Dr. Merve Gizem Bahçıvan Ayla

I was rushed to Bahcesehir Medical Center after collapsing at home. My blood sugar was dangerously erratic. Dr. Merve Gizem Bahçıvan Ayla wasn't just another dietary specialist; she treated my case like a detective story. Instead of a generic diabetic diet, she analyzed my unique gut microbiome results (something I'd never heard of!) and my circadian rhythm. She designed a 'food schedule' that synced with my body's natural insulin spikes. It wasn't about restriction, but about strategic timing. Three months later, my endocrinologist was shocked at the stabilization. Dr. Ayla doesn't just read charts; she reads your biological clock.

Our 8-year-old son, Leo, was diagnosed with ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder). Mealtimes were a warzone of anxiety. Dr. Ayla's approach was nothing like the stern nutritionists we'd seen. She turned his dietary plan into a 'culinary exploration game.' She used color-coded maps of 'Flavor Lands' and had him be a 'Food Scientist' mixing safe ingredients. She even coordinated with a play therapist at the center. She didn't force a single broccoli floret; she rebuilt his relationship with food from a place of curiosity, not fear. He now has five 'adventurous foods' he'll try. For us, that's a miracle.

As a 72-year-old with congestive heart failure and renal impairment, my dietary restrictions were a confusing web of 'no's.' My cardiologist said low-salt, my nephrologist said low-potassium—it felt impossible. Dr. Merve Gizem Bahçıvan Ayla performed what I can only call 'nutritional alchemy.' She created a 14-day rotating menu that precisely balanced both needs, using Turkish herbs and spices I love (sumac, mint) to create illusion of saltiness. She even factored in my difficulty chewing into the texture of each meal. Her follow-up was meticulous, adjusting based on my weekly bloodwork. She didn't see a list of diseases; she saw a person who still wanted to enjoy a meal.

I consulted Dr. Ayla for what I thought was a routine pre-bariatric surgery dietary counseling. What I got was a profound psychological and physiological deep-dive. She identified a severe zinc deficiency and a latent pattern of emotional eating tied to specific macronutrient cravings. Her pre-op plan wasn't just about shrinking the liver; it was about 'neurological rewiring.' She used specific amino acid supplements to curb the addictive brain signals and had me keep a 'craving log' linked to mood. The surgery was successful, but her unique preparatory work is why I've had zero complications and a sustainable relationship with food post-op. She prepares the mind as diligently as the body.