Bariatric Support Nutritionists and Dietitians in Winnebago County, IL

Photo of Samantha Gollup, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, CD
Samantha Gollup
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, CD
Online Only
As a Registered Dietitian and mom, I help you break free from diet culture and rebuild trust with food and your body. I understand the pressure to “eat right,” look a certain way, and feed your family well. Together, we’ll simplify nutrition, reduce stress, and create sustainable habits so you and your kids feel nourished, confident, and supported—without guilt or perfection.
As a Registered Dietitian and mom, I help you break free from diet culture and rebuild trust with food and your body. I understand the pressure to “eat right,” look a certain way, and feed your family well. Together, we’ll simplify nutrition, reduce stress, and create sustainable habits so you and your kids feel nourished, confident, and supported—without guilt or perfection.
(608) 573-8183 View (608) 573-8183

Online Dietitians and Nutritionists

Photo of Laurie Schubert, Nutritionist/Dietitian, PhD, RD, CSSD
Laurie Schubert
Nutritionist/Dietitian, PhD, RD, CSSD
Naperville, IL 60563
I SOLVE ATHLETE PROBLEMS. I work with athletes of every age and ability, helping them improve performance through sport-specific nutrition. Doing an Ironman? Making weight for an MMA fight? Need that DI scholarship? Have cramping issues, GI problems, hate your body, just tore your ACL or are paralyzed by all the conflicting diet ads? Do you run out of energy during workouts? Are you a masters athlete with medical issues and multiple meds? Maybe you're a parent and your kid wants to make the varsity team by using a sketchy supplement. Or you're a coach and just don't know what to say when your athletes get dehydrated. I CAN HELP!
I SOLVE ATHLETE PROBLEMS. I work with athletes of every age and ability, helping them improve performance through sport-specific nutrition. Doing an Ironman? Making weight for an MMA fight? Need that DI scholarship? Have cramping issues, GI problems, hate your body, just tore your ACL or are paralyzed by all the conflicting diet ads? Do you run out of energy during workouts? Are you a masters athlete with medical issues and multiple meds? Maybe you're a parent and your kid wants to make the varsity team by using a sketchy supplement. Or you're a coach and just don't know what to say when your athletes get dehydrated. I CAN HELP!
(331) 215-9718 View (331) 215-9718
Photo of Kristy Crum, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, MS
Kristy Crum
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, MS
Online Only
My ideal clients are individuals seeking support for cardiac health, diabetes, weight management, eating disorders, and overall well-being. They often feel overwhelmed by nutrition advice or unsure how to make lasting changes. I provide collaborative, individualized, and evidence-based care focused on their goals. Together, we work to improve health, nutrition, and lifestyle through realistic strategies, behavior change, and ongoing support that promotes sustainable progress.
My ideal clients are individuals seeking support for cardiac health, diabetes, weight management, eating disorders, and overall well-being. They often feel overwhelmed by nutrition advice or unsure how to make lasting changes. I provide collaborative, individualized, and evidence-based care focused on their goals. Together, we work to improve health, nutrition, and lifestyle through realistic strategies, behavior change, and ongoing support that promotes sustainable progress.
(773) 570-1002 View (773) 570-1002
Photo of Tina M Musselman, Nutritionist/Dietitian, LPC, RD, CLT, MA
Tina M Musselman
Nutritionist/Dietitian, LPC, RD, CLT, MA
2 Endorsed
Online Only
Does this sound familiar? You are busy, overstretched and tired of not recognizing yourself when you look in the mirror? Do you give so much to others, family, organizations and work that there is nothing left for yourself at the end of the day? Is your energy, vitality and health being chipped away little by little? Have challenges such as Whole 30, Hard 75 and intense diets failed you?
Does this sound familiar? You are busy, overstretched and tired of not recognizing yourself when you look in the mirror? Do you give so much to others, family, organizations and work that there is nothing left for yourself at the end of the day? Is your energy, vitality and health being chipped away little by little? Have challenges such as Whole 30, Hard 75 and intense diets failed you?
(815) 393-9509 View (815) 393-9509
Photo of Ashley McTaggart, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN
Ashley McTaggart
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN
2 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60601
Formerly Ashley Evans. I am a Registered Dietitian and an alumna of Northern Illinois University. With over seven years of experience in the eating disorder field, I am deeply passionate about supporting individuals in their recovery journey. I began my nutrition career at a residential eating disorder facility in downtown Chicago and later expanded my expertise through roles in Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) levels of care. My nutrition philosophy emphasizes building a healthy and positive relationship with food, integrating mental, emotional, physical, and social health.
Formerly Ashley Evans. I am a Registered Dietitian and an alumna of Northern Illinois University. With over seven years of experience in the eating disorder field, I am deeply passionate about supporting individuals in their recovery journey. I began my nutrition career at a residential eating disorder facility in downtown Chicago and later expanded my expertise through roles in Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) levels of care. My nutrition philosophy emphasizes building a healthy and positive relationship with food, integrating mental, emotional, physical, and social health.
(773) 372-0099 View (773) 372-0099
Photo of Juhi Shah, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
Juhi Shah
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
Chicago, IL 60654
Are you looking for an individualized approach to nutrition? Do you feel stuck in the dieting cycle and not sure where to go next? Do you struggle to incorporate healthy habits during busy weeks with hectic schedules? I am a Registered Dietitian at Fuel U (by SHIFT), a 12-week personalized nutrition coaching program (available both in-person and virtually). Through my connection with SHIFT, a concierge medical practice in River North, I have access to primary care physicians, best-in-class diagnostics (including our dual-compartment DEXA scan), and other clinical resources that aid in coaching our Fuel U clients.
Are you looking for an individualized approach to nutrition? Do you feel stuck in the dieting cycle and not sure where to go next? Do you struggle to incorporate healthy habits during busy weeks with hectic schedules? I am a Registered Dietitian at Fuel U (by SHIFT), a 12-week personalized nutrition coaching program (available both in-person and virtually). Through my connection with SHIFT, a concierge medical practice in River North, I have access to primary care physicians, best-in-class diagnostics (including our dual-compartment DEXA scan), and other clinical resources that aid in coaching our Fuel U clients.
(815) 605-2571 View (815) 605-2571
Photo of Marisa Spiegel, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN
Marisa Spiegel
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN
1 Endorsed
Online Only
As a dietitian with 20 years of experience, I’ve had the privilege of helping individuals across all stages of life, from children to older adults, discover how nutrition can transform their health and well-being. My work spans both inpatient and outpatient settings, where I’ve supported people managing a wide range of medical conditions, lifestyle goals, and health concerns. These experiences have shaped my deep belief that nutrition is more than just what we eat, it's a key part of prevention, healing, and living fully.
As a dietitian with 20 years of experience, I’ve had the privilege of helping individuals across all stages of life, from children to older adults, discover how nutrition can transform their health and well-being. My work spans both inpatient and outpatient settings, where I’ve supported people managing a wide range of medical conditions, lifestyle goals, and health concerns. These experiences have shaped my deep belief that nutrition is more than just what we eat, it's a key part of prevention, healing, and living fully.
(708) 273-5872 View (708) 273-5872
Photo of Ashley Walls, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, RDN, LDN
Ashley Walls
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, RDN, LDN
3 Endorsed
Online Only
Ashley Walls specializes in working with clients interested in general healthy eating, and conditions including Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating, Celiac, Crohn's, IBS, Intuitive Eating, Weight Management and more. With 3 years of experience at a residential treatment level, Ashley is well versed on the difficulties associated with cooccurring diagnosis and eating disorder recovery. She believes that all foods fit through practice of balance, variety and moderation. Her past experiences as an athlete and personal trainer has prompted a particular interest in sports nutrition.
Ashley Walls specializes in working with clients interested in general healthy eating, and conditions including Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating, Celiac, Crohn's, IBS, Intuitive Eating, Weight Management and more. With 3 years of experience at a residential treatment level, Ashley is well versed on the difficulties associated with cooccurring diagnosis and eating disorder recovery. She believes that all foods fit through practice of balance, variety and moderation. Her past experiences as an athlete and personal trainer has prompted a particular interest in sports nutrition.
(312) 262-7112 View (312) 262-7112
Photo of Randi Andres, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, RDN
Randi Andres
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, RDN
5 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60608
Randi Andres is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who practices out of Health Loft specializing in working with adults and adolescents with Eating Disorders, PCOS, and Digestive Issues. Her passion is to help clients cultivate a more peaceful relationship with food and their bodies. Through a non-diet, weight inclusive philosophy, Randi enjoys providing the tools and support to clients so that they can learn to nourish their bodies in a safe, non-judgmental, and enjoyable way. She believes that through integrating the principles of intuitive eating and health at every size, everyone can and deserves to achieve food freedom.
Randi Andres is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who practices out of Health Loft specializing in working with adults and adolescents with Eating Disorders, PCOS, and Digestive Issues. Her passion is to help clients cultivate a more peaceful relationship with food and their bodies. Through a non-diet, weight inclusive philosophy, Randi enjoys providing the tools and support to clients so that they can learn to nourish their bodies in a safe, non-judgmental, and enjoyable way. She believes that through integrating the principles of intuitive eating and health at every size, everyone can and deserves to achieve food freedom.
(305) 614-9182 View (305) 614-9182
Photo of Kristin Paver, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN
Kristin Paver
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN
2 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60616
As a dedicated and compassionate dietitian, Kristin specializes in helping her clients achieve their health and wellness goals through personalized nutrition and lifestyle changes. With a deep understanding that each individual’s dietary needs are unique, she tailors her approach to suit her client’s specific lifestyle, health conditions and goals. Kristin focuses on promoting intuitive eating and fostering a positive relationship with food, helping her clients to listen to their body’s cues and develop a more balanced and mindful approach to eating.
As a dedicated and compassionate dietitian, Kristin specializes in helping her clients achieve their health and wellness goals through personalized nutrition and lifestyle changes. With a deep understanding that each individual’s dietary needs are unique, she tailors her approach to suit her client’s specific lifestyle, health conditions and goals. Kristin focuses on promoting intuitive eating and fostering a positive relationship with food, helping her clients to listen to their body’s cues and develop a more balanced and mindful approach to eating.
(205) 880-1640 View (205) 880-1640
Photo of Rita Ekelman, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MBA, RDN, LDN, CD
Rita Ekelman
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MBA, RDN, LDN, CD
Online Only
My ideal client struggles with disordered eating, emotional eating, or medical nutrition issues like diabetes or gastrointestinal problems. They feel overwhelmed by food choices, guilt, or body image concerns. Their goal is to regain control over their eating habits, heal their relationship with food, and manage their health without restrictive diets. They seek clarity, structure, and emotional support to develop a sustainable, balanced approach to nutrition that improves both their mental and physical well-being.
My ideal client struggles with disordered eating, emotional eating, or medical nutrition issues like diabetes or gastrointestinal problems. They feel overwhelmed by food choices, guilt, or body image concerns. Their goal is to regain control over their eating habits, heal their relationship with food, and manage their health without restrictive diets. They seek clarity, structure, and emotional support to develop a sustainable, balanced approach to nutrition that improves both their mental and physical well-being.
(224) 362-0991 View (224) 362-0991
Photo of Daneris Morales, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, RDN, LD, LDN
Daneris Morales
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, RDN, LD, LDN
Online Only
My ideal clients are individuals seeking to heal their relationship with food, body, and self through intuitive eating and personalized nutrition support. They often feel disconnected, stuck in dieting cycles, or overwhelmed by food rules, and want a more compassionate, sustainable approach. I help them reconnect with their body’s needs through 1:1, individualized guidance that is supportive and deeply personalized. Together, we focus on behavior change, self-trust, and developing a healthier, more peaceful relationship with food and eating.
My ideal clients are individuals seeking to heal their relationship with food, body, and self through intuitive eating and personalized nutrition support. They often feel disconnected, stuck in dieting cycles, or overwhelmed by food rules, and want a more compassionate, sustainable approach. I help them reconnect with their body’s needs through 1:1, individualized guidance that is supportive and deeply personalized. Together, we focus on behavior change, self-trust, and developing a healthier, more peaceful relationship with food and eating.
(708) 381-1690 View (708) 381-1690
Photo of Douglas Liner, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LD
Douglas Liner
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LD
5 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60613
Hello! I am Doug Liner, a Registered Dietitian with 30 years of experience working with others in diabetes care, metabolic health, and weight loss. I work with a wide range of other medical conditions and hold a Certificate of training in Adult and Pediatric Obesity from the Commission on Dietetic Registration. I believe nutritional care should be approached through simple to understand and implement tools for daily living.
Hello! I am Doug Liner, a Registered Dietitian with 30 years of experience working with others in diabetes care, metabolic health, and weight loss. I work with a wide range of other medical conditions and hold a Certificate of training in Adult and Pediatric Obesity from the Commission on Dietetic Registration. I believe nutritional care should be approached through simple to understand and implement tools for daily living.
(312) 374-5399 View (312) 374-5399
Photo of Caitlin Hexum, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN, RD, LD
Caitlin Hexum
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN, RD, LD
3 Endorsed
Online Only
My ideal clients are individuals seeking support for weight management, bariatric care, eating disorders, and overall health. They often feel overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure how to navigate nutrition advice and want a balanced, sustainable approach. I provide collaborative, individualized care focused on realistic goals, behavior change, and improving their relationship with food. My approach is supportive and practical, helping clients build confidence, consistency, and long-term habits that fit their lifestyle.
My ideal clients are individuals seeking support for weight management, bariatric care, eating disorders, and overall health. They often feel overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure how to navigate nutrition advice and want a balanced, sustainable approach. I provide collaborative, individualized care focused on realistic goals, behavior change, and improving their relationship with food. My approach is supportive and practical, helping clients build confidence, consistency, and long-term habits that fit their lifestyle.
(210) 791-9924 View (210) 791-9924
Photo of Kelly Minarick, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MBA, RD, LDN
Kelly Minarick
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MBA, RD, LDN
Online Only
My ideal client feels stuck between wanting to improve their body composition and not wanting to fall back into restrictive, all-or-nothing patterns. They may have a history of dieting or disordered eating, struggle with consistency, and feel frustrated that what “should” work isn’t working. They want a realistic, sustainable approach that supports their metabolism, strength, and long-term health without extremes, rigid rules, or sacrificing their relationship with food.
My ideal client feels stuck between wanting to improve their body composition and not wanting to fall back into restrictive, all-or-nothing patterns. They may have a history of dieting or disordered eating, struggle with consistency, and feel frustrated that what “should” work isn’t working. They want a realistic, sustainable approach that supports their metabolism, strength, and long-term health without extremes, rigid rules, or sacrificing their relationship with food.
(773) 831-4114 View (773) 831-4114
Photo of Cecille Biaggi, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN
Cecille Biaggi
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN
3 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60647
Cecille Biaggi, MS, RDN, is a registered dietitian passionate about helping people build a healthier relationship with food while improving overall health. She supports individuals with weight management, metabolic health, and chronic conditions using practical, evidence-based strategies. Cecille believes nutrition should feel realistic and sustainable—not restrictive—and helps clients build habits that fit their lifestyle. Her goal is to boost confidence, improve health markers, and create long-term habits that last.
Cecille Biaggi, MS, RDN, is a registered dietitian passionate about helping people build a healthier relationship with food while improving overall health. She supports individuals with weight management, metabolic health, and chronic conditions using practical, evidence-based strategies. Cecille believes nutrition should feel realistic and sustainable—not restrictive—and helps clients build habits that fit their lifestyle. Her goal is to boost confidence, improve health markers, and create long-term habits that last.
(872) 278-3254 View (872) 278-3254
Photo of Jody Halouska, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN, CDCES
Jody Halouska
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN, CDCES
Chicago, IL 60615
Jody is a passionate advocate for health, wellness, and feeling your best. Jody is committed to empowering individuals to make positive and sustainable lifestyle changes. Jody strives to provide personalized guidance to help clients achieve their health goals and create a harmonious relationship with food. Recognizing that each individual's relationship with food is unique, Jody works to create a supportive and non-judgmental environment where clients feel empowered to explore their dietary preferences, navigate challenges and cultivate sustainable habits that align with their goals and values.
Jody is a passionate advocate for health, wellness, and feeling your best. Jody is committed to empowering individuals to make positive and sustainable lifestyle changes. Jody strives to provide personalized guidance to help clients achieve their health goals and create a harmonious relationship with food. Recognizing that each individual's relationship with food is unique, Jody works to create a supportive and non-judgmental environment where clients feel empowered to explore their dietary preferences, navigate challenges and cultivate sustainable habits that align with their goals and values.
(872) 259-7074 View (872) 259-7074
Photo of Brianne Herber, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN
Brianne Herber
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN
3 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60638
Brianne is a Registered Dietitian at Health Loft who is passionate about providing personalized support to help clients reach their health goals and create sustainable lifestyle changes. She takes a compassionate, non-judgmental approach, meeting each person where they are in their journey. Brianne believes nutrition and health are not one-size-fits-all and is committed to walking alongside her clients, offering guidance tailored to their unique needs—one step at a time.
Brianne is a Registered Dietitian at Health Loft who is passionate about providing personalized support to help clients reach their health goals and create sustainable lifestyle changes. She takes a compassionate, non-judgmental approach, meeting each person where they are in their journey. Brianne believes nutrition and health are not one-size-fits-all and is committed to walking alongside her clients, offering guidance tailored to their unique needs—one step at a time.
(341) 209-5964 View (341) 209-5964
Photo of Amanda Ghighi, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
Amanda Ghighi
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
5 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60654
Amanda is an RD specializing in general health and wellness, eating disorders and disordered eating. She is dedicated to helping individuals heal their relationship with food and their bodies. Amanda believes in creating a compassionate and supportive environment, incorporating evidence-based nutrition practices to guide clients toward sustainable changes. She strives to empower her clients to break free from diet culture and develop a nourishing and balanced approach to eating. Amanda offers compassionate, patient-centered nutrition care, focusing on non-diet, weight-inclusive principles.
Amanda is an RD specializing in general health and wellness, eating disorders and disordered eating. She is dedicated to helping individuals heal their relationship with food and their bodies. Amanda believes in creating a compassionate and supportive environment, incorporating evidence-based nutrition practices to guide clients toward sustainable changes. She strives to empower her clients to break free from diet culture and develop a nourishing and balanced approach to eating. Amanda offers compassionate, patient-centered nutrition care, focusing on non-diet, weight-inclusive principles.
(312) 374-5399 View (312) 374-5399
Photo of Kristen Nyampong, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LD
Kristen Nyampong
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LD
Chicago, IL 60632
My name is Kristen Nyampong, and I’m a Registered Dietitian based in the Dallas–Fort Worth area. I take a person-centered, trauma-informed, and weight-inclusive approach to care. I’m especially passionate about working with individuals in the BIPOC community and those who are vegan, vegetarian, or plant-forward.
My name is Kristen Nyampong, and I’m a Registered Dietitian based in the Dallas–Fort Worth area. I take a person-centered, trauma-informed, and weight-inclusive approach to care. I’m especially passionate about working with individuals in the BIPOC community and those who are vegan, vegetarian, or plant-forward.
(331) 259-8859 View (331) 259-8859
Bariatric Support Nutritionists and Dietitians
What is bariatric surgery?
Bariatric surgery is a weight-loss method involving surgical intervention to help individuals lose weight. There are several types of bariatric surgery, including gastric sleeve procedures, gastric bypass, and duodenal switch surgeries like the biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch. This approach is often considered a "last resort" due to the high risks and potential complications, such as nutrient malabsorption, "dumping syndrome," gallstones, and hernias. To qualify for bariatric surgery, adults typically must have "class III obesity," defined as a BMI over 40, or a BMI over 35 with at least one related health issue. Adolescents and children can also undergo bariatric surgery but have different inclusion criteria due to the risks associated with the procedure.

How long does it take to see results from bariatric surgery?
In general, the primary goal of bariatric surgery is to promote weight loss to prevent or better manage obesity-related conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, chronic mobility issues, and certain cancers. Therefore, since these diseases are chronic, it may take several years to see significant improvements or prevention following bariatric surgery. However, rapid weight loss often occurs in the initial weeks and months after surgery, with the extent of weight loss varying depending on the type of procedure and the patient's condition. Typically, the fastest weight loss occurs in the first 2-3 months post-surgery, with weight loss plateauing within 1-2 years.

What can you eat once you've had bariatric surgery?
In the first 1-2 months following bariatric surgery, individuals are placed on a restricted diet, such as a fully liquid or pureed food diet, to aid in recovery. After this initial period, most individuals can gradually reintroduce regular foods back into their diet, although they may find that some previously tolerated foods now cause discomfort, nausea, or vomiting. As a result, individuals are encouraged to reintroduce new foods slowly, especially those that are harder to digest, like salads, raw vegetables, and red meats. In addition, many clients may work closely with medical and nutrition professionals in the months and years following bariatric surgery in order to adopt a diet that promotes a healthier lifestyle and maintains their weight loss following bariatric surgery.

Who can benefit from bariatric nutrition support?
All individuals undergoing bariatric surgery can benefit from the expertise of a nutritional professional, such as a registered dietitian (RD), to manage their nutrition post-surgery. Given that bariatric surgery is often considered a "last resort" option, many individuals have already consulted a nutrition professional before their surgery to explore less invasive weight loss options. Following surgery, however, RDs can provide particularly valuable guidance in helping clients find foods that minimize post-surgery symptoms like nausea and vomiting and help develop a meal plan that promotes sustained weight loss. Additionally, RDs can help clients address certain nutritional deficiencies that may arise due to the altered digestive process after surgery, ensuring that clients maintain an adequate intake and receive essential vitamins and minerals following surgery.