From Fear to Freedom: Stef's Story
Today, I’m bringing you a conversation with my friend and newly minted Living Well with Gastroparesis coach, Stefanie Maira. Stef was diagnosed with gastroparesis following a Nissen fundoplication, and she spent years struggling with frequent vomiting, poor nutrition, multiple infections, and a lot of fear around food and her symptoms.
And then something shifted.
In this video, Stef shares how she gradually rebuilt trust in her body, expanded her diet, and regained a sense of freedom and flexibility… even while she’s still managing gastroparesis.
We discuss:
How stress, fear, and online support groups intensified her symptoms
The turning point that helped her rebuild her life
What it actually looks like to experiment with foods again
How labeling foods as “safe” or “unsafe” can keep you stuck
The role of intuition, flexibility, and grace in managing symptoms
Navigating fertility and IVF with gastroparesis
How her experience now shapes her work as a Living Well with Gastroparesis coach
Stef’s story is powerful, relatable, and incredibly hopeful, especially if you’re newly diagnosed or feeling overwhelmed by your current circumstances. I hope this conversation reminds you that your experience is not static, and that meaningful change is absolutely possible—often in ways you can’t yet imagine.
Links Mentioned:
For more info about one-on-one coaching, email Stefanie.A.Maira@gmail.com.