Why nutrition matters in the Transplant Journey
Being well nourished can help improve strength, energy levels and immune function, all of which are important before and after transplant surgery. After transplant, dietary advice also helps protect your new organ by supporting healthy cholesterol levels, blood sugar control, bone health and long-term weight management.
What Do Dietitians Do?
Dietitians are registered healthcare professionals who provide specialist advice about food, nutrition and health. Dietitians can help support you to optimise your nutrition both before and after transplant.
What Service Can You Expect from the Dietetics Team?
If you are under the care of the transplant team, you are likely to see a dietitian during your transplant journey. This maybe while on the waiting list, during your transplant assessment, or after your transplant. Consultation may take place on the ward, in clinic, or by telephone.
Support from the Dietetics Team may include:
- Advice to maintain, gain or reduce weight safely
- Support with reduced appetite, nausea or early satiety
- Guidance on fluid management
- Improving blood sugar control
- Reducing your cholesterol or triglycerides (fat in your blood)
- Reducing your blood pressure
- Advice on food hygiene/safety after transplant
- Support with managing medication side effects, such as steroids
- Support with manging vitamin and or mineral levels such as high potassium or low Iron
Nutrition Support for Poor Appetite or Weight Loss
Some people experience unintentional weight loss, reduced appetite or muscle weakness due to being unwell or being in hospital. In these situations, dietitians focus on helping you meet your nutrition needs to support strength, immunity and recovery. If you need support with helping prevent unintentional weight loss the following websites maybe useful.
Weight Management and Healthy Weight Support
Aiming to maintain a healthy weight is important for all stages of the transplant journey.
Dietitians can provide support and advice to help you manage your weight safely. If you are trying to reduce your weight or prevent you weight increasing the following NHS links have some useful information
https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/lose-weight/
https://www.england.nhs.uk/diabetes/diabetes-prevention/
https://www.england.nhs.uk/digital-weight-management/
You can speak you GP or pharmacist who may be able to direct you to local service.
How to Get in Touch with a Dietitian
If you would like an appointment with the dietitians, you can contact the Transplant unit on 0161 291 2200 to request a face-to-face appointment alongside your next clinic appointment (we will do our best to accommodate an appointment on the same day, but this cannot be guaranteed). Alternatively, you can request a telephone appointment with a dietitian.