A registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN), also known as a registered dietitian (RD), is an invaluable professional member of your healthcare team, so ask your doctor to recommend one.
Not all dietitians are familiar with FCS, since it is a rare disease. Share information about the disease with your dietitian so he or she can identify foods that are best for you.
A registered dietitian can then help you create a food plan that fits your lifestyle, allowing you to enjoy foods that are beneficial to your health whether you are at home or at a restaurant.
Be sure to check with your insurance company to see if they cover such appointments.
When you meet with a registered dietitian for the first time, he or she will want to understand YOU, your lifestyle, and your concerns. This info will be the basis of your targeted nutritional plan. The plan you develop together can help you learn how to live an FCS-friendly lifestyle by:
- Eliminating alcohol
- Transitioning to and maintaining a low-fat meal plan
- Meeting nutritional requirements for essential fatty acids and vitamins
- Reducing simple carbs and added sugars
- Choosing whole grains in place of refined grains
- Weight management and physical activity
- Food selection and meal preparation to fit your lifestyle and your taste
What to Bring to Your First Appointment With the Registered Dietitian
To make the most of your appointment, bring along:
- Familial Chylomicronemia Syndrome information and facts (for reference), such as the Guide to FCS, FCSfocus.com and Fight FCS on Facebook.
- A record of all food and drinks consumed for three non-consecutive days (two weekdays and one weekend day).
- Your most recent fasting TGs reading, which means no food or drink (except water) for 12 hours before your appointment and no alcohol for 48 hours.
Important: There is no one-size-fits all FCS food plan. It will take time, patience, and food tracking to fully appreciate what an FCS diagnosis means for you, your diet, your lifestyle and your family. Work with a registered dietitian to create a safe plan to slowly introduce or reintroduce different types of food into your diet.
Partnering With Your Registered Dietitian
- Even if you know how to eat low-fat, you’ll want to check in with your dietitian to make sure you’re getting the vitamins, calories and fatty acids your body needs
- Partner with your dietitian to create a meal plan with foods you can eat each day, especially if you have another condition that impacts your diet, like diabetes
- Be an advocate for your health; find out if you can call, text, or email questions to your dietitian and ask how frequently you should come back for follow-up
