Help - ibs-c

[Rita90]

I've lost about 10 kgs in the past 2 months due to IBS-C. I've cut down dairy, gluten and have been strictly following the FODMAP diet. I watch food videos all day..I crave and imagine going to a few vegan places I like and gorging on food. And for a more serious part, I've suffered a lot academically because I'm not happy. And I've been depressed most of my life. So I really don't have anyone close. I know this post is more about what I'm feeling but any suggestion on what to eat to put on some weight would help a lot. Thank you and hope you all have a great weekend.

[Eliana5]

Yes, I had the same problem. I lost a ton of weight due to long term chronic and severe constipation as well as abdominal cramping. This went on for two years. They wanted to send me to a eating disorder clinic or even put me on a feeding tube..but I like food! No eating disorder. Just anxiety..sometimes severe, and weak pelvic floor, abdominal surgery in 2011, medications (mostly my antidepressants) were causing constipation. I saw a dietician finally..when I went to a sad state of 114 pounds..skin and bones. She had me take Ensure or Boost nutrition shakes twice a day. They are delicious. I had the chocolate flavored. Also "CB-1 weight gainer" that I bought online. Also there are these soft high protein cookies soft baked cookies called "Belvida" which also helped. I finally am now at a healthy weight. There is hope. I hope you get things sorted out. P.S. I have read some posts that the FODMAP diet is very restrictive and should not be used for a lengh of time and not really helpful for IBS-C.

[Rita90 in reply to Eliana5]

Thank you so much for replying. I did buy ensure a few days ago out of sheer helplessness but I'm a bit skeptical to try. But I guess I shouldn't be so scared to try out other options. Who knows.. something might just as well work. How did you react to ensure ?

[Eliana5 in reply to Rita90]

I did very well on it. Try not to be nervous. It's really nothing more than a high protein shake. Small bottles. No side effects..only weight gain..😊xx

[legallyspeaking1]

Lots and lots of healthy fats, for instance medium chain triglycerides, you can get MCT oil’s to put on salads and what not but definitely take in fish the fattier fish like a salmon twice a week and make sure your protein is enough for your body you should have 2.2 g of protein per every pound

[Rita90 in reply to legallyspeaking1]

Thanks for the info legallyspeaking. I will try to make a diet chart so that I've a better idea and make changes if needed.

[Edith0]

Hi Rita90

I lost 3 stone when initially diagnosed with IBS-D. In the main this was because most food I ate seemed to give me extreme pain which led to a lot of anxiety and so I just didn’t eat. I nagged my GP for a referral to the dietician who introduced me to fodmap and I quickly identified my problem sugars, lactose and fructose and I began to put on weight. I still use fodmap, several years on and am still learning about foods that I can tolerate. It was a life saver and the dietician I saw was very patient and the only medical professional who listened to me. I do hope that fodmap can help you in the same way, stick with it and have a few high calorie snacks along the way. (I ate a fair few Greggs sausage rolls).

[Rita90 in reply to Edith0]

Thanks Edith ! This is so assuring. How was the re-introduction phase for you for the FODMAP diet ? Were you more tolerant to foods ? Sadly I've been a vegan till now but if adding grilled chicken or fish helps, I might consider doing that..might try in sometime.

[Eliana5 in reply to Rita90]

I would still be careful about the FODMAP as it's not for weight gain and very restrictive. I would definitely talk to a dietician before doing that. I'm pretty sure that the Ensure or Boost shakes will help you gain the weight back. Let us know..xx

[Earthflower]

I seem fine eating eggs, avocado, olives and fish and I have IBS C. I don't have a weight issue so have not been trying to gain weight but avocado and olives are healthy fats. Oily fish also healthy fats. Eggs, good protein and don't cause me problems however everyone is different. Clear liquids like apple juice (not the fruit just juice) might help. Rice seems easy to manage too.

[Rita90 in reply to Earthflower]

Thanks Earthflower. Sadly I'm allergic to eggs and avocado is a trigger for me. But yes I will try adding olive oil to all my meals.

[Edith0]

Hi Rita90

The reintroduction was where the learning began and I found I could eat more foods than initially thought. It’s a bit of a faff but I thought it was worth it. I think it was also the reintroduction of the dreaded carbs, like the pastry on a Greggs sausage roll, that helped with the weight gain. If your vegan then stick to that but add some carbs. Good luck.