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Living (Well!) with Gastroparesis: Answers, Advice, Tips & Recipes for a Healthier, Happier Life

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Written by an AADP-certified Health Coach and fellow "GPer," this guide was created to help you live (well!) with gastroparesis. Packed with easy-to-understand information and practical advice, you'll learn how to better manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Topics include:
- understanding gastroparesis
- self advocacy
- appropriate medical treatment
- complementary therapies
- dietary modifications
- nutrition and supplementation
- supportive lifestyle practices
- stress management
- coping skills

Plus, tips and advice for socializing, travel, career, and relationships. The book concludes with 75 brand new GP-friendly recipes.

"Crystal's books are the first resource I direct my patients to, whether newly diagnosed or not. I personally use many of Crystal’s recommendations and resources to manage my own gastroparesis and to help others navigate this new way of eating and living.” – Angela Moeding, Registered Dietitian

264 pages, Paperback

First published December 13, 2011

274 people are currently reading
117 people want to read

About the author

Crystal Zaborowski Saltrelli

2 books4 followers

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5 stars
146 (57%)
4 stars
79 (31%)
3 stars
19 (7%)
2 stars
7 (2%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Profile Image for Heather.
247 reviews1 follower
December 9, 2018
Honestly, this book is a HUGE help for me! It answers all the questions I’ve been wondering the most about, even dating advice. There are so many GP-friendly recipes in here that I’m so excited to try out, they sound really good!

If you’ve been diagnosed, I highly highly recommend this. It’s a fast read too.
Profile Image for Sharon.
219 reviews39 followers
November 17, 2012
Living (Well!) with Gastroparesis by Crystal Zaborowski Saltrelli is an absolute "must have" resource for any individual with Gastroparesis. I just finished reading it on my Kindle, and as soon as I finished reading, I ordered a Paperback copy as well. I will definitely be re-reading this book over and over again.

Diagnosed almost 2 years ago, I didn't expect to find much I hadn't already learned on my own. I was totally and completely wrong. Since Crystal has Gastroparesis, AND is a Certified Health Counselor - she has the nutritional-health science knowledge packed with personal knowledge of a difficult-to-manage digestive disorder. This isn't a "do as I say, not as I do" reference - it has amazing information along with personal experience that is her own, as well as backed data from her clients with Gastroparesis. The information is presented well in an easy to understand format, conversational tone, along with an inspirational punch to get you going in the right direction.

If you know someone with Gastroparesis who has not read this book, please let them know about it - it may help turn their world around.
Profile Image for Jennifer Goins.
248 reviews11 followers
June 30, 2017
Would like to think my friend TRACY RUPP for this book called Living (Well) With Gastroparesis : Answers, Advice, Tips & Recipes For A Healthier, Happpier Life by the author Crystal Zaborowski Saltrelli I would have to give this a 5 star rating on this book. It explain everything that I'm going through with me because I also have Gastroparesis i was diagnosed in 2009 if anyone that don't know what Gastroparesis is it means that are stomach is paralysis we are malnutrition, we are in pain and some of us are on feeding tubes because we can't eat over 5 million people has this including me and babies and kids I would definitely recommend this book to anyone that would like to know more about what Gastroparesis is to get this book so that way you can understand what we go through everyday and that one day we will find a cure for Gastroparesis
202 reviews1 follower
March 4, 2021
This was a good, thorough book about how to handle gastroparesis. It's one of a very few books out there to help people as they navigate this difficult but relatively unknown health issue.

I appreciate the work that went into this book, but I think I would have been helped more by reading a multiple of outlooks of real experiences from people who are dealing with gastroparesis. I do better learning from other people's experiences, and weighing their options compared to my own. The author provided some of her experience, but then was helped by gastric electrical stimulation ... so in essence, she was not helped by changes in diet or medications provided by her health professional. So, after reading the book, I felt like the only thing that truly would help would be to have this device implanted into my gut.
Profile Image for Deena Deranleau.
390 reviews7 followers
September 29, 2022
Book Edition
5 stars!!!!!

Recently diagnosed with Gastroparesis, I was extremely anxious. There isn’t a lot of information about this rare disease & the GP diet is only a suggestion based on how the digestive system works.
This book really helped calm my anxiety! It answered a lot of the questions I had. There were great tips, things that I hadn’t even thought of. It taught me more than just dietary modification but a whole life approach to managing the disease.
I know this new diagnosis will be a struggle for my lifetime but I feel much more at ease after reading this. For anyone diagnosed with Gastroparesis, this book is a must!
Profile Image for Bryen.
64 reviews1 follower
August 16, 2019
This book was a very comprehensive introduction to gastroparesis, not only in defining what gastroparesis is, but also offering how to best begin managing the condition. I strongly recommend this book to anyone newly diagnosed with gastroparesis. Its also a great read for loved ones who wish to gain a better understanding of the condition. I really appreciated the numerous recipies in the back of the book!
Profile Image for Angela C Collier.
7 reviews
December 5, 2019
A GPers must have book!

I have recently been diagnosed with gastroparesis. Crystal gives details about this condition that explain about this condition but doesn't get bogged down with too much technical jargon. Her recipes are practical and tasty! She also has recipes that the family can enjoy too. I thought I was going to have to spend the rest of my life eating bland tasteless food I'm so glad that's not the case!
Profile Image for Kelli.
608 reviews
September 2, 2021
A Must-Have!!

The FIRST book I've read that gave me hope! And recipes! My gastroenterologist have me a diet and sent me off but I had so many unanswered questions. This book was amazing and anyone new to or living with gastroparesis will benefit greatly. Shame on the medical community for not giving GP'ers more help
Profile Image for Brian.
320 reviews6 followers
February 5, 2019
A bit dated with regard to current treatments and medications, but a solid introduction and motivational battle plan for dealing with gastroparesis from someone living with it. Her website is a great resource for up-to-date info.
Profile Image for Kathi.
1,342 reviews4 followers
July 21, 2025
I ordered the print version of this book (as opposed to the e-version, my normal go-to these days). My copy is filled with highlight and post-its. Helpful, easy-to-follow instructions and tips. I've ordered a second book by this author.
Profile Image for Dylan.
4 reviews6 followers
May 25, 2020
Well of Information

A wonderful book on where and how to start and the road to recovery and freedom. Thank you for all of the soul that you’ve put into this book.
1 review
January 2, 2023
awesome

Being just diagnosed with GP this book opened my eyes to a lot of information. With this I believe I can manage the monster in my stomach
Profile Image for Cait Innocenti .
1 review
January 15, 2025
This was a blessing to read during my GP diagnosis! Highly suggest to anyone looking for info on Gastroparesis or simple recipes!
3 reviews1 follower
September 9, 2020
This book has been a life saver! I bought it right after diagnosis... Life with GP can be pretty chaotic. This book helps to sort through dealing with this life-changing illness.
Profile Image for Aprilleigh.
936 reviews45 followers
December 15, 2023
Some decent information about gastroparesis, but sadly not much in the way of citations. She also misses an opportunity to describe the symptoms, leading me to believe she doesn’t think anyone who isn’t already diagnosed would be interested in learning more. The book was recommended to me by a friend because she thought my symptoms sounded like hers. She does mention in her acknowledgements that three doctors (two of which are at the Mayo Clinic) have helped her a great deal, and this explains how a homeopathy and natural medicine fan managed to write a book that still seems to be medically sound. I’m all for that approach if it feels right to you as long as you’re not ignoring medical science in the process. I’m impressed that this author seems to be walking that line so well as, in my experience, most can’t. The book itself is limited, both in the number of recipes (but the variety is pretty good given the limited number) and the limited amount of actual medical information provided. It goes a little further into the medical stuff that the other book, but not much. One thing I do like is that she’s very careful to tell you that some GP-friendly foods may not be friendly to every individual and that what your digestive system will tolerate is not always easy to predict. She gives you a good place to start and ideas on where to explore next, emphasizing that keeping a food journal will be important to figuring out what does and doesn’t work for you.
Profile Image for Jon.
83 reviews
March 24, 2015
Reading this book was like eating a meal. I took a few bites, and I was full. I guess I was expecting more information about the disorder. In all fairness to Ms. Saltrelli, this is a rare disorder about which little is known. However, throughout the book, the author (over)stated that this disorder affects people in different ways and expressed the importance of keeping a food journal to determine which foods one tolerates. Some of the foods the author recommended avoiding are foods that I tolerate well ... so far. Also, I don't feel like Ms. Saltrelli addressed the issue of diabetic gastroparesis and how the two diets clash. Diabetics are supposed to avoid carbohydrates, while the diet of those with gastroparesis is recommended to consist of 70% carbohydrates for easier digestion. The redeeming quality of this book lies in the recipes toward the back of the book. As more information is discovered by the medical community, I'm sure there will be better books on the market about this disorder.
Profile Image for Amanda.
10 reviews1 follower
March 6, 2013
As a suspected sufferer of this condition I found this book to be very helpful, from useful tips on how to manage every aspect of the condition from how to select your medical team and treatments, alternative treatments and natural remedies alongside medication and other treatments. She then also covers great advice on lifestyle tips, covering everything from diet choices that are good for people with GP, how to know what foods to choose, how to control the stress which comes with the condition and daily life. The question and answer format makes the advice simple and easy to read, refer back to and covers everything you might want to know. The final section of recipes were a great addition to the book as my diet is very restricted and we do not know what foods or meals are good to try and expand and I am looking forward to trying some
Profile Image for Jill.
45 reviews1 follower
January 11, 2015
Outstanding book on gastroparesis. Crystal tells you what the doctors neglect to tell you. The doctor's will tell you low fat, low fiber diet - but that don't tell you how much fat or how much fiber.

If you suffer from this disorder, please read this book and follow Crystal on social networks sites - she's a wealth of information (and a suffer as well!)
Profile Image for Rhonda Jones.
2,794 reviews17 followers
November 13, 2014
THANK YOU!

I was recently diagnosed with gastroparesis. My doctor is a GP and prescribed medication and suggested I puree my vegetables. That was it, other than tell me about other treatments if the medication ceases to work. I went to my favorite online book retailer and found your book, thank heaven. Your book answered all but one of my questions. Very, very helpful.
Profile Image for Lauren.
105 reviews5 followers
July 29, 2016
I learned more from Crystal than I did my own doctor. I encourage anyone who is diagnosed with GP or know someone who is, pick this book up, learn more about it, and then continue to follow Crystal's advice through her blog. This woman is incredibly knowledgeable about this topic.
Profile Image for Kara Bidelspach.
1 review
January 8, 2017
Great information!

This book is for anyone who has gp, newly diagnosed or not. Lots of great and practical advice. The recipes are easily adaptable. I can't wait to start living well!
Profile Image for Melissa.
56 reviews4 followers
September 6, 2013
So useful. Currently re-reading as I go through the Living Well With Gastroparesis Program.
Profile Image for Joe Sabet.
141 reviews3 followers
April 5, 2017
This is really a great book. I highly recommend it if you or someone you know has or suspects gastroparesis
Profile Image for Sandra.
79 reviews5 followers
February 5, 2018
What a great book!!

This is a must need for all with gastroparesis!!
I highly recommend reading it and trying some recipes . I am going to order a hard copy
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews

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