Nutrition Services
Ultimately, the food and drink choices we make can either promote optimal health, or contribute to chronic health issues such as obesity, diabetes and heart disease. Our Nutrition Services team of Registered Dietitians (RD) serve in many capacities at Froedtert South to help patients get through food choices and lifestyle habits. The RD is an integral member of the patient’s interdisciplinary care team. We offer a variety of nutritional services to engage our patients and community in promoting better health and well-being.
Registered Dietitians are the experts in nutrition and nutritional care. Our primary goal is to help clients and patients understand the relationship between food choices and their health in order to meet optimal health goals. Registered Dietitians differ from Nutritionists in the amount of education and rigorous coursework that is required to become a Registered Dietitian. Registered Dietitians are required to complete the following: a bachelor’s degree at a college or university with an accredited nutrition program, an intensive internship requiring supervised practicum and pass a nationally recognized registration exam. Many Registered Dietitians hold advanced degrees and specialty certifications to enhance their knowledge in specialized fields.
Inpatient Services
Our Nutrition team practices evidenced – based nutritional care to all at -risk patients in our hospitals. Our Registered Dietitians are specialized in identifying and treating malnutrition. We work closely with the interdisciplinary team to promote the best outcomes for our patients. Malnutrition can occur in up to 70% of our patients. If left untreated, malnutrition can lead to worse functional and health outcomes. Other inpatient nutritional services provided at Froedtert Kenosha Hospital and Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital include diet modifications and oral supplementation, diet education and management of nutrition support modalities.
Outpatient Services
Our Registered Dietitians assist with the nutritional management of many adult disease including:
- Weight Management
- Bariatric Nutrition
- Diabetes Management
- Kidney Disease
- Lipid Management
- Gastrointestinal Disorders
- Eating Disorders
- Nutritional Support (Including G-tube, J-tube and nasal-enteric tubes)
- Malnutrition
Cardiac Rehabilitation
Our Registered Dietitians provide one on one counseling to patients undergoing cardiopulmonary rehab following a cardiac event and/or surgery to help prevent future heart related conditions.
How do we do this?
- Educate and provide an individualized heart healthy meal plan to prevent recurrent heart disease and improve overall health.
- Motivate and assist patients in adopting heart healthy eating habits by educating patients on reading the food labels.
- Discuss recipe modification and meal planning.
- Use a multidisciplinary approach by communicating with the Cardiac Rehab team and providing trusted nutrition expertise in meeting patients individualized needs.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Our Registered Dietitians provide one on one counseling to patients undergoing cardiopulmonary rehab following a cardiac event and/or surgery to help prevent future heart related conditions.
How do we do this?
- Educate and provide an individualized heart healthy meal plan to prevent recurrent heart disease and improve overall health.
- Motivate and assist patients in adopting heart healthy eating habits by educating patients on reading the food labels.
- Discuss recipe modification and meal planning.
- Use a multidisciplinary approach by communicating with the Cardiac Rehab team and providing trusted nutrition expertise in meeting patients individualized needs.
Cancer Center
Our Registered Dietitians work alongside patients with cancer and the treatment team to provide comprehensive care from the beginning to the end of cancer treatment.
How do we do this?
- Assist to reduce potential side effects of cancer treatments with a personalized nutrition plan.
- Provide advice on planning healthy meals with foods to prevent malnutrition and keep the immune system strong.
- Assist with the use of oral supplements as appropriate.
- Offer strategies for weight management.
Kidney Center
Our Registered Dietitians work with a team of physicians, nurses and support staff to provide excellent care to our patients receiving Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis.
How do we do this?
- Provide one-on-one guidance to navigate the special nutrition needs of those needing dialysis.
- Complete individualized nutrition assessments and interventions to improve health and prevent malnutrition.
- Assist with meal planning and food ideas to keep you at your healthiest and feeling your best.
- Review laboratory values and identify nutritional strategies to maintain nutrients affecting your kidneys and overall health.
Appointments
A physician referral is required to schedule an appointment with one of our Registered Dietitians.
To request an appointment: 262-653-5792
Or email: nutrition@froedtertsouth.com
Insurance Coverage
Health plans vary with coverage of Medical Nutrition Therapy. Please contact your insurance company prior to your visit to determine coverage.
Registered Dietitians/Team
- Renee Andrews, MS, RD, CD
- Amy Giese, RD, CD, CNSC
- Susan Larson, RD, CD
- Jordanna Metzger, RD, CD
- Sherri O’Shea, RD, CD
- Brenna Sunderland – Saied, RD, CD
- Emily Simons, RD, CD
Location(s)
I had to see the dietitian when I started seeing Dr. Jandali for double hernia surgery. However, he said "I need you to lose weight now before it becomes an emergency," so I agreed. He then referred me to Dr. Ramadani to help manage my weight and she weighed me in September of 2020. I weighed 651 lbs. She prescribed me medication and told me that to be a candidate for bariatric surgery, I would be required to see a dietitian, so I agreed.
The referral was put in place and I was paired up with Brenna, one of Froedtert South's Registered Dietitians. Having worked with dietitians in the past, I never had much success in losing weight so I might have been a little rude to her at first. I explained that I needed someone to work with me and not against me, and she agreed. She asked me what I liked to eat and we developed a plan that we both could work with.
But, my double hernia surgery ended up having to be done in February of 2021 causing a major blockage. Dr. Jandali was afraid to do it because of my size and, being high risk, he wasn't sure which way it would go but my heart is very strong, and got through it. I spent 2 weeks in the hospital and the whole time I still stuck to my diet as an inpatient. I dealt with Brenna's boss while I was in the hospital. Then, after years of smoking, I quit while I was in the hospital and have not touched another cigarette since I got out and I am still following my diet as well.
I have monthly in-person visits and virtual visits with Brenna, and she emails me recipes (which I told her I'm open to trying) and I show her my spice collection. As of September 2021, I have lost a total of 140 lbs. I call Brenna my "nutrition Angel" because if it wasn't for her I wouldn't be where I'm at today. I keep her quote tucked in the back of my head ("never make a food an enemy") because if you avoid certain types of food, and then you decide to eat it, you are going to over-indulge yourself and make a very big mistake. But, if you eat food in moderation, when you want, you are going to satisfy your hunger and won't want it as much anymore. It's helped me a lot thinking like that.
My energy level has become 10 times better than it was a year ago, I shower more often, clean my own apartment, do my laundry, take my trash out, do my own grocery shopping, I'm independent on my own. Nobody makes fun of me stinking anymore when I go to the store (you know how embarrassing and hurtful that is when you can't clean yourself properly and people make fun of you in public). My relationship with food is much healthier. I don't eat noodles anymore, but that's by choice. I eat a lot of plant-based foods, drink almond milk and I quit drinking soda for over a year now. I drink lots of water now - a year ago soda is all I drank.
Phone Numbers
-
Nutrition Services
262.653.5792