Nutrition is one of the cornerstones in the treatment of chronic kidney failure. Once you have begun Dialysis, you will be assigned to a Registered Dietitian (RD) that you will see multiple times per month. They will help you make appropriate food choices based on your specific needs. Patients and families can feel anxious to learn about the restrictive nature of the renal diet, and often ask the question: “What can I eat?”. These Dietitians are not the food police and will work with you to incorporate foods that will keep you safe and healthy, while also including the foods that make you happy.

Here are some of the services that your Dietitian will provide:

• Deliver and interpret your monthly lab results
• Provide nutrition counseling
• Distribute Monthly Nutrition Education on various topics
• Create an individualized meal plan
• Help you meet your nutrition goals

In addition, your RD will periodically assess your nutrition status and make recommendations to help you meet your nutrition goals. It is up to you to do the work, your RD will simply provide you with information and cheer you on along the way!

Your RD can help if you want to:

• Gain better control of your blood sugars
• Lose weight to meet requirements for transplant
• Gain weight if at risk for malnutrition
• Meet potassium goal to reduce hospitalizations
• Meet phosphorous goals to keep bones and soft tissues healthy
• Increase albumin, by including protein at every meal

We encourage you to call with any questions, or to stop by our office.

Your Nutrition Team,

Lisa Gillespie, RD, LD Fort Smith and Poteau Dialysis Center 479-755-6729

Stephanie Schoolcraft, MHSc, RD, LD Fort Smith PD and Van Buren Clinic 479-262-5711

Hannah Rofkahr, MS, RDN, LD PD and Fort Smith Dialysis Clinic 479-755-6741