Bride-to-be faces wedding day food struggle due to rare stomach condition

Gabriella Overton's life took a dramatic turn when she fell ill during a trip to Bath with her fiancée Elle Dushossoy.

The couple had been looking forward to their getaway, but Gabriella's excitement was short-lived as she began to feel unwell, and her condition rapidly deteriorated.

A romantic dinner at the Ivy turned into a nightmare as Gabriella found herself in extreme pain, unable to move from the bathroom floor, and being violently sick.

Despite numerous tests, doctors were baffled by Gabriella's symptoms, and she was left feeling frustrated and helpless as her health continued to decline.

A photo taken of Gabriella during this time shows the devastating impact of her illness, with her weight plummeting to a mere 6.7st, and size four clothes hanging off her skeletal frame.

It wasn't until November 2025, when Gabriella was admitted to the gastroenterology ward, that doctors were finally able to diagnose her with gastroparesis, a condition that affects the stomach muscles, causing food to pass through the stomach slowly.

Gabriella's diagnosis has meant that she now has to rely on a permanent feeding tube, which is a daunting prospect, especially with her wedding day approaching.

As she prepares to marry her partner Elle, Gabriella is facing the difficult reality that she may not be able to enjoy her wedding meal, and will likely have to settle for a few 'safe' foods, such as ginger biscuits or a couple of Haribo sweets.

Gabriella is speaking out about her 'invisible' illness to raise awareness about the challenges faced by people with chronic conditions, and to highlight the importance of understanding and support.

Looking back, Gabriella recalls the day her symptoms started, and how she tried to push through the pain, but eventually, she was forced to seek medical help.

The road to diagnosis was long and arduous, with Gabriella undergoing numerous tests, including those for coeliac disease, cancer, and tropical diseases, all of which came back clear.

As her condition worsened, Gabriella's weight continued to drop, and she was left feeling weak and frail, with her partner Elle becoming increasingly worried about her health.

Gabriella's journey has been marked by countless hospital visits, tests, and procedures, including the removal of her tonsils, but despite the efforts of her medical team, her condition remains a mystery.

The hardest part of Gabriella's journey has been coming to terms with the fact that she may never be able to eat normally again, and that her condition is likely to be a lifelong challenge.

As she looks to the future, Gabriella is determined to raise awareness about gastroparesis, and to help others who may be struggling with similar conditions.

Gabriella's story is a powerful reminder that appearances can be deceiving, and that even when someone looks healthy, they may be hiding a serious illness.

The couple's wedding plans are now underway, but Gabriella is facing the difficult reality that she may not be able to participate in the traditional cake tasting, or enjoy the wedding meal with her guests.

Instead, Gabriella will have to rely on her feeding tube, and a limited selection of 'safe' foods, which is a hard pill to swallow, especially on her special day.

Gabriella's experience has taught her the importance of self-advocacy, and the need to push for answers, even when doctors are unsure of what is wrong.

As she navigates her new reality, Gabriella is finding ways to adapt, and to make the most of her situation, including learning to manage her condition, and to find joy in the small things.

Gabriella's partner Elle has been a rock throughout her journey, providing love, support, and encouragement, even in the darkest of times.

Together, the couple is facing the future with courage and determination, and Gabriella is finding ways to stay positive, despite the challenges she is facing.

Gabriella's story is an inspiration to others, and a reminder that even in the face of adversity, there is always hope, and always something to be grateful for.

As Gabriella looks to the future, she is determined to make the most of her life, and to find ways to enjoy the things she loves, even if it's in a different way than she had planned.

The experience has also taught Gabriella the importance of self-care, and the need to prioritize her own needs, especially when it comes to her health.

Gabriella is now being treated for Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), which may be connected to her gastroparesis.

The road ahead will be long and challenging, but Gabriella is ready to face it head-on, armed with the love and support of her partner, and the determination to make the most of her life.

Gabriella's dream is to one day be able to enjoy a meal out with her partner, without the fear of being in pain, or throwing up, and to be able to live a relatively normal life.

For now, Gabriella is taking things one day at a time, and is focusing on her wedding, and the future she will build with her partner Elle.

Gabriella's story is a testament to the power of the human spirit, and a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope, and always something to be grateful for.

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