Your Colonoscopy was "Normal"

Your life doesn't feel that way

You Were
Told

But You're Still

And worst of all? You have no idea what to do next.

  • You are not crazy
  • You are not dramatic
  • You are not broken

You've tried:

  • Random supplements
  • Elimination diets
  • Probiotics
  • More Fiber
  • Less Fiber
  • TikTok advice
  • Medications that sort of helped, but didn’t solve it

When you have been
dealing with IBS for years, you don't just manage symptoms

  • You Shrink
  • You Restrict
  • You Brace
  • You Plan
  • You Control
  • You Protect
  • Your life gets smaller in subtle ways

That's why approach matters

Unlocking GI is about working through these triggers to know which are real and which can be reworked unlocking those restrictions that limit your best life

You ruled out disease

Now restore function

The 4M Framework: Medicine, Meals, Mindset, & Movement to unlock your best life.

We Don’tJust Calm Symptoms. We Unlock What IBS Forced You to Restrict.

Medicine

Unlocking Clarity, Not Guesswork

You have tried different solutions and are still frustrated.

  • You gain diagnostic clarity - not vague labels
  • You have a physician-backed protocol
  • Smart, strategic testing (not default)
  • Eliminate unnecessary medications - or use them strategically
  • Simplify your supplement cabinet

Meals

Unlocking Food Freedom

Let's make food your friend again and not your enemy.

  • Replace your trigger foods with happy alternatives
  • Fiber reintroduction (the right way)
  • Microbiome rebuilding
  • Gut-soothing meal structure

Movement

Unlocking Flow Instead of Stagnation

When you're bloated or uncomfortable, movement may be the last thing you want, but may be what you need.

  • Gentle motility support
  • Post-meal walking routines
  • Breathwork for bloating
  • Core stability integration
  • Stress-lowering movement habits

Mindset

Unlocking Nervous System Solutions

If your nervous system is always on alert, your gut will be too.

  • Gut-brain retraining
  • Stress response regulation
  • Symptom anxiety reduction
  • Cognitive reframing
Imagine if... You didn't think about your gut every morning You traveled without anxiety You ate without fear You resolved your triggers Your bloating reduced Your flares shorted

Why Work With Unlocking GI?

  • Board-certified physician.
  • Trained. Licensed dietician.
  • This is medicine - not marketing.
  • No surprise insurance bills. Clear cost.
  • Root-cause + Evidence-based
  • Whole-person strategy

Who is Unlocking GI?

I'm Dr. Leybelis Padilla, MD FACG

  • Practicing Gastroenterology since 2017
  • Dr. Padilla believes the current healthcare system often treats digestive symptoms in isolation, leaving important gaps in care. Her approach focuses on addressing the root drivers of gut dysfunction through an integrated strategy.

  • On a mission to to help bridge the gap from that normal colonoscopy to symptom relief from IBS so you can get your life back.

Education & Credentials

  • Howard University College of Medicine (HUCM)
  • University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC Internal Medicine Residency
  • Carolinas Medical Center / Atrium Health in Charlotte, NC Gastroenterology Fellowship
  • Former Director of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) at Naval Medical Center San Diego (NMCSD)
  • American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM) Lifestyle Medicine & Food as Medicine Course and Foundations of Lifestyle Medicine
  • The Plantrician Project (TPP) Foundations in Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate

Gut-Brain Regulation

Because in IBS, the mind-gut connection isn't optional - it's foundational.

Our mindset pillar draws from research in neuroplasticity, heart rate variability (HRV), and heart coherence principles. Dr. Padilla participated in the Inner Health Coalition, a network of medical professionals exploring the integration of meditation and mindfulness tools by the work of Dr. Joe Dispenza into conventional healthcare.

These tools are incorporated thoughtfully and alongside evidence based medical care.

I'm Simone Venner

As a registered dietitian, I’ve spent years supporting individuals who want to feel better in their bodies but are often overwhelmed by conflicting nutrition advice and one-size-fits-all wellness trends.

I began to see a clear pattern: gut health and long-term wellbeing are rarely shaped by just one food or one habit. Digestive function, dietary patterns, metabolic health, and daily lifestyle choices all influence how people feel—but these pieces are often addressed in isolation.

Through my clinical work, public education, and experience in corporate wellbeing, I began to build an approach centered on practical, evidence-based nutrition that is both inclusive and sustainable.

My goal is to help people move beyond confusion and restriction toward a clearer, more supportive path to digestive health and overall wellbeing.

Start Your IBS Reset with Unlocking GI

  • A 4M IBS Diagnostic Deep Dive + Personalized 12-Month Restoration Plan with Unlocking GI Team
  • Structured education library
  • 24/7 Messaging access
  • Direct Physician-Led Support When Symptoms Flare

$999

FOR PATIENTS LOCATED IN CALIFORNIA ONLY
WHEN YOU WORK WITH ME
Gain Exclusive Access to My App

When you work with me, your growth doesn’t stop between appointments. Get exclusive access to my app, where you’ll receive expert guidance, daily actions, and bite-sized lessons designed just for you. Stay connected, track your progress, and celebrate every win—because real change happens in the small moments, every single day.

FAQs

Remember those surprise bills in the mail even though insurance told you it was “covered”? That’s why we don’t do insurance.

Because sustainable IBS improvement requires:

  • Microbiome rebuilding
  • Nervous system retraining
  • Motility stabilization
  • Habit integration

Quick fixes often fail because they skip the nervous
system and habit layers

No.
Over-restriction often worsens sensitivity.

We focus on:

  • Strategic identification
  • Gradual reintroduction
  • Fiber diversity
    Tolerance building

The goal is expansion – not shrinking your world.

Traditional GI visits are often time-limited and focused on ruling out danger.

This program is designed to:

  • Restore function
  • Integrate lifestyle
  • Build nervous system resilience

IBS is rarely fixed in weeks.

Most patients notice:

  • Increased clarity within the first month
  • Reduced flare intensity within 2–3 months
  • Expanded food tolerance over several months
  • Increased predictability by 6–12 months

IBS improvement looks like:

  • Reduced flare frequency
  • Reduced flare intensity
  • Increased predictability
  • Expanded food tolerance
  • Decreased anxiety around symptoms

Someone who:

  • Is tired of guessing
  • Wants medical oversight
  • Is willing to implement small habits consistently
  • Wants long-term stability over quick fixes

$999 if paid upfront for the year or $99/month if paid monthly. Cancel anytime. No refunds.

Because this program includes physician-led medical care, patients must reside in California for us to provide clinical services. If you live outside of California, we hope to expand in the future and encourage you to stay connected for updates.

Testimonials
As Seen In

Dr. Leybelis, Certified Gastroenterologist

New York Post

Featured in the New York Post, Dr. Leybelis Padilla shares a practical colonoscopy “behind-the-scenes” tip—prep isn’t always perfect, so plan to head home and reset after the procedure—while reinforcing that screening helps prevent colorectal cancer.

Dr. Leybelis, Certified Gastroenterologist

Fox News Channel

Millions have cut out bread thinking gluten is the culprit—but a recent Fox News report featuring Dr. Leybelis Padilla explains that for many people, symptoms may be driven more by other factors.

Parade

Your gut thrives on balance—not overload. In Parade, Dr. Leybelis breaks down why processed meats can be tough on digestion, describing how they can “stress” the gut ecosystem by fueling inflammation.

Newsweek

In a Newsweek feature, Dr. Leybelis Padilla shares three practical, natural ways to support gut health—focusing on fiber-forward eating, stress regulation (rest-and-digest tools like breathing/meditation), and movement as a daily “gut tune-up.”

Dr. Leybelis, Certified Gastroenterologist

Woman's World

It’s easy to feel lost in the vast wilderness that is stomach—or more accurately, abdominal—pain. But doctors have learned to read our midsection like a map. As they say, it’s all about location, location, location.

Mindful Eating

Why Mindful Eating is my jam!

Life can be stressful and most of us are balancing more things on our plates than we ever have before. But what if I told you, mindful eating isn’t just trending, it could be the difference between you and an IBD flare.

It’s no surprise to me that modern life is wreaking havoc on our guts. Just a hundred years ago people didn’t eat like we do today. We are all forced to live in a fast-paced world where multitasking has become the norm, and find ourselves rushing through meals without a second thought.

We eat in front of screens, gobble down food on the go, or indulge in mindless snacking while preoccupied with other tasks (no shame here, we all do it!) But this hurried approach to eating not only robs us of the joy of savoring our meals but can also have detrimental effects on our health.

This is where you take back some control. I’m going to share some easy, mindful eating practices that can help reconnect you to the pleasure of eating.

The Science of Mindful Eating

Mindful eating is a simple, yet profound concept that invites us to bring our full attention to the act of eating. It involves engaging all of our senses to savor the flavors, textures, and aromas of our food. Rather than devouring a meal in haste, we pause to appreciate each bite, fostering a deeper connection with the culinary experience.

At its core, mindful eating is about being present in the moment and cultivating a non-judgmental awareness of our eating habits and food choices. Mindful eating isn’t just about slowing down and savoring every mouthful. Studies have shown that when you engage in mindful eating, you tap into a world of benefits!

Better Digestion

For those with IBD, digestive discomfort can be a constant challenge. Mindful eating, by encouraging you to chew your food thoroughly and pay attention to your body’s signals, helps you not only recognize potential food triggers, but aids in the digestive process. Remember, digestion begins in your mouth! And not to mention, when you slow down and enjoy your food, you will be in a better mood. Here’s how it improves your digestion:

Portion Control

Create a calm environment for your meal. This not only enhances mindfulness but can reduce the stress that can trigger IBD symptoms. That means avoiding eating in your car, while you’re standing, or while scrolling on your phone. I challenge you to try setting it to ‘do not disturb’ for 15 or 20 minutes and just eat, nothing else!

Reducing Stress

I don’t have to tell you that stress is a major trigger of IBD symptoms. In fact, it might even be one of the worst! Mindful eating practices can help you lower your stress levels, leading to fewer flare-ups.

Enhancing Food Choices

Making the right food choices is hard for us all! And it’s crucial for IBD management. Mindful eating helps us feel like eating is an event to enjoy, and that helps us to be aware of what we are eating. That really helps when you’re trying to stick to foods that help you feel better!

I was recently reminded of how important it is to sit and eat peacefully when I watched the documentary on Netflix, Secrets of the Blue Zones (communities around the world with high numbers of people living to 100.) Spoiler alert: one of the common traits amongst these communities, isn’t just what they eat but also how they eat it. If you haven’t seen it yet, start watching it! You will be inspired to bring more balance to your life by doing simple things that can improve your health and your happiness!

Ancient cultures across the world understood the profound connection between food, community, and well-being. From elaborate feasts in medieval Europe to the Zen Buddhist tea ceremonies in Japan, communal meals and food rituals have transcended time and geography. In these settings, food was not just food, it was a place for connection.

Fast forward to our time, we see a trending interest in these traditions (hello foodies). People are rekindling their relationship with food, rediscovering the joy of sharing meals, and building connections through mindful eating practices.

The act of breaking bread together goes beyond nourishing the body. It nourishes our souls and builds the bonds of community.

How You Can Cultivate Mindful Eating Habits In Today’s Busy World?

Here are some techniques to get you started:

Put Away Distractions

Create a calm environment for your meal. This not only enhances mindfulness but can reduce the stress that can trigger IBD symptoms. That means avoiding eating in your car, while you’re standing, or while scrolling on your phone. I challenge you to try setting it to ‘do not disturb’ for 15 or 20 minutes and just eat, nothing else!

Engage Your Senses

Take a moment to appreciate the aroma, colors, and textures of your food. Really savor each bite. Sometimes when I eat alone I really like listening to music that really mellows me out (my fav: low fi beats).

Chew Slowly

IBD affects digestion, so giving your body time to process each bite can be particularly helpful.

Listen to Your Body

Pay attention to hunger and fullness cues, a vital practice for IBD management.

Give mindful eating a try and start small, don’t overwhelm yourself. Pick one meal to eat mindfully. It could be breakfast, lunch, or dinner. During this meal, use some of these techniques and pay attention to how you feel.

I’d love to hear about your experience and any positive changes you observed. If you do, please leave a comment and share your observations with me.

Here’s to savoring every bite, living longer, more vibrant lives, and finding some relief on your IBD journey!