FODMAP Consultancy -Testimonials: Words from happy clients

Thanks to all my clients who have taken the time to leave FODMAP Consultancy testimonials.The positive feedback I receive from my clients is a hugely rewarding part of my job.

Below you can read some reviews and testimonials from past clients. They share their experiences and show how the low FODMAP diet has changed their lives.

You can also read my reviews on Yell or Google.

Debra Thomas, FODMAP Consultancy

“Thank you so much for taking the time to explain everything to me and to answer any questions I have had. Not only has my IBS improved tremendously but so has my mind set and attitude towards food. I’m no longer afraid to try foods and I’m enjoying food without the worry of how I’ll feel afterwards. I’ve never felt better and hopefully this will reflect in my general health too.”

DC, Merthyr Tydfil

“I had been having problems with my bowels which were causing me a lot of distress and disruption to my life. So, I decided to seek professional help. Debra advised me to follow a low fodmap diet for 4 weeks. The results were amazing, within a couple of days, my symptoms started to settle down and I could finally leave the house without worrying when I would need to use the toilet next! I am now reintroducing some of the restricted food back into my diet with guidance from Debra, to help me identify my trigger foods. Debs help has been life changing for me, I can’t recommend her highly enough.”

SD, Merthyr

“Debra has explained the low FODMAP diet very thoroughly and given me some good advice. From my initial enquiry to first consultation Debra has been very helpful and completely professional.”

JL, Wigan

“For the first time in 17 years I am pain free. Thank you so much. I can sit, lay down and bend without pain or discomfort for the first time in years. A horrible taste I’ve had in my mouth has gone and I’m having better quality sleep. I now enjoy what I eat.”

LR, Bristol

“As a ‘non-believer’, I would like to share my experience of the FODMAP diet. I was skeptical at first, as none of the prescribed medications were able to control the constant bloating and toilet issues I was experiencing. At this point I was hardly able to fit into most of my clothes and was spending the majority of my day in the bathroom. Despite my skepticism I was desperate and willing to try anything. By following the advice and booklets, within two weeks I started to experience relief from my symptoms, which I never thought would be possible. I absolutely recommend anyone with IBS to try the low FODMAP diet with Debra’s expert help. If it worked for me there is hope for everyone else.”

SC, Carmarthen

“After seeing Debra, I can honestly say she has changed my life for the better, the symptoms I was experiencing before hand have virtually all gone and I have learnt a new pattern of eating as well as trying new foods. I have a healthier diet and have loads more energy. Work has become a lot easier and I find it easier to concentrate and I am not sluggish any more. Honestly this woman is a miracle worker!”

EE, Swansea

“Within 2 weeks, I could tell the difference. I was less windy and my sleep pattern had started to be better. By week 4, I was waking up pain free for the first time in years. I had less wind and cramps and I felt that my acid levels had reduced as well. By week 8 I felt brilliant, both physically and emotionally.I was sceptical in the beginning, as I have tried so many things over the years, but after 8 weeks I am more than impressed with the results.”

RS, Port Talbot

“Just wanted to say a MASSIVE THANK YOU, I’ve just come back from holidays and thanks to you it was the best I’ve ever had. Thanks to you I was able to make good food choices so my stomach was kept happy. I had NO pain the whole week and by the end of the week I could even still fit into my clothes which was unheard of on previous holidays. I know I sound a bit dramatic but I honestly feel as if you’ve completely changed my life.”

TM, Pontypridd

“I have struggled with IBS for about 11 years. Medication did make my symptoms a little easier, but did not solve the issue. From the moment I contacted Debra she was so helpful and gave me great advice. My symptoms greatly improved within the first week and have now almost disappeared. I just wish I had found Debra years ago, as her advice has made such a difference to me. I no longer need to worry about flare ups in work or when I’m out. I would definitely recommend the low FODMAP diet to anyone with IBS. Thank you Debra!”

HR, Swansea

“To say IBS ruled my life for a number of years is an understatement. It affected my work and social life, I even missed out on a number of holidays with friends. Eventually my GP told me about the FODMAP diet but just gave me a sheet of the foods to avoid. I found it very difficult to follow without clear instructions and was not aware there was a reintroduction process. Since meeting Debra and having her help with the FODMAP diet, my life has changed dramatically. To be honest, at first I did find it a little difficult to follow, but it became easier as I got into it and now I am confident so find it easy.
My family has commented on how much more confident I am now and how I am getting back to my old self. I am now sleeping throughout the night again, as I’m no longer being woken up with stomach cramps. I cannot thank Debra enough as without her I would still be in a situation of anxiousness being controlled by IBS and feeling so very down.”

CW, Swansea

“I have suffered from IBS my whole life, I’m 52 now, but over the last few years, it has been dibilatating. Every time I leave the house my family had to wait for me to take several trips to the toilet, every time they had a shower, I was banging on the door because I needed to use the toilet. Every time I finally left the house our trip had to be carefully planned so that I knew where the toilets were on the way, and when I got there. I was a bit sceptical at first but I decided to try the FODMAP diet and to my surprise it really worked. I now know what my triggers are and what food to avoid, and now going out with my family and going on long journeys is an absolute pleasure. I can’t recommend this treatment highly enough.”

EK, Paisley

“I would like to say a massive thank you for the support you have given me while I’ve been following the low FODMAP diet. I’ve been suffering with IBS for around 15 years I had come to accept that my symptoms were never going to go away and I did my best to just put up with them. To say that the Low FODMAP diet is life changing, for me personally is no exaggeration. For years, my days would revolve around the toilet. Any plans I made would be based around whether there was a toilet nearby. It affected my relationship as my partner would think that I was choosing to spend so much time in the bathroom to get away from her. It also affected my confidence in work as even though they were always extremely supportive, I was very conscious of how much time I was having to take away from my desk. I’m delighted to say that my symptoms have improved dramatically. I am now able to spend more of my time doing the things I enjoy, without constantly worrying whether there is a toilet nearby. I can spend more quality time at home with my partner and it has lifted my confidence in work as I am now more productive. I would recommend the Low FODMAP diet to anybody who suffers with IBS.”

PL, Caldicot

“I have suffered from IBS for over 30 years and like most people have tried many approaches to dealing with it and learnt to settle for living with managing the symptoms as best I can and thinking that was as good as it would get. However, working with Debra has been a revelation!!! I never thought I would be able to live without the symptoms until now and it is amazing! Life is so much freer, lighter, enjoyable and relaxed!
Debra’s consummate professional expertise and interpersonal skills will give you confidence that you can follow the diet, which is tough but worth the sacrifice and effort, and she is always available with advice when you need it. If you are wondering if the FODMAP process is worth trying then my advice would be an emphatic YES! It will change your life.”

JH, Porthcawl

“Debra, I just had to drop a line and thank you for all your help with my IBS. It has been such a help to learn which foods trigger my symptoms. I now have a much better understanding of how I can take back control of my symptoms instead of them controlling me. Without your help I would be in constant pain and discomfort. The books you provided were so helpful and I refer to them often, again thank you for all your help. Food is now a pleasure again”

JC, Cardiff

“As long as I can remember I have suffered with stomach cramps and acid reflux and it dominated my life down to what I wore to the way that I slept. I tried so many things to try to relieve the symptoms including following a gluten free diet, cutting out caffeine, using soy products, etc. but none of these fully worked. When I met Debra to discuss the low FODMAP diet I was willing to try anything, but if I’m honest I wasn’t confident it would work – I could not have been more wrong! With Deb’s support, I was able to grasp the concept of the low FODMAP diet and learned which foods I could eat and which aggravated my IBS and it has totally changed my life. I cannot thank Debra enough for her commitment and encouragement and I could not recommend her and the low FODMAP diet more highly.”

JC, Cardiff

“I’m so glad I tried the low FODMAP diet. I was really fed up with the symptoms of IBS – the cramps, the pain and the bloating. I used to try not to eat before work so that I wouldn’t need the loo. My best advice would be to try not to worry about the foods you CAN’T eat and instead focus on the foods you CAN eat.
I went out and stocked up on suitable foods and then just went for it!
Within days the symptoms subsided and then gradually disappeared completely. So far, so good…”

NT, Chepstow

“I have an underlying condition which in itself causes gastric issues which are further exacerbated by the medication I am prescribed. After years of enduring bouts of severe gastric pain, nausea, heartburn, chronic fatigue and poor sleep, I came across the low FODMAP diet. I had a thorough consultation with Deb and embarked on the elimination diet. Almost immediately, my gastric pain disappeared and within days I was completely symptom free. I cannot believe the difference this diet has made to my quality of life; I’ve lost weight and not only completed the couch to 5k but I’m now running 10k regularly.”

KT, Aberdare

“Debra is extremely knowledgeable. I feel very confident moving forward with the information I have received from Debra around the FODMAP diet after my first consultation. Thank you so much.”

SW, Cardiff

“My appointments with FODMAP Consultancy were extremely useful. I found it helpful and constructive to talk with someone who was highly trained and experienced with all aspects of the FODMAP diet. My questions and concerns were dealt with sympathetically. I learned a lot about IBS and feel confident about the way forward for me. I know help will always be there if I have any questions. I would not hesitate to recommend Debra to anyone troubled with IBS, the sessions have changed my life for the better.”

CW, Cardiff

A very positive experience: After struggling with IBS for many years I have been amazed by the change that the FODMAP diet has made to me. I’m now able to go out with confidence. The results were so positive and rapid, I was amazed. Debra took time and care to explain everything clearly and kept in contact throughout. She was professional but also empathetic.”

SL, Kent

Thank you Debra so much for your help. After years of not knowing what triggered my IBS, the FODMAP diet has cleared up all my symptoms. I am currently reintroducing foods into my diet to finally identify the culprit(s). Once again thank you so much for your help in getting my life back to normal..”

DT, Newport

“Life changing experience: Meeting Debra has been a life changing experience for me. I had been diagnosed with IBS and suffering its symptoms for over a year. I had heard of Low FODMAP diet, trying to adhere to it in a fashion but frankly getting nowhere. Symptoms remained, in the end I didn’t know what to eat or drink. I made an appointment to meet Debra. Her knowledge and expertise are profound. We had a detailed meeting and I came away with a plan which I followed religiously for 6-8 weeks. The change in my symptoms was remarkable. I felt so much better. My confidence returned, and although eating out was tricky I soon learned what suited me and was able to enjoy company again.I am now starting to reintroduce FODMAPS into my diet, hoping to identify the foods which cause problems. Thanks to Debra I am now in control of my food, it does not control me. This is liberating and I am so glad to have met this remarkable lady. Two visits is all it took.”

LH, Tonyrefail

“Prior to meeting with Debra my IBS symptoms were affecting me about 2-3 times a week. I tried to identify triggers myself but felt really lost in understanding what was causing my symptoms. It was difficult in work as I had to be careful what I ate as often symptoms would often come on fast after eating. This also impacted on my personal/social life. My symptoms completely disappeared as soon as I started the low FODMAP plan. I was very strict to adhere to the plan and it has completed changed my life. I no longer have IBS symptoms, I don’t have to worry about what and when I eat and this has positively impacted on my mental health and I no longer worry about sudden symptoms starting. I am about to start re-introducing food groups to identify my intolerances and feel very positive about the future thanks to Debra’s expert knowledge and advice.”

DA, Neath

“I have suffered from IBS for about 10 years. I have always just “put up with” the symptoms, dealing the best I could in social situations and buying over the counter medication if my symptoms got very bad. After having my two children my symptoms seem to have got worse, I am not sure why. My symptoms got so bad I started becoming very embarrassed in front of my husband. I am a pharmacist and a teacher and came across the FODMAP diet which is recommended by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE). I thought if NICE recommend it, I should give low FODMAP a go. The guidelines recommend that you use a qualified dietitian so using Google I came across Debra Thomas. Debra explained everything really well to me and at first it seems very daunting, but once you can the hang of what you can and can’t eat it’s ok. It took the full 8 weeks for me to be completely clear of symptoms but I started feeling better even after the first week. I am now starting the reintroduction phase to find out which foods trigger my symptoms. I love being in control of my body and don’t feel embarrassed anymore.”

CM, Cardiff

“I have suffered from IBS symptoms for 30 years. After trying various ‘remedies’ without success, and having the symptoms for so long, I’d accepted that I would have to live with the condition. It has affected me most days of the week impacting on my work and social life and sometimes resulting in a lot of anxiety.”

GP, Wiltshire

“Since starting the Low FODMAP diet under the guidance of my dietitian, Debra Thomas, I have seen a dramatic improvement in my condition! Some symptoms have been eradicated and I now feel far more confident going about my daily business. I’m now about to start reintroducing high FODMAPS foods to identify which foods I’m most sensitive to.”

SG, Penarth

“Having had a series of complex surgeries I had adjusted to living with IBS symptoms. The low FODMAP diet, introduced with Debra’s expert knowledge, has allowed me to identify foods which trigger symptoms. The improvement in my energy levels has transformed my quality of life.”

TT, Pembrokeshire

“I just wanted to thank you for your advice as the low FODMAP diet and the knowledge I have gained has had a huge effect on my wellbeing. In fact, I feel now that I am a much more resilient person.”

SR, Bath

“When I was diagnosed with IBS the Consultant Gastroenterologist gave me a sheet of paper on FODMAPs and sent me on my way. It didn’t take a lot of research to realise that I needed help to do it properly. From the start Debra’s professional approach inspired confidence. She explained everything thoroughly and following the FODMAP diet wasn’t nearly as complicated as I feared. My husband followed the diet with me and his symptoms improved in the first week. When I didn’t see such rapid results, Debra came up with further advice. I’m in week four and my symptoms are improving steadily. The FODMAP diet is an effective way of managing IBS but I couldn’t have done it without the benefit of Debra’s extensive knowledge and experience.”

KD, Swansea

“I was a little concerned about starting the strict diet, but I noticed within a few days that my symptoms of bloating, fluctuating bowel movements and stomach cramps were improving. I even had more energy and was not rushing to the bathroom so often. The booklets are very informative and become your FODMAP bible that goes everywhere with you. When I started the reintroductions I had pre-conceived ideas about my ‘trigger foods’, but I was actually wrong and wheat seems to be my issue. A tip I would pass on about the reintroductions is that if you have a reaction to a challenge, you do need to wait for your symptoms to subside before going straight into another food challenge, otherwise you end up wondering if your still suffering from the previous reintroduction. I would recommend this diet to anyone with IBS symptoms. The changes are so significant in a short space of time. Once completed you will know your demon foods and can live quite comfortably again. Thanks Debra”

LC, Newport

“Having suffered with IBS for the last 15 years discovering the low FODMAP diet has changed my life. At times it is very difficult and certainly challenging but with Debra’s help and guidance it is achievable. I have found Debra very professional, understanding and patient at all times. Following the diet is a big commitment and you need to focus on what you can eat, not what you can’t and with Debra’s experience it can be done. My life is now nearly normal and Debra has helped me work out my trigger foods so I can lead a normal life. I cannot speak highly enough of Debra and her commitment and would recommend her to any fellow IBS sufferers.”

TA, Penhow

“Within a week of starting the diet all my abdominal pain went and my constant tiredness had gone too! This helped not just me but my wife and one year old son too, I became a lot more of a helpful dad as I didn’t just want to sleep all the time. FODMAP became a huge talking point within the house and with anyone I came in contact with. 3 weeks in and I am feeling a lot better within myself. The food wasn’t boring, as my main meals still consisted of any kind of meat and a number of things to go with it. At this stage I also felt confident of going out with mates and having a FODMAP-friendly night out with food and drink. Some places were brilliant, even asking the chef to come out and have a talk with me! We really do need restaurants, cafes and food chains to get up to speed with FODMAPs. 5 weeks have passed on the FODMAP diet and it was time to go back and see Debra. I had lost 6kg and my symptoms had gone from daily occurrence to pretty much nothing! Now it’s time to re-introduce certain foods back into my diet and find out which foods cause my abdominal pain.”

LV, Bristol

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