It is advisable to receive guidance from a dietitian during the pre-operative phase. Ideally, this guidance begins approximately six months before the surgery. You may have already been approved for the procedure, or perhaps you are simply considering signing up for weight-loss surgery; in either case, Aileen can provide guidance and advice at any stage. During this period, you will begin losing weight and learn more about healthy nutrition, portion sizes, and maintaining a balanced diet. The dietitian will review your current eating habits with you, assess previous weight-loss attempts, investigate whether emotional eating plays a role, and collaborate with you to create a treatment plan that aligns with your hospital program. The process addresses the full picture of nutrition, physical activity, and lifestyle. In consultation with you, Aileen can provide a report to the hospital regarding her findings and your commitment during this process, as such reports are sometimes requested. Naturally, there is plenty of opportunity to ask questions throughout the process—such as: What does a healthy evening meal look like? How do I manage emotional eating? What does a weight-loss plan look like after a gastric bypass? Or, what can I eat after the surgery?