Four Tips for Gastroparesis-Friendly Dates
Love him <3
Today marks ten years since my husband and I went on our first date. Neither of us could have predicted, as he let me win mini-golf that night, how much we’d go through together over the next decade.
I was diagnosed with gastroparesis less than two years after we met, so it’s something we’ve dealt with for most of our relationship and it’s certainly been challenging at times. One thing that has helped us overcome those challenges is doing things that remind both of us that I’m still Me (I am not Gastroparesis) and that we are still a romantic couple (he is my Husband, not my Caretaker). Things like going on dates.
Dating with gastroparesis does require extra thought and effort, but it’s worth it — for you and your partner. So today I’m giving you my tips for dating (well!) with gastroparesis. If you’re struggling to maintain the romance in your relationship — whether it’s well-established or brand new — these four things will help!
After you watch the video, tell me your own favorite GP-friendly dating tips in the comment section below.
Note: links mentioned in the video are included below.
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Tags: Dating, Relationships, Videos
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Thank you for these tips! Even if they weren’t super new, it’s still good to hear someone else tell you something. I think the hardest tip for me will be leaving the stress behind. I tend to get SO focused on the “what ifs” that I work myself up to the point where I am sick and then cancel the event.
I’m working toward getting married next year, and making it through the entire reception. We’re having a backyard wedding, with the plan that if I’m having moments of not feeling well, I can go rest and lay down for a few minutes, then once I feel better rejoin the activities. A tips for getting through longer events would be great to have too!
Thanks again for the great info!
My favorite GP friendly date is exactly what we are doing tomorrow- going to the movies (sitting, relaxing, a/c!) and then maybe stopping for frozen yogurt afterwards! Also, when I go to the movies I always bring a bottled water, my feel better remedies (peppermint oil and ginger candy) and sometimes a little snack!
We like exploring new (to us) places – I loved walking around Charleston, SC, Asheville & Wilmington NC, The Stockade in Schenectady, NY, Albany NY, Boston MA, etc.. Museums, mansions (Vanderbilt homes in 4 states so far), places with gardens or swamps or swamp gardens. Unless I’m screwed up I can usually eat seafood, so we like seafood restaurants. Our fall back is Panera as he can have salads or sandwiches and I can have the chicken noodle soup (or sometimes creamy tomato soup) & a chai — it’s still good. ; )
Hi these tips were great and I usually try to do pretty much what
you have said. We recently went to London and had three days
to look around the city and it was a lot of fun, I do pretty good
when I feel good as far as eating goes I ate more than I thought
because we did a lot of walking usually 3 to 4 miles a day only
had a couple times where I did not feel 100% but just did it as
you said and the whole trip was great even the 9 hour flight
going home! Plus I am a firm believer in prayer and I prayed
that is would be a good trip and I believe God answered the
prayer so always add that to your plans and see what wonderful
things God will do for you!!
Great tips Crystal! My boyfriend and I were dating about the same amount of time as you and your husband when I got sick, so I can relate to that struggle. He loves to eat so as you can imagine we go to a lot of resturants. One way we have learned to adjust is by picking places where I know there are GP friendly options for me. I also highly recommend looking at menus online I feel a lot less anxiety and can enjoy myself more when I plan what I am going to eat ahead of time. A lot of times places will also provide nutritional information which is helpful because then you are not trying to guess which is the best option. My favorite date has been going to get Thai Food (chicken and white rice) and then walking the boardwalk on Daytona Beach. The bonus is fireworks at the end of the pier. I think the key is focusing on the main goal of the date is enjoying yourself and your significant other. Have a good plan in place and then focus on enjoying your time together.
Our favorite date is a picnic with books at the beach. I can eat (or not). We can park close (or far). I can sleep (or read). The best part though is breaking up the routine of my care
The video was definitely helpful. I do, along with some others, find it harder to leave the stress at home and the what ifs but I have gotten a little better with that! One of my favorite dates is going out to listen to live music. This typically means eating something before leaving the house and maybe taking a snack with me! There is the occasional trip to a museum or the botanical gardens but I always make sure I have eaten before and bring snacks (food and drinks) with me. My boyfriend has been very supportive through this whole experience so far and I couldn’t be more thankful!