From Surgery to Show Ring: How Mel Found Confidence Living with a Colostomy
The Gastro Girl Podcast
10/30/25
•38m
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In this inspiring episode of the Gastro Girl Podcast, host Jacqueline Gaulin sits down with Mel, an award-winning dog enthusiast from Valrico, Florida, who has earned more than 40 American Kennel Club titles with her beloved Schnauzers.
After life-changing surgery that left her with a permanent colostomy, Mel refused to let fear or stigma hold her back. She shares how she reclaimed her confidence, advocated for her own healthcare, and found strength through her passion for dogs.
This episode offers hope and insight for anyone learning to live fully after surgery—and a reminder that resilience, love, and purpose can shine through even the toughest challenges.
Previous Episode
IBS-C Treatment: What to Expect on the Road to Symptom Relief
October 21, 2025
•26m
Starting a new IBS-C treatment can bring a mix of hope and uncertainty. How soon will it work? What if side effects appear? Should you keep going or call your doctor?
Host Jacqueline Gaulin sits down with Dr. Brian Lacy, gastroenterologist at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL, to answer the real questions patients ask when starting treatment.
In this episode, we discuss: • What patients can realistically expect in the first days and weeks of treatment • What "feeling better" truly means for each individual • Common challenges and side effects patients may experience • How to stay encouraged and avoid stopping treatment too soon without consulting your doctor
Relief takes time—and you're not alone on this journey.
This episode is made possible with support from Ardelyx.
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SIBO and IMO: Understanding Gut Overgrowth, Methane, and Archaea
November 13, 2025
•44m
In this follow-up to one of our most popular episodes, host Jacqueline Gaulin welcomes back Dr. Mark Pimentel, Executive Director of the Medically Associated Science and Technology (MAST) Program at Cedars-Sinai, to dive deeper into the science behind SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) and IMO (Intestinal Methanogen Overgrowth).
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Produced in collaboration with the American College of Gastroenterology's Patient Care Committee, this evidence-based discussion helps you better understand the "why" behind SIBO and IMO—and what steps you can take toward better gut health.
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