Julie has been a valuable resource for my gastroenterology patients
I am a recently retired Sarasota gastroenterologist. I met Julie several years ago and quickly recognized that she had the knowledge and empathy to help me manage some of my most challenging patients. We rapidly developed a very beneficial professional relationship and as a result she has been my go-to trusted nutritionist for many patients, with very gratifying results. We often used each other’s expertise to provide patients with treatment options using complementary strategies. She is extremely knowledgeable in all aspects of patient care and provides patients with personalized treatment plans incorporating appropriate testing, food plans and supplements. I wish more of my colleagues would recognize the benefit of this multi-faceted approach and use Julie as the valuable resource she has proven to be for many of my patients.
Dr. Isaac Kalvaria
I’m finally myself after chemo
When I first met with Julie, I was exhausted, was unable to sleep well, experienced dryness all over my body, was dizzy, and had horrible brain fog. I had undergone chemo several years ago and felt it completely “tanked me.” Julie taught me the importance of certain foods and nutrients essential to meet my health needs and we also did a micronutrient test with Spectracell, which greatly helped determine the particular nutrients I was lacking in. Julie helped balance my micronutrient levels as well as my hormones which helped my brain to come alive and function again. Now I feel great and have good energy levels from the time I rise until bedtime. I am no longer dizzy or dry everywhere and I can sleep and drive and function like I used to! Thank you Julie for giving me my life back!
Lisa B.
I Finally Have Answers & Relief!
Julie is a miracle worker! I have been a chronic suffer of digestive issues since I was a teenager. In my 62 years I have seen at least 20 Gastroenterologists, none of which could ever pinpoint my conditions. Everyone always labeled my issues as IBS, with no conclusive testing or treatment other than prescription medications, which over the years have made my condition worse. After my first phone consultation with Julie, I knew she understood my issues. At my initial appointment she was prepared with a wealth of information about what could be the root cause of my digestive distress. She recommended testing, change of diet, elimination of certain medications, and outlined a program that was easy for me to follow, including recipes that are delicious. When the tests results came back conclusive of my disease, I was shocked that my Gastroenterologists had never even thought to test these simple, easy tests. I was treated with an antibiotic (by my Gastroenterologist), added supplements, and made changes to my diet. In the past three months, Julie has changed my life. Digestive issues are not simple and everyone’s are different, but Julie has the knowledge and compassion to help patients who are suffering.
RR
I kicked my sugar cravings in just a few days!
Julie. I just wanted to take a moment to write you to say THANK YOU! It has been just a few days since our first visit and I have yet to implement everything we discussed… BUT I can’t believe I am no longer experiencing sugar cravings! It is a miracle and a feeling I’ve never felt before. I also had a normal BM this morning. Hallelujah! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!
Your grateful client…
MO
I have my life back
I met Julie in the fall of 2017. I have been diagnosed over the years with IBS-C, GERD, Diverticulitis, Gastroparesis and SIBO. I retired 5 years ago and have met with many gastroenterologists who did nothing to help me other than put me through diagnostic tests and prescribe multiple prescriptions, none of which really changed anything. I was even told that I needed to have my colon removed……I finally I met a wonderful gastroenterologist who helped put me on a better path. He helped me to understand my conditions and how they were all connected and sent me to Julie.
Working with her has been life changing for me; her understanding of these gut problems and her extensive knowledge of natural supplements and diet modifications has enabled me to not only control but to drastically improve and reduce my GI symptoms and conditions. I have been able to stop taking some of the long term drugs I was on which were actually making some of these problems worse, not better. I learned more from her after just our first visit than I ever knew about these kinds of issues. Everyone else seemed content to give me a new pill and send me on my way.
I can now honestly say that I feel as though I have my life back; my gut is functioning better than it has in years; I know how to eat “normal” healthy foods and avoid those that will trigger problems. I can enjoy going out with friends and family; I have more energy and generally feel like a healthier and stronger person. I will always be indebted to Julie for her patience, knowledge and compassion………she is truly amazing!
Madi Portugal
You Have Changed My Life!
“I have learned everything I know from you about my gut. You have altered how I look at food, digestion, and eating habits to help heal my gut and improve my health — in short, you have changed my life for 100% better. THANK YOU!”
Barbara
Thankful to Have a Happy Gut & Be Medication Free! The Journey is Worth it…
I’m very thankful for Julie. For years I dealt with doctors who put me on meds that treated symptoms but actually made my conditions worse, until one gastroenterologist was forward thinking enough to recommend a consult with Julie. She immediately encouraged me to wean off the drugs that were not providing relief (with my MD support). We did some additional testing to figure out what was causing underlying problems, and started me on a natural path to healing with supplements and diet modifications. Within a couple of weeks my constipation was gone and now, after a few months, I’m on the road to recovery. I am no longer afraid of food, as I’ve found new, healthy, and delicious alternatives. I also take no medications at all. Nutrition therapy isn’t a quick fix, but if you want to feel better and get to the root cause of your symptoms, I highly recommend seeing Julie. She truly cares about your health.
Robin R.
I am losing weight, confident, and have a positive outlook.
Julie was recommended to me by another person who also had a history of cancer. I was struggling with losing weight didn’t know what vitamins were right for me. My most valuable lesson I learned was that by eating properly, I could lose weight at the same time! I now feel more confident about my intake of vitamins. Working with Julie, has given me a positive outlook that I am heading in the right direction for a healthier life style. By eating healthier, my blood pressure medication has decreased! I learned that I have control of my body as well as being aware of what goes in it. When I find myself, back into my old habits, my subconscious gets me back of track!
Thank you Julie!
MH
I Have A Better Life Back after Overcoming Gastroparesis and SIBO
Prior to working with Julie, I was diagnosed with gastroparesis and SIBO (small intestine bacterial overgrowth). I lost 25 pounds off a frame that was already on the thin side and was very sick. I was nauseous, in pain, had no energy, and was virtually homebound.
When I began working with Julie, I finally felt like I had someone on my side who really understood what I was going through. She had an abundance of information and steps to take to get better. Not only did I learn how to make food my friend again, but learned that getting well also required coping with stresses in my life.
Five months later, I am doing well! I have gained 11 pounds and have regained my strength. I am back playing golf and am volunteering several days a week at places that require moderately strenuous activities. I can eat confidently, even in a restaurant. While some days are a struggle, I am continuing to improve day by day. Not only do I have my original life back, I have a better life back!
Louise
I am Finally “Living Again”…With Improved Health
Thank you for everything! If only I could somehow express to you how much it means to have days at a time when I actually feel good. I am beginning to live again after 10 long years of hell and it really is because of you and your guidance. You are the person who has saved my life. Literally. I have prayed a long time for this. God bless you,
Susan
On the Road to Recovery …Nutrition Therapy is an Essential Part of Healthcare!
My issues began with symptoms of constant diarrhea, fatigue, stomach cramps, feeling full quickly and poor digestion and absorption of my food which lead to significant weight loss. This was soon after discontinuing many years of a PPI (acid reducer) with history of GERD and a fundoplication. While out of town, I received emergency care and was sent home without any diagnosis and a round of antibiotics. Upon returning to Sarasota, my GI doctor unavailable and I continued a downward slide of symptoms and weight loss. Julie was recommended to me and she took me quickly learning of my symptoms. After recording all the info she needed, we began a program of clinical recovery while she obtained access to a GI doctor on my behalf.
I experienced immediate improvement as soon as I followed Julie’s instructions. After much testing, a diagnosis was obtained of pancreatic insufficiency and likely gluten intolerance. As the severity of the symptoms subsided, I knew I had the right team.
Through all of my discussions with Julie, I learned about the importance of a balanced, healthy gut microbiome and understood the consequences of the imbalance. My experience also demonstrated the importance of a healthy diet as prescribed by Julie.
I am now on the road to recovery by following Julie’s recommendations for diet, supplement, and lifestyle interventions. I am aware of my situation and the possible outcomes. As I learned about the gut microbiome, I noticed the benefits of getting and keeping it healthy as I became aware of some symptoms of imbalance that disappeared as I improved.
With Julie’s kind and gentle direction as well as availability to hold my hand and walk me through the steps to recovery, answering all my questions thoroughly, I am now able to act more calmly, enjoy healthy meals, stabilize my weight, and have lost interest in foods such as sugar, most dairy and the unhealthy forms of grains. Julie didn’t just provide instruction and guidance but explanation of future challenges that could occur.
Nutrition therapy is an essential part of healthcare and it does not get any better than working with Julie
Roger Barkin D.D.S.
Empowered and Encouraged to Understand Food Best for My Body
I am so glad I decided to work with Julie! I’ve learned so much from her and I feel really empowered knowing more about my body and how food affects it. The advice she’s given me has been so helpful. Her approach is personalized and she’s very sensitive to my individual needs. She listens really well and is just one of the warmest, sweetest people I know!
Amber
Weight Loss Begins with Healing the Gut
Julie is the best! She is extremely knowledgeable, gives expert sensible advice and is a real problem solver. I had several health issues that required immediate attention, and my doctor recommended I see a nutritionist. When I went to see Julie I was not in good health. Working with her, I was able to lose 35#, improve my health (digestion, intolerances, skin issues) markedly over a 5 month period. Friends now remark not only on my weight, but my healthy skin and eyes. Everyone, including my doctors, tell me to keep doing what I am doing as it is really working! I cannot recommend Julie highly enough. She literally saved my life!
Ann S.
Freedom from Food Cravings for Good
I am finally free from the control food has had over me over the years. I no longer crave sugar and fast food. Totally worth the investment. I’m on the road to better health and love the food I am eating, thanks to Julie.
L.M.
Out in the Community Sharing Her Passion
Thank you Julie for providing a fantastic presentation at our monthly meeting. We had such positive feedback…you truly have a talent for speaking to a group!
Ashley – Celiac Support Group Leader (Sarasota)
Compassion and Empathy through Complex Health Issues
Julie Bender-Sibbio is the best nutrition consultant I have ever met. I have a complex set of medical issues-food sensitivities, irritable bowel syndrome, connective tissue disease, and inflamed joints. I do not know how she knew where to begin! But begin she did. Starting with testing and journaling my food intake. She works methodically, like a detective. After a few weeks, she led me to the office of a G.I. doctor with the promise that he was a great diagnostician…and he has played a vital role in my recovery. Julie truly is gifted with amazing intuition, passion for her work, and an authentic empathy and compassion that makes working with her so rewarding. Rewarding in the sense that I have my hope back that through our joint effort, I will finally feel like my old healthy self again. In today’s healthcare system it is easy to become disheartened. But with Julie, you will find a true professional, who is knowledgeable, competent and caring, all in one package! I give her five stars and tons of gratitude!
Diana Brady
Energy from 0 to Almost 10…Medication Free!
When I found out I had gastroparesis, I was overwhelmed and had no idea how or what I was going to eat. I was lucky enough to find Julie. She listened and completely understood my illness and how to help me through this disease. The doctor had given me a prescription for Domperidone, and I was not happy about taking medication and four more pills a day, and knew I did not want to stay on this medication for life!
Julie helped me accomplish the goal of getting off the medication with a new way of eating and supplements to help with my digestion. I am very active and knew I needed the proper food to keep me active. When I met Julie I was a “0” when it came to energy and now I have almost regained my energy and stamina. Julie has helped me find foods that I can tolerate and has helped me realize the right balance of nutrients I need. I know that I would not be where I am today without Julie. She will be my “go to person” for a long time. Thank you so much Julie, you are an angel.
Linda Lee Foster Paul, lindaleefoster.com
Weight Loss with a Personalized Plan
When I first came to see Julie it was on doctor’s orders as my physical and mental health was not good. I was overweight and just not feeling well at all. I was reluctant because I have had many health care providers promise that each new plan was the perfect solution for me. This time they were right! Over the last few months with Julie’s instruction, guidance and a high level of professionalism, I am not only losing weight (more than 30 pounds) but also have a much more optimistic outlook that I will finally feel well again. Thank you for all you have done for me.
David
Freedom from Gastroparesis, Renewed Energy
I have struggled with severe GERD and gastroparesis for the last 10 years. No drugs helped. I didn’t digest past 3 pm and felt full and bloated. I got progressively more ill- cognitive impairment, fatigue, severe abdominal pain. Eating very poorly and very discouraged, I sought out Julie who was highly recommended. She listened and understood gastric problems; she gave me hope. I did everything she recommended. I feel so much better just 3-4 months later. My gut is really healing; my gastroparesis is healing; I can eat real food! I don’t have pain or fullness, and I have energy! I am not afraid of food and I’m experimenting. I continue to see Julie and make changes. Julie is skilled, knowledgeable, understanding… she seeks answers and provides solutions. Working with Julie is the best investment one could ever make.
Mary Callow
Embracing Change, Leads to Healing and Opportunity
I love to eat and I love cook. I even plan vacations around the dining experience. But for over a decade, I was suffering with progressively worsening health issues. What began as severe digestive tract problems eventually grew to ear infections, fatigue, joint and muscle pain, sinus problems, headaches, hives and rashes. I was going from doctor to doctor to treat individual symptoms, but I was not getting any relief. No one had an answer. I tried to live with it, but soon I was becoming malnourished since food was not being absorbed properly. Finally, about five years ago, it was suggested that I might have food allergies. I completed an immune blood print and found I had over 30 food allergies, intolerances and sensitivities. Although I was relieved to discover their actually was a reason for all my health issues, I absolutely panicked. No more onions, tomatoes, garlic, gluten, yeast, eggs, cow dairy, peanuts, bananas, white potatoes. The list went on and on. What was I going to eat for myself and how could I possible cook for my family and friends?
Armed with my list of allergies, I went to see Julie. She calmed my panic, suggested food substitutions, and taught me how to eat a balanced diet even though so many foods were now eliminated from my diet. She taught me about hidden foods and food families. I learned about the dangers of cross-contamination. Most important, she told me, “You can do this.” And she was right!
Now that I know to stay away from foods that are toxic to me, I am so happy to report that I am healthy and happy. I learned how to cook in ways that were safe for me and delicious tasting for family and friends. I recently just published a cookbook, ‘LICIOUS: Floribbean Recipes for Those with Multiple food allergies and those that just love delicious food. I wanted to make it easy for those who have just been diagnosed with multiple food allergies so they would not have to go through all the work I did. I truly could not have done it without Julie! She literally saved my life!!
Cookbooks are available through Amazon.com.; cookbooksforsale.com; or by contacting me directly at Donna Wolfson, donnawolfson@gmail.com or calling 941-924-7675
Donna Wolfson
Hope and New Lease on Life
I have suffered for 10 years with SIBO, leaky gut, candida, IBS-C and multiple food intolerances. I have spent all of those 10 years trying to get better, and Julie has been the first person to really make a difference in my conditions. She is not only very knowledgeable, but she is aware of many aspects of nutrition and health and is a very compassionate person.
I would still be very sick if it weren’t for her. I finally have my life back.
Susan
Relief and Freedom from Gut Dysfunction
I first went to Julie in December 2016 because of a 2-year-long battle with IBS, diverticulosis, gastritis, GERD, and sorely inflamed intestines. I was bloated and exhausted and depressed. I was at a complete loss of how to help my body. Working with her for these past 8 months has brought about a complete change in my diet, metabolism, energy, knowledge of foods, and eating habits. I am now out of pain, eat wonderful foods, have lost weight, am no longer bloated, and I feel my energy returning. Julie has made ALL the difference in my health. She doesn’t try to push supplements or make money off me. “You are what you eat!”—And Julie knows what is in every type of food, and which ones will help for your particular problems and which you should avoid. I am awed by her knowledge of nutrition and diet. She is the BEST!!
Barbara L.
