IBS & Weight Gain?!
Question: 2 years ago, I was diagnosed with IBS. Earlier that year, I lost 30 pounds on Weight Watchers. I got thin, then the IBS hit.
I couldn't eat the high fiber diet Weight Watchers requires because of flare ups, but I still kept active. I'm not a junk food eater. And even though it's painful to eat veggies, I did. I joined the gym, then I gained over 20 pounds. I still goto the gym several times a week, watch what I eat and 2 years later...no weight loss. I tried a year ago to go back on Weight Watchers with zero results & after 6 months I stopped going. I've tried probiotics, peppermint tea, Zelnorm (but had a reaction to it) and still nothing. I'm still overweight- at least 40 pounds to lose. This whole thing has put a serious dent into my dating life & it's embarassing having flare ups any time I eat a vegetable or piece of wheat bread. Does anyone have any advice or have been in the same situation? It's not like I'm NOT trying. I'm frustrated !
Answers: 2 years ago, I was diagnosed with IBS. Earlier that year, I lost 30 pounds on Weight Watchers. I got thin, then the IBS hit.
I couldn't eat the high fiber diet Weight Watchers requires because of flare ups, but I still kept active. I'm not a junk food eater. And even though it's painful to eat veggies, I did. I joined the gym, then I gained over 20 pounds. I still goto the gym several times a week, watch what I eat and 2 years later...no weight loss. I tried a year ago to go back on Weight Watchers with zero results & after 6 months I stopped going. I've tried probiotics, peppermint tea, Zelnorm (but had a reaction to it) and still nothing. I'm still overweight- at least 40 pounds to lose. This whole thing has put a serious dent into my dating life & it's embarassing having flare ups any time I eat a vegetable or piece of wheat bread. Does anyone have any advice or have been in the same situation? It's not like I'm NOT trying. I'm frustrated !
I am finally passed my IBS although I don't know why. I use to have such severe pain I'd pass out. I totally agree the flare ups were horrible. I was put on an Anti-Spasmodic for it that seemed to help. Funny, I lost weight and started WW when I gained it back. It's so difficult. Being that there are no changes in your routine and you are at a standstill I would consult a nutritionist or go back to your PCP. Have you had your Thyroid checked? I know a lot of us don't like to hear this but with aging comes metabolism changes.
When you have IBS, you must avoid the following items:
- Anything with caffeine (coffee, tea and chocolate)
- Anything with mint in it (mint, peppermint, spearmint)
- Carbonated beverages
- spicy foods
In terms of fiber, stick with soluble fiber such as that found in apples as opposed to insoluble fiber like that found in bran.
Insoluble fiber is not digested and can irritate your colon.