"A Letter From Marla: My Crohn's Is Gone and I lost 62 lbs!"

Dear Dr. Jamis,

This year has been remarkably different. My Crohn's Diease is gone, completely undetectable. No IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). My gut health has not been this good since my teen years. I haven't experienced a single virus or cold this year, which I find impressive considering I was on antibiotics and corticosteroids just before transitioning to a plant-based diet.

Teachers and fellow students have all commented on how different I look this year. I began December at 220 lbs and am currently at 158 lbs. From a 2XL pants size to a medium. Last year, I spent half the school year sick, but this year has been a remarkable transformation.

Embracing a plant-based diet means embracing antibacterial and antiviral foods. One of my favorite parts of taking Nutrition class this year was building upon the information you had already shared with me. I no longer miss unhealthy foods. I've always found comfort in eating, and I've discovered that I can adjust recipes to fit my new lifestyle.

Reflecting on my heaviest moments, I recall hiding behind my kids in pictures. Many can relate to this. We wouldn't hide if we felt that obesity was healthy or acceptable. I've had moments where I covered myself in photos with my daughter at the pool; it was a sad reality.

I needed the strength to push through the toughest times, and I am so thankful for your guidance. Your presence is truly missed, but I'm also grateful for having crossed paths with you.

My daughter Lucy is learning to navigate this lifestyle change. She makes a quick taco plate – one of her favorites! A bean variety, like black or pinto, microwaved with lettuce, tomato, salsa, and a couple spoonful of guacamole. It takes just 5 minutes. Adding a couple of whole grain flax seed pita bread rounds out the meal as a complete protein.

Often, people struggle to know where to begin. One of the challenges is not knowing how to make healthy food that also tastes good. It's important to branch out and try new foods. A year ago, I wouldn't have touched chickpea curry, but making adjustments to familiar dishes is key. Change may be daunting, but the gains make it all worthwhile."

Your guidance has truly made an impact on my journey to health, and I can't thank you enough. Here's to embracing change, celebrating small victories, and thriving on this transformative path!

- Marla V.

Why Gange, A Vegetarian, Would Not Have To Go On Medications Anymore

Note: Below is a testimonial I actually received via text, image, audio, or video submission. It is the patient's reflection of his experiences during the course of or after using our services in some way or another. Since it is a personal experience, results do vary for each individual. The testimonial was given verbatim and edited for grammar, syntax, and brevity. My name would appear as the author because I posted this on this website as a blog/article under the category "Testimonials". I’m Gange, and my story begins with getting my blood work done. When I was in New York, I was working with a primary care physician who wanted to get my blood work done annually. My numbers were fluctuating here and there, but these were not of any major concern to my primary care physician at that time. We then moved to Arizona about three years ago, and I had my first blood work done here in November 2019. My test results showed that some numbers have increased significantly; and being a vegetarian, I was surprised by how high these numbers can be. This time, I was told that if my numbers don’t come down, I may need medication.

Coincidentally, my wife, who was attending yoga classes in the community center here in Arizona, met Dr. Edelita Jamis. She explained to my wife that there are many patients who have had various illnesses that she has treated through lifestyle medicine, and got them off their medication. When I decided to meet her, I naturally had a lot of questions in mind, which she addressed one by one. She explained well how the program works, and that’s how we started. I knew I was lucky that I didn’t have to start any medication for either my A1C or cholesterol yet, and she told me that I actually came at the right time. She emphasized that I needed to take the program seriously and follow what she told me, and then I wouldn't have to go on any medications.

In January 2020, I started the program and incorporated certain dietary and lifestyle changes. Being a vegetarian, continuing with the whole-food plant-based diet was not a challenge. But, it took a lot of discipline when it came to not using too much salt or oil when cooking, or having too much sugar in anything I eat. I also learned how to read food labels and buy proper food. The exercise I do for 20 minutes everyday also helps in combination with my diet. And, in just four months of being in the program, the first blood work already showed some changes and the numbers went down. My A1c which has been at 6+ for decades came down to 5.8. Initially, I was on two blood pressure medications and I was only taking one in just 2 months. I continued everything that Dr. Jamis taught me even after the program. I'm glad I did because on July 2021, my A1c continued to drop to 5.2. My triglycerides came down to 101, and then down to and my total cholesterol came down from 217 to 175. My LDL dropped from 122 to 88. My prostate test (PSA) which had been elevated for at least three decades also finally normalized.

Even my family doctor was surprised to learn about my results, so I told her about Dr. Edelita’s program. And, I would like everyone to know that she is the kind of doctor who’s very dedicated and professional. As long as you have a goal before you start and you’re willing to be disciplined, you will succeed. “If I start this, I’m going to finish this” — that kind of mindset. I recommend everybody to try this program if your numbers in your blood work are not good. Dr. Jamis is a very good lifestyle medicine doctor.

P.S. I now grow my own garden at home!

"She gave me many tools I didn’t have before."

Note: Below is a testimonial I actually received via text, image, audio, or video submission. It is the patient's reflection of her experiences during the course of or after using our services in some way or another. Since it is a personal experience, results do vary for each individual. The testimonial was given verbatim and edited for grammar, syntax, and brevity. My name would appear as the author because I posted this on this website as a blog/article under the category "Testimonials".

"I tried going vegan and whole foods plant based diet several times on my own without much sustained success. Then I met Dr. Edelita Jamis. She changed my life. She gave me many tools I didn’t have before. One of the most important things I got from her was the education on portion sizes and information on food labels. This changed everything for me. I lost 14 pounds in my first month working with her. In the second month, my A1c went from 6.2 to 5.2 and my kidney function improved by 11 points. I looked forward to her calls. She was motivating, encouraging, very helpful, and was a wonderful listener. I believe she was sent into my life at just the right time. I am very thankful to her!"