Bariatric Support Nutritionists and Dietitians in Buncombe County, NC
Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor. Are you feeling frustrated with dieting, following rigid eating plans, or overwhelmed with so much nutrition information out there? Are you looking for a positive and sustainable relationship with food and your body or hoping to better manage a health condition such as diabetes, heart disease, or PCOS? I focus on a non-diet health first approach and together we create a personalized nutrition plan that helps you meet your individual nutrition goals. I enjoy working with adults, teens, and families with young children. My services are covered by most BCBS health insurance policies.
Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor. Are you feeling frustrated with dieting, following rigid eating plans, or overwhelmed with so much nutrition information out there? Are you looking for a positive and sustainable relationship with food and your body or hoping to better manage a health condition such as diabetes, heart disease, or PCOS? I focus on a non-diet health first approach and together we create a personalized nutrition plan that helps you meet your individual nutrition goals. I enjoy working with adults, teens, and families with young children. My services are covered by most BCBS health insurance policies.
Our hope is to accompany you on your journey of re-discovering the sacred connection to your body while healing your relationship with food. Everyone is born with intuitive wisdom to nourish and care for themselves, no matter how dormant it may feel. We use a non-diet approach to nutrition based on intuitive eating principles, weight-inclusive, and flexible thinking. We specialize in nutrition therapy for eating disorders, disordered eating, and chronic dieting. We are passionate about incorporating somatic modalities and integrating functional nutrition approaches and eco-therapy into nutrition counseling.
Our hope is to accompany you on your journey of re-discovering the sacred connection to your body while healing your relationship with food. Everyone is born with intuitive wisdom to nourish and care for themselves, no matter how dormant it may feel. We use a non-diet approach to nutrition based on intuitive eating principles, weight-inclusive, and flexible thinking. We specialize in nutrition therapy for eating disorders, disordered eating, and chronic dieting. We are passionate about incorporating somatic modalities and integrating functional nutrition approaches and eco-therapy into nutrition counseling.
If you are struggling to develop a peaceful relationship with food, know that you are not alone. Confusing messages telling us how to eat, what to eat, and when to eat can make us wonder why eating has gotten so complicated. The short answer: it doesn't have to be. Whether you have been diagnosed with an eating disorder, suffer from disordered eating, or just want to know how to nourish your body without going on another diet, I can help.
If you are struggling to develop a peaceful relationship with food, know that you are not alone. Confusing messages telling us how to eat, what to eat, and when to eat can make us wonder why eating has gotten so complicated. The short answer: it doesn't have to be. Whether you have been diagnosed with an eating disorder, suffer from disordered eating, or just want to know how to nourish your body without going on another diet, I can help.
Each patient that comes in to see me has a story to tell. I listen and address the root causes that guides each person towards a path to health and well-being. We will create an individualized program that includes meal planning and recipes, along with a functional approach to feeling better and getting the results you want. If needed, we can test for food sensitivities using LEAP/MRT, hormones, micronutrient deficiencies, cardiometabolic, and stool testing for gut health. This holistic approach assesses someone's body as a whole to bring balance back into one's life.
Each patient that comes in to see me has a story to tell. I listen and address the root causes that guides each person towards a path to health and well-being. We will create an individualized program that includes meal planning and recipes, along with a functional approach to feeling better and getting the results you want. If needed, we can test for food sensitivities using LEAP/MRT, hormones, micronutrient deficiencies, cardiometabolic, and stool testing for gut health. This holistic approach assesses someone's body as a whole to bring balance back into one's life.
Online Dietitians and Nutritionists
At Avance Care Nutrition, our highest priority is your health and well-being. Partner with one of our dietitians and your healthcare team to meet your health and wellness goals. We can partner with you to: reach a healthier weight without deprivation with a personalized, flexible lifestyle and eating plan, improve your relationship with food and your body, learn to listen to your body’s cues for hunger and fullness, reduce your risk for developing chronic conditions like heart disease or manage chronic conditions, like diabetes and high blood pressure, with fewer medications.
At Avance Care Nutrition, our highest priority is your health and well-being. Partner with one of our dietitians and your healthcare team to meet your health and wellness goals. We can partner with you to: reach a healthier weight without deprivation with a personalized, flexible lifestyle and eating plan, improve your relationship with food and your body, learn to listen to your body’s cues for hunger and fullness, reduce your risk for developing chronic conditions like heart disease or manage chronic conditions, like diabetes and high blood pressure, with fewer medications.
Joy is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with more than 15 years of experience, primarily serving as a dietitian for the U.S. Army. Her clinical background centers on eating disorders, and she’s passionate about helping clients define their own values around food, weight, and movement. She also facilitates eating-disorder recovery support groups through the National Alliance for Eating Disorders, supporting individuals and families throughout recovery.
Joy is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with more than 15 years of experience, primarily serving as a dietitian for the U.S. Army. Her clinical background centers on eating disorders, and she’s passionate about helping clients define their own values around food, weight, and movement. She also facilitates eating-disorder recovery support groups through the National Alliance for Eating Disorders, supporting individuals and families throughout recovery.
Are you constantly struggling with your weight? Uncertain how to eat for YOUR body? Sick and tired of following "trendy" diets that get you nowhere? There is oftentimes a disconnect when it comes to living a healthy lifestyle; we know what’s good for our bodies, but we don’t always act accordingly. Emma Johnson, Nutritionist LLC aims to mend the gap between knowing and doing, by catering to each individual's unique circumstances.
Are you constantly struggling with your weight? Uncertain how to eat for YOUR body? Sick and tired of following "trendy" diets that get you nowhere? There is oftentimes a disconnect when it comes to living a healthy lifestyle; we know what’s good for our bodies, but we don’t always act accordingly. Emma Johnson, Nutritionist LLC aims to mend the gap between knowing and doing, by catering to each individual's unique circumstances.
I’m a registered dietitian with a private practice that supports individuals struggling with eating disorders, chronic dieting, and body image issues - for the folks I work with, food feels hard. I strive to create a safe, judgment-free space for all individuals to share and process their experiences - my style is warm, accessible, and not without humor. I regularly integrate nutrition science with body-based (somatic) practices and therapeutic coaching to help my clients learn to nourish themselves from the bottom up, with confidence.
I’m a registered dietitian with a private practice that supports individuals struggling with eating disorders, chronic dieting, and body image issues - for the folks I work with, food feels hard. I strive to create a safe, judgment-free space for all individuals to share and process their experiences - my style is warm, accessible, and not without humor. I regularly integrate nutrition science with body-based (somatic) practices and therapeutic coaching to help my clients learn to nourish themselves from the bottom up, with confidence.
Melissa is a dedicated Registered Dietitian who strives to build rapport with her clients and fully understand their nutritional challenges and needs while fostering a positive relationship with food and self-kindness. She enjoys helping others achieve positive changes in their mental and physical health through nutrition counseling and education. Melissa is particularly passionate about working with individuals struggling with eating disorders, disordered eating, and the connection between nutrition and mental health.
Melissa is a dedicated Registered Dietitian who strives to build rapport with her clients and fully understand their nutritional challenges and needs while fostering a positive relationship with food and self-kindness. She enjoys helping others achieve positive changes in their mental and physical health through nutrition counseling and education. Melissa is particularly passionate about working with individuals struggling with eating disorders, disordered eating, and the connection between nutrition and mental health.
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.