Nicola Drabble - Bariatric Dietitian South Africa

Nicola Drabble - Bariatric Dietitian South Africa I specialize in bariatric surgery, obesity, diabetes, gastroentology and group wellness programs Hello! I’m Nicola. Perfection! It was hard work but a lot of fun.

I was first introduced to dietetics at a careers evening at my school when I was in Grade 9. I met a dietitian there and after hearing about what she does, I thought it was the perfect job for me – I get to help people and talk about food all day! After practicing for 23 years, I still love what I do. My career started at the end of 2000, 2 days after writing my final exams, I flew over to Switzerland where I worked as a private chalet girl, preparing menu plans, doing budgets and cooking 3 course meals for up to 20 guests. I did that for a couple of winter seasons and in the summer and for the 8 years that followed, I worked in the NHS in the UK seeing inpatient surgical patients and outpatient clinics working with obesity, weight loss, diabetes, gastroenterology. After many grey rainy days in the UK, in 2008 I moved to sunny Spain and had a private practice working alongside a surgeon who was practicing Bariatric Surgery. I loved this field of medicine as it was a marriage of my two loves – surgery and diseases of lifestyle. It was there that I started to specialize in bariatric surgery. I moved back to South Africa in April 2010 and joined an internationally accredited bariatric center. I’m an anti diet dietitian - I don’t even have a scale in my office. You wouldn’t think that with my specialities! I like to focus on overall health, centimeters, gut health, sleep and energy ensuring you can live your best life. After working with so many different people over the years, and acknowledging how hard it is to change lifestyle habits, I have put together a 12 Fixes to Healthy group challenge. Small changes, made over a 12 week period are sustainable in the long term and will help improve overall quality of life, energy levels, concentration, boost gut health, loose centimeters and age well. So get some friends together and look out for those starting days! My other loves are my two kids, Maya (5) and Jordan (2), my husband Jono who is my #1 cheerleader, triathlons, mountain biking, travelling and of course all things food! I’d love to hear from you,
Nicola

[email protected]

01/09/2026

Weight loss is important—but it is not the only outcome that matters.

Dr Smit and Dr Lubbe’s article cites recent analyses reporting that metabolic and bariatric surgery produced stronger long-term outcomes than GLP-1 receptor agonist treatment when mortality and major cardiovascular events were compared in studied populations with obesity and type 2 diabetes.

This does not mean that one treatment is suitable for everyone. Medication, surgery, nutrition, movement and psychological support each have a place. The right pathway depends on the individual patient.

*Source:* Smit JGM and Lubbe JA, South African Journal of Surgery, 2026.



Educational information only. Not intended as medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding your individual health needs and treatment options.

01/09/2026
29/08/2026
22/08/2026

Who is the Obesity Community Fund for?

OCF is designed for responsible, committed and community-minded patients who are ready to take the next step in their health journey.

The ideal OCF member understands that obesity is a disease — not a personal failure — but also recognises that long-term care requires commitment, participation and responsibility.

OCF works best for patients who are willing to:

• Attend medical appointments and follow clinical guidance
• Build and maintain healthy habits
• Participate in the fund’s community model
• Contribute financially where required
• Advocate, volunteer or help raise awareness
• Support the broader mission of creating access for others

This fund is not an individual shortcut. It is a shared access model built on responsibility, dignity, fairness and community support.

Together, we make life-changing surgery possible.

Visit: www.obesitycommunityfund.co.za

This information is educational and does not replace professional medical advice. A medical assessment is required for personalised care.

🎥 Missed my webinar? The recording is here!Perimenopause, Menopause, Muscle & Metabolism — and why our focus needs to mo...
21/08/2026

🎥 Missed my webinar? The recording is here!

Perimenopause, Menopause, Muscle & Metabolism — and why our focus needs to move beyond weight loss → health gain → LIFE gain. 💚

We talked muscle, bones, metabolism, gut health, nutrition and protecting your health for the long term.

Small confession 🙈 — I was so busy chatting at the beginning that I forgot to press record! So the recording skips the intro and jumps straight into the good stuff.

👉 Watch the recording here:
www.nicoladrabble.co.za/resources

Your bariatric surgery is a powerful tool — but it’s not the only tool you need for long-term success. 🥙 😴 🤸🏻‍♀️🤔 Maybe ...
14/08/2026

Your bariatric surgery is a powerful tool — but it’s not the only tool you need for long-term success. 🥙 😴 🤸🏻‍♀️

🤔 Maybe you’re doing well and want to keep it that way.
🤔 Maybe you’re unsure if you’re meeting your nutrition needs for long-term health.
🤔Maybe you’ve hit a stall.
🤔 Maybe food noise is creeping back in, your energy is low, or you’re starting to worry about regain.

Wherever you are in your journey, You Only Better: Your Bariatric Wellness Blueprint is designed to help you get the very best from your surgery for long term success 💫

Over 6 weeks, we bring together the nutrition, practical tools, accountability and support that every bariatric patient deserves.
✨ Weekly live group sessions
✨ Practical nutrition & meal guidance
✨ 1:1 consultation with me
✨ Private WhatsApp & Facebook support
✨ Accountability partner
✨ Alumni check-ins & lifetime access

❌ No going back on another diet.
❌ No living on shakes.
❌ No chasing perfection.

Just real food, evidence-based guidance and sustainable habits for your health and your life.

And one of the things I hear most from previous members?
“I wish I’d had this information sooner.”

Your surgery is one tool in the toolbox.
Let’s make sure you have the rest!
📅 Next intake now open
👉 Save this post
☎️ Whatsapp me to book your spot – link in bio

🌻FREE Women's Health Month Webinar 🌻Perimenopause, Menopause, Muscle & MetabolismWhat Every Bariatric & GLP-1 Woman Need...
04/08/2026

🌻FREE Women's Health Month Webinar 🌻

Perimenopause, Menopause, Muscle & Metabolism
What Every Bariatric & GLP-1 Woman Needs to Know to Protect Her Health

🌸Perimenopause changes your body.
🌸Menopause changes your body.
🌸Bariatric surgery and GLP-1 medications change your body.

So what happens when they all overlap?

Menopause brings many changes to every woman's body, but if you've had bariatric surgery or you're using a GLP-1 medication, understanding how these changes affect your nutrition, muscle, metabolism and long-term health is even more important.

Join me for a FREE webinar:

Date: 18th August
Time: 7pm
Place: Online/ GoogleMeet

Continue getting the very best from your bariatric surgery or GLP-1 medication 💫

Register here to book your spot! https://www.nicoladrabble.co.za/menopause

Words cannot describe how proud I am of Matthew Pearse Last week we celebrated his one year surgiversary, but more impo...
03/08/2026

Words cannot describe how proud I am of Matthew Pearse

Last week we celebrated his one year surgiversary, but more importantly, one year of showing up.
Over the past 12 months, I've received:
📸 Countless meal prep photos.
📝 Weekly menu plans.
❓Questions, updates, wins, and the occasional "Is this okay?" message.

And then there was my personal favourite...
The infamous "Green Gloop of Death." 🤢😂
If you've had bariatric surgery, you'll know exactly what I'm talking about! The liquid & purée stage isn't exactly known for its gourmet cuisine. Matthew managed to give it the perfect name which I’ll never forget!

But behind the laughs is something much more important.
Success after bariatric surgery doesn't happen because of one perfect meal or one perfect week.
It's built in the hundreds of small decisions nobody else sees.
⭐Choosing to meal prep.
⭐Planning ahead.
⭐Asking questions.
⭐Learning from setbacks.
⭐Trusting the process.
⭐Showing up... over and over again.
A year later, he hasn't just lost weight—he's built habits, confidence, and a healthier future.

Matthew, I'm incredibly proud of the dedication you have shown over the last 12 months. It's been such a privilege to walk alongside you on your journey. Here's to many more years of health, confidence, and never having to eat the Green Gloop of Death again!

Remember... surgery is the tool. The daily choices are what make the magic happen. 💙


Address

Intercare Sandton, 200 Rivonia Road
Johannesburg

Opening Hours

Monday 09:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 08:30 - 19:00
Wednesday 08:30 - 19:00
Thursday 08:30 - 19:00

Telephone

+27791533262

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