Melissa Page

Senior Bariatric Dietitian @MaineHealth Maine Medical Center

Portland, ME, US

Manage a team of seven dietitians including leading weekly team meetings, care improvement projects, and managing staffing. Evaluate patients pursuing bariatric surgery, including gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and single anastomosis duodenal switch. Determine patients’ ability and readiness to be successful post-operatively with dietary changes.Assess, develop and implement individualized nutrition care plans for overweight and obese patients struggling with weight management, pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes.Counsel patients to initiate lifestyle changes based on their readiness to change and ability to support those changes. Educate patients on a variety of weight management topics, including nutrient balance, mindful eating, meal planning and physical activity. Research current trends and strategies in weight management. Develop educational materials based on evidenced-based nutrition recommendations.Coordinate, develop lesson plans and facilitate group support meetings.Assess laboratory values and educate on appropriate supplementation when needed.Collaborate with multi-disciplinary team including surgeons, MDs, social workers, psychologists and nurses to provide optimal care to surgical and non-surgical patients.Use electronic medical records to document and report on patients’ progress. Proficient in EPIC, Soarian, and eClinical Works.Educate dietetic students regarding obesity treatment and prevention using medical nutrition therapy and effective counseling techniques.