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.

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.

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.

From Surgery to Show Ring: How Mel Found Confidence Living with a Colostomy

If you're one of the millions of people living with a chronic digestive health condition, you're not alone. Whether you're newly diagnosed, in remission, or trying to understand what's happening in your body—and what you can do about it—The Gastro Girl Podcast is here to help.

Hosted by Jacqueline Gaulin, longtime patient advocate and founder of Gastro Girl, this podcast goes beyond surface-level conversations to deliver clear, compassionate, evidence-based insights into digestive health. Each episode is designed to help you feel more informed, confident, and empowered in managing your health and navigating conversations with your healthcare team.

You'll hear from leading gastroenterologists and healthcare experts, along with patient voices and practical guidance on topics across gastroenterology—from common GI symptoms and chronic conditions to emerging research, treatments, and trusted resources. The tone is engaging, supportive, and nonjudgmental—because digestive health deserves thoughtful, human-centered conversations.

Gastro Girl is the official patient education partner of the American College of Gastroenterology, and this podcast reflects that commitment to delivering reliable, actionable information patients can trust.

Follow The Gastro Girl Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so new episodes are delivered straight to your phone.

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If you're one of the millions of people living with a chronic digestive health condition, you're not alone. Whether you're newly diagnosed, in remission, or trying to understand what's happening in your body—and what you can do about it—The Gastro Girl Podcast is here to help. Hosted by Jacqueline Gaulin, longtime patient advocate and founder of Gastro Girl, this podcast goes beyond surface-level conversations to deliver clear, compassionate, evidence-based insights into digestive health. Each episode is designed to help you feel more informed, confident, and empowered in managing your health and navigating conversations with your healthcare team. You'll hear from leading gastroenterologists and healthcare experts, along with patient voices and practical guidance on topics across gastroenterology—from common GI symptoms and chronic conditions to emerging research, treatments, and trusted resources. The tone is engaging, supportive, and nonjudgmental—because digestive health deserves thoughtful, human-centered conversations. Gastro Girl is the official patient education partner of the American College of Gastroenterology, and this podcast reflects that commitment to delivering reliable, actionable information patients can trust. Follow The Gastro Girl Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so new episodes are delivered straight to your phone.

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From Surgery to Show Ring: How Mel Found Confidence Living with a Colostomy

From Surgery to Show Ring: How Mel Found Confidence Living with a Colostomy

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