Ruza S.

In my 60 + years of life, my ongoing struggle with headaches, stomach issues, and high blood pressure had resulted with daily long term use of medication after medication to the point that I was sick and tired by the site of a pill and eventually stopped taking them on a regular basis as instrstructed by my doctor. The tipping point for me to look into alternative ways to get better, was when after my stroke, feeling thirsty and dealing with dry mouth and insomnia for months, my primary doctor prescribed me even more medications and told me that he cannot officially diagnose me with type 2 diabetes because my A1c was not in the diagnosis range. I was told to stop eating sweets, and wait 6 months until my blood work would fit into the ranges for diagnosis so I can be officially diagnosed as a diabetic and get started on yet another medication for the rest of my life. It was frustrating that he never tried to help me stop the progression of the disease, or even ask me whether I liked eating sweets or not, but did assume none the less. I am happy that I took this journey to rediscover my health and well being with Project ofHealth. It felt quite liberating and empowering the feeling of taking control and actively participate in getting better. The dietitian worked patiently with me and my understanding of foods and their effect on my health. She guided me through the food plan she modified specifically to address my high blood pressure and blood sugar. Once my symptoms of high blood sugar started to improve, it was much easier for me to do all the changes that needed to be done so I can remain in this state of feeling well simply put. She introduced me to the concept of self-care, which I believe was very important in my understanding of getting better and living better, which I continue to follow even till today. I am happy to share, that after 5 months of work, my blood glucose levels are back to normal, and I am no longer in the pre-diabetic category. My weight has dropped, with some more space for improvement, of course, my sleep has been restful, my headaches decreased significantly, my dry mouth, thirst at night, and interrupted sleep symptoms are all gone. The empowerment, knowledge and new outlook on life I gained all these months, has helped me to live a very productive and quality life. I am very thankful to my dietitian Biljana, for her patience, willingness to listen, understand and help me deal with my struggles of trying to change my habits for better. The results I achieved are extraordinary in my opinion, and what makes the feeling even better is that I was actively participating in getting better and getting back some control of my health. I had a voice that was heard and learned a lot during the process. The knowledge that I get to use even today, for I know, even when sometimes I indulge in my pasta dish or have an extra piece of French bread, I do not have that feeling of regret, for I know, I am equipped to deal with whatever comes my way.

Thank you for everything, you saved me, or should I say per your recommendations, “We saved me”.

Nina C

I was diagnosed with prediabetes about a year ago. My doctor left me a voice mail with instructions not to eat rice, beans, pasta and sugar and that was it. So I searched for more answers and I found dietician Biljana. She hit the spot with all the answers. First, she explained how this happened to me, the hormones and body activities, then we planned the right diet and exercise for my condition and also the right supplements since my lifestyle was about to change. I am so grateful to Mrs Billy, the whole process went smooth. She was supportive, and caring, always reachable to answer my 100s questions. And the results were amazing! I am 5’9, was 164lb. With Billy’s help, I lost over 20lb in less than 6 months. My A1C and blood sugar went down and after 1 year still 140lb. Once we got the desired results and the process continually was going in the right direction we changed the diet to something less restrictive and it’s working good as well. I can’t be more grateful to Billy and thankful that she appeared at the right time!
Amazing person and super professional! Thank you forever!!!

Mile S.

Although I must admit, in the beginning, I was sceptic thinking this would be a waste of time because she did not offer a cure but rather explained to me to that it will take some time until we see results, but that it will be worth it. She was asking me a lot of questions, was very engaged to listen to what I had to say and what I thought. It was refreshing to feel finally heard by a health care professional, without being rushed with some generic questions just so I an end up again waiting for a line at the pharmacy to collect my prescriptions. She understood my way of life, my food preferences and very little time I had to spend on myself due to my job requirements. I felt there was no judgment what so ever, but I felt she addressed my problematic lifestyle habits in such a way that at the end of the consult I was really ready and wanted to change them solely because I was finally aware of how they wreak havoc on my health. I was overweight, with a lot of stomach issues including acid reflux, pain, discomfort, bloating after meals, and very irregular bowel movements. I had a very Standard American Diet with allot of takeout food due to my work schedule. What became very challenging for me was that I was dependent on my antacids after literary every meal. My heartburn was getting out of control.
I started worrying when my antacids were not working anymore, and I had to increase my dose to 2 sometimes 3 Tums after a meal just to soothe my heartburn.
This was the reason that made me want to try to work with Biljana. As I said earlier, she asked a lot of questions, she listened to my story, and she explained my lab results and what they meant to my health struggle. I had a feeling that it was the both of us that made a therapy plan for me because she was recommending, but in the same time listening to what I am able and willing to do, and what I am not. She individualized her diet plan to my needs, and I must say, I was surprised to how it made it so easy for me. She introduced me to some roots and plants that I took instead of my antacids, for which it took some time getting used to, but the results were nothing short of a miracle.
I am happy to say my heartburn, my stomach issues and me going to the restroom have much improved with an occasional need for Tums depending on what kind of meal I decide to indulge on. I am happy and very grateful because she helped me with my stomach issues, taught me how to use food as medicine as she likes to say, and what I was not expecting, in the whole process I even shed some pounds, started sleeping better, am more interested in my health and well being, and even lost some pounds around my waist.
I recommend for whoever is trying to gain some control back over their health, is tired of having their health symptoms ruling their everyday life, to give it a try and work with her. I hope she can help you as much as she helped me.
Thank you thank you thank you Biljana,
Truly
Mile S