This week I am traveling (AGAIN) for work.  Fortunately, it is taking me to a much warmer climate and to a hotel with a pool.  Considering that I have a Vitamin D deficiency and haven’t felt such warm air in so long, I decided to go for a swim.  Now this is where Gastroparesis gets REALLY REALLY fun.

As mentioned in previous blogs, your body shape can change dramatically over the course of a day.  Even up to 2 clothing sizes.  Females also know how much fun it is to purchase/wear a swimsuit when your body stays the same all day.  So needless to say, my adventure of the day involves a swimsuit.

My swimsuit was purchased during a spell of “normalcy” and is usually quite flattering.  It is a modest two piece with a tankini top & a skirt bottom.  (I am a modest person and keep my swimming apparel as such.)  I tried on the swimsuit last night and all things considered, it fit.  However, today I had to partake in some airport food which involved picking the chicken out of a taco and eating a solid meal for dinner.  Hey, I’m in Texas, I have to try something normal even if it kills me.  I didn’t experiment too much and stayed with chicken.  I also guzzled over a liter of water throughout the day to stay hydrated.  So let’s take a wild guess of what happened?

Did you guess bloating?  If so, you are correct.  My belly looks like I am a proud glowing mom-to-be and will be naming my daughter or son in about 3 months.  So let’s guess what happened with the swimsuit.  Yep.  You’re on the right track!  The tankini started riding up and the swimskirt started riding down.  It was as if my GP bloated belly was parting the red sea of my swimsuit.  Those GP Elves wanted to cross on skin, not material.  Maybe I was just about to get rushed to the hospital to deliver my new bundle of joy.  Pick a description, any one will do.  The only thing we know for certain was that it was NOT a good look.

Last night I looked like the photo on the right (okay, a bit of an exaggeration!).  However, today I look like the photo on the left (which is an understatement!).

Did I let this awkwardness stop me?  Absolutely not!  I was determined to enjoy the fresh air, the sun, and the soothing water.  My Gastroparesis survived 6 hours of traveling and food adventures, so I was celebrating with baring my belly in the pool.  I will own this hot new fashion trend.  I’ll just hope that no one from the conference sees me so that I won’t be asked all throughout the conference when I am due.  Maybe I’ll just say March 2014 & see if anyone does the math.

~Millie