Introducing Andrea
Andrea was such a sweetheart to work with. She was one of my first clients back from maternity leave and really just made me excited to work helping those of us with Gastroparesis find their life again.
Fortunately, and unfortunately, Andrea hadn’t had her diagnosis long. I say that, because I would never wish this on anyone, as I am sure most of you wouldn’t, and I also say fortunately, because she didn’t let a moment go by without getting help right away.
The advice she had received from the doctors, like the ones we all have gotten, was not a path she wanted to take, so she went to searching and found me.
We had our free consult call and just went over everything. She has so much life to live and to be living without her Gastroparesis managed was just not going to cut it. She also had a lot of fear of the unknown and talking through everything with someone who has been in her shoes was so helpful.
Now, for Andrea, we had to make some adjustments, because she is a teacher. So, we started in the late Summer and got her to a point that was manageable by the time she went back to work. But that’s what this is all about. Customizing plans to get your body and health to a place that’s manageable (or more) and works around your life without feeling like you are giving up everything, or are tied to a bathroom, or are on a thousand different medications. None of that is what she wanted. So, we got to work and she did great.
Without further ado…
Meet Andrea
Do you know how you got Gastroparesis?
I am unsure of exactly how I got gastroparesis. I can assume based on talking with multiple medical professionals that it could be from COVID, but I don’t know for sure. I was diagnosed in June of 2024 after undergoing several tests and seeing multiple doctors. I was tired of feeling nauseous and losing weight without trying.
What were your main symptoms and how were you feeling before you started working with Aubrey?
My main symptoms were unexplained weight loss, feeling nauseous and grossed out with food. I had no hunger pains or appetite.
How did you find Aubrey & Real Peel?
By researching the web, I found Real Peel and decided to give it a try. I wasn’t getting any answers or help from my Gastro doctor in terms of how to deal with gastroparesis, so I took it upon myself to seek help.
What made you feel like working with Aubrey through the Thrive program was the right decision for you and your Gastroparesis?
I was apprehensive at first, but I was desperate to feel better and I was out of options. I figured it couldn’t hurt to consult with Aubrey. After our initial phone consultation, I felt that this was the right decision for me. She explained in detail of what to expect and how she could help me navigate this new diagnosis. I put my trust in Aubrey and never looked back, and I’m beyond grateful that I did.
What was the hardest thing about the Thrive with Gastroparesis Program?
The first two weeks of the program and following the liquid diet was probably the hardest thing about it.
Did you ever feel like quitting or felt like it wasn't going to work for you? If so, how did you move through those feelings?
I never felt like quitting because I always felt positive changes even if they were small. I did however have to get through a lot of discouraging times when I felt like I Wasn’t seeing the results I wanted fast enough. Texting Aubrey and video chatting with her throughout the program made a huge difference and kept up my Morale. I felt like I wasn’t alone and that I was finally talking with someone who understood what I was going through. Her encouraging words and messages were motivation to keep going.
What was the turning point for you during the program where you started feeling better? What was that like for you? Did your mind struggle with the idea of being better?
When I began getting my appetite back, not fully, but feeling the hunger pains and being a little more excited about eating again is when I felt like I can finally see the change for the better. It was really exciting and I was hopeful that this was the right thing for me. I did struggle a little bit with the idea of being better because I was afraid to have rough days and to feel the hopelessness again.
After the 12 weeks, how did you feel?
After the 12 weeks, I definitely notice a difference in my eating habits and my symptoms. I am a little bit more knowledgeable in what foods to stay away from and what foods keep me satisfied and feeling Good. I feel encouraged to keep up my hard work even after the program and I’m excited to see how much better I can feel in the future.
“I really enjoyed working with Aubrey throughout the program. I can’t think of anything that I would change.”
My Input on Andrea’s Journey
I love the question and answer format, because I like to see how they perceive their journey in comparison to how I perceive their journey. While Andrea was spot on with her feedback for herself, she also doesn’t give herself enough credit.
Her biggest struggles were mindset and time management. With her school schedule being a little hectic, we had to make adjustments to what she could eat and when and making sure that everything would align so that she could feel best during work no matter what.
It’s hard, but she did it. I always say progress, not perfection and on days where she didn’t do everything, she would tell me and I would reassure her that it’s okay. That’s life. It’s how it goes sometimes. But in the end, she continued to make that progress.
She also struggled with the fear of food, which is 1000000% normal. We worked through how to build up the confidence in trying new or hard to digest things. By the end, she had eaten STEAK! And felt totally fine, might I add. lol
She also had coworkers commenting on how strong she was and how much willpower she had to go through this and how great she was doing. Others were noticing very visible changes for her, and she was inspiring them!
I say all of this, because at the end she felt like maybe she wasn’t far enough along, and I had to remind her that she was eating whatever she wanted, she was learning what foods her body did and didn’t like, she was feeling hunger, bloating was minimal, nausea was basically non-existent and more! These are things that most of those with Gastroparesis would kill for just one moment of.
But, sometimes, being your toughest critic will get you far, because she feels like she can keep getting better which means she will keep pushing until she feels like she is at optimal health. That is a drive that not many people have.
I am so proud and honored to have had Andrea take the leap of faith and put her trust in me. It was such a pleasure to work with her and seeing her feeling better and doing so well was so exciting.
Every client is a journey and it is such an honor and joy to guide them along and watch them succeed and push through their hardest days and symptoms. I thoroughly enjoy seeing their progress from sometimes their worst moments in life, to gaining a whole new life back .It’s truly something I would never take for granted being a part of.
And if you are lost on where to start your Gastroparesis healing journey, make sure you download the FREE 3-Day Healing Guide.
If you have already done that, but are ready to move forward with your healing, request a free consult call to learn more about working 1-on-1 and how I can help you with your Gastroparesis. Head here to make that request by filling out the quick form.
Will you be the next Real Healing story?
Until next time,
Keep it Fresh. Keep it Simple. Keep it Real.
Aubrey