To get the most out of your appointment, we highly encourage you to fill out this form and your food records prior to your visit.
After your first appointment:
We will send you a summary email within 72 hours of your appointment
outlining any goals and recommendations discussed.
WHAT IF I NEED TO CANCEL OR RESCHEDULE MY APPOINTMENT?
We require a minimum of 24 hours notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment.
If you provide less than 24 hours notice to cancel/reschedule, or do not attend your appointment without notifying of cancellation you will incur 100% of the session fee.
DO YOUR SERVICES EXPIRE?
Any a-la-carte or package services that are not booked within 3 months of purchase will expire.
Any unused package sessions will expire 3 months after last attended appointment. Refunds will NOT be issued after expiry.
WHAT IS YOUR REFUND POLICY?
All unused a-la-carte services are 100% refundable, within the outlined expiry time, as long as it adheres to the above appointment cancellation policy. For packages purchased, the unused sessions will be refunded at a pro-rated amount, within the outlined expiry time, as long as it adheres to the above cancellation policy.
Sessions that have already been used are NOT refundable.