How did you start low FODMAP? And can I combine portions?

[LilMissBear]

I've seen my doctor after some recent flare ups that have been far worse than anything I've experienced with my IBS before. I'm not sure what's triggered these as I haven't changed my diet, but suspect it may be an increase in things like onions, bread and garlic that has made my gut over sensitive.

My doctor recommended I follow the low FODMAP diet, myself. I wasn't comfortable with doing this on my own as I've seen a lot of advise saying it should be followed under a qualified dietician only. I asked my doctor for a referral, and I need to take some tests, then I can be referred. Which will take a few weeks.

In the meantime, I am using the Monash university app to keep my diet low in FODMAPs, but am still quite unsure of what I'm doing.

I'm also concerned that when I looked on the Monash university website there is only a small handful of dieticians who have actually completed the training in the UK.

Can anyone out there who has done the low FODMAP diet answer a couple of questions for me?

1) did u go to a dietician that wasn't necessarily registered with Monash university for having done the training? Can any dietician technically guide me through this process?

2) can I have 2 portions at the low FODMAP weight in one meal? For example, could I have 75g of broccoli and 75g of beans? Or can I only have one portion? Someone on YouTube mentioned things being in the 'same group'.. I don't know what that means, can someone explain or provide a link that will explain.

I don't intend to go through this process without consulting a dietician, but at the moment I have constant tummy ache where my gut is so sensitive, and just want to avoid any further flare ups.

Any advice greatly appreciated.

[ClareLou]

I did the FODMAP diet with an NHS dietician. I must admit if I did it on my own it would of been very confusing as there is conflicting information on the internet. The main thing with FODMAP is it’s an elimination diet and should only be followed for a short time.

There are 2 phases, phase one is the elimination part and phase two is the challenge part were you start reintroducing foods to see if any cause a reaction.

When I did it the dietician gave me two leaflets covering each phase and I had appointments at points throughout each phase.

I would try and push for a referral for a dietician as there are many types of interventions that can be tried.

I hope you find something that worse for you

Clare

[LilMissBear in reply to ClareLou]

Thank you, much appreciated. I am doing my best to follow it, but don't think I'll do a thorough job without some guidance.

[ClareLou in reply to LilMissBear]

I would definitely push for a referral, they will probably ask that you have a blood test first to rule out celiac disease

[Uncle7]

I’m following the FODMAP diet, and for me it’s definitely working, I didn’t start the diet with the help of a dietician, and I’m currently not doing so either, here’s my reason why.

I’m from the U.K. but live in Vietnam, I get (or have) diarrhoea at least once-twice a week, both in Vietnam and the U.K., I saw my Dr in January and I had a blood test, FIT test and gave stool samples, all came back as normal. My Dr mentioned about seeing a gastroenterologist, but the waiting list is long, and I was returning to Vietnam, he mentioned IBS and keeping a food diary.

I looked at paying to see a gastroenterologist, the price was £1200+, I also looked at paying to see a private dietician, the average price is around £120+, so I decided (whether rightly or wrongly) to follow the FODMAP diet via the Monash app without a dietician.

At first, the diet was helping, then I had diarrhoea, I then decided to start eating gluten free food, along with the recommended food on the diet, and for me it’s working.

I’ve had no diarrhoea in 10 days now (longest time ever) and on the 7-8 times that I’ve gone to the toilet in that time, my stools have been normal ( number 4 & 5 on the Bristol stool chart) with no excessive wiping.

I will seriously consider paying for treatment or see a dietician, should my symptoms appear, but for now, I no longer worry if the food I’m eating will give me diarrhoea.

Here is website which may help you.

alittlebityummy.com/does-po...

[LilMissBear in reply to Uncle7]

Thank you, I'll check out that website for sure. So far, I still have a tender tummy and loose stools, but that's the norm for me for a couple of weeks after a flare up, so that could be why.

[Jumpey]

Go on patientwebinars.co.uk

There are 2 NHS sessions on there for IBS and diet/fodmap.

Very helpful.

And yes you can combine the two foods in one meal.Good luck.

[LilMissBear]

That's great news, thank you. I've watched the seminars and agree they're very helpful, I just need more support with the finer detail.

[IBSNetwork Partner IBS Network]

Hi there,

We recommend you ask your GP for a referral to a registered dietitian.