I've been on a low-FODMAP diet now for 6 months, after it was suggested to me by my GP, which has helped massively with my IBS and I feel so much better. I've tried reintroducing foods but I seem to get symptoms every time! Surely I can't be intolerant to all FODMAPs?! I have had to cut out lactose completely as this definitely seems to be a problem for me. I've been trying to get my GP to give me a lactose test but he kept forgetting and now he's finally researched it I apparently have to be referred to a gastroenterologist for which the waiting list is 3 months. By then I'll be back at uni in Scotland (I live in England) and so I'm going to have to wait until September to see my doctor in Scotland to be referred up there.
Although I love how much this diet has helped me, having been on it so long, I am finding it really difficult to stick to it because it's so complicated. I'm not a fussy eater and I hate having to say to people that I can't eat this and I can't eat that, and I tend to avoid going out for dinner at all costs. It's also really expensive!
Has anyone else been on the FODMAP diet for a long time? And has anyone with IBS been referred to a gastroenterologist? I feel a bit pathetic getting referred, as IBS from the outside doesn't seem like a particularly major problem compared to most other gastric problems, although it did used to have a big impact on my life.
Sorry for my rambling! Just would like a bit of advice or support really because I feel like giving up and going back to eating normally again even though I know I shouldn't and it will make me ill.
Thank you for your help
The fodmap is really hard to stick to. And expensive, and very limiting. Is there something you're missing? Is there onion powder in a food you're eating for example? It is hidden in a lot of things. I found I was really sensitive to onion & garlic. But once I'd found my triggers and reintroduced other foods, I could gradually reintroduce onion powder with no ill effect. I'd just say check exactly what you're eating- milk powder, whey etc hidden in ingredients. Don't give up now. The first 6 weeks are the hardest! You've done that bit. Find your triggers. Like you say- it can't be all of them!! Good luck.
Hi rowantree
I am always very careful to look at all food labels for onion powder and whey etc.
So can you now eat onion powder but still not onions and garlic?