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Posted 1/11/2006 9:51 PM (GMT 0)
Just curious how many of us are out there who gain weight with IBS D???

I have averaged 6 lbs a year, no matter what I eat or don't.

Any suggestions for weight loss?

One of my docs suggested South Beach.  I am totally not going there or to Atkins either.

What do you eat?

Dixie

Posted 1/11/2006 10:20 PM (GMT 0)
My sister has done phenomenal on Weight Watchers. It is much easier to count points and eat what you want than to do no carbs, fat, calories, etc.
Good luck!
Posted 1/11/2006 10:55 PM (GMT 0)
I was a size 14 for several years before my gall bladder went bad, I went down to a size 10 because I was sick all the time, then I got some better, learned to overeat when I was okay in order to compensate for when I wasn't okay, and I eventually went back up to being a size 14 before I had it out. After I got over having my gb out, I stayed a size 14 for another year. I counted calories and lost weight about a year ago and got back down to a 10 again, but my weight is almost all back. That depsite giving up cokes, fast food and a lot of processed foods, eating more vegetables and less meat AND staying under the 2,000 calories a day a woman of my size and age should have been burning up. But I'm not alone: 95-98% of all dieters gain back their lost weight within 3 years, with most gaining more than they weighed in the first place. Me, I've just decided to be content with being a size 14.

http://www.usnews.com/usnews/health/articles/060116/16diet.htm

If you gain weight regardless of what you "eat or don't eat" then dieting probably won't help because that's all about not eating and you're probably doing enough of that now as it is. In fact, if you have a lot of periods of time where you don't eat because it makes you ill, you may be gaining weight as a way of fending off starvation. When you go hungry--regardless of whether it's intentional or not--your body slows down your metabolism in an effort to save fat stores as much as possible. That's why dieters hit plateaus; their bodies adjust for the lower calories and fight tooth and nail not to give up the fat. When you start to eat again after going hungry, your body keeps your metabolism low in order to horde up fat so it can make it through the next lean period. Even though you may not be, to your thinking, "on a diet", your food intake as governed by your illness may actually have you "yo-yoing" in terms of eating/not eating and yo-yo dieting can lead to more weight gain (see article).

If you want good health, eat healthy foods. We all know what those are: fruits, vegetables, grains/fiber, dairy, proteins, but especially fish, good fats. Walking at a moderate pace 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week is enough to qualify you as being "fit" and will regulate your blood pressure, cholesterol and insulin, regardless of weight loss. Most importantly, don't eat any foods that you know will make you ill; a healthy food isn't healthy if it make you ill, you know. That's all you need to do. And if you do decide to exercise, don't get discouraged: most people only lose a few pounds a year through exercise. Your body adjusts to compensate for losing fat that way too. Not to mention if you build up muscle, it weighs more than fat so you may actually gain weight when exercising. Still, even if your weight doesn't go down, people who exercise are generally happier with their appearance because they get better muscle defintion--looking "toned"--and look thinner. And a lot of people find they go down one dress size even without losing weight because muscle is denser and takes up less area.
Posted 1/12/2006 1:32 AM (GMT 0)
Hey! I have alternating IBS-D and IBS-C (its just wonderful..lol). I have been gaining weight recently, about 10 pounds in the past two months. Im 150 lbs and im 5'11, which I guess is somewhat proportional and im pretty muscular cuz I play TONS of vball (btw im only 15 and not done growing yay!) but still I feel like im GAINING weight, especially when I go through diarrhea stages. Which is weird you think it would be the opposite. Im also severly allergic to preservatives, sorbitol and a little bit sensitive to aspartame, and milk proteins. (i get horribly painful cramps and diarrhea almost immediatly when I eat stuff that contains the allergens) Those allergens for me are in alot of fatty and processed foods, so im eating way healthier but still ganing! I dont get it!!!!! I exercise at least 4 times a week for 2 hours or more and lift weights every other day so I dont know what to do! blahh!!
Posted 1/12/2006 2:28 PM (GMT 0)
Blondie, every girl gains weight at your age. It's called... getting boobs! Of course you'll get hips and the like too which aren't nearly as glamorous (at least to fashion magazines, men still like them), but if you want kids, you'll be glad of it. There's some evidence that women that are on the low end of "normal" according to the BMI scale are less likely to be fertile than heavier women. Also, since muscle is heavier than fat, lifting weights can cause "weight gain." But since they're replacing fat or potential fat, that's good. Muscle weight never hurt anyone.

I think 150 for someone 5'11" is plenty thin enough. I thought I looked all svelte when I weighed 150 and I'm only 5'6". I could go on about how the media glamorizes anerexoic women and that people who wear a size 0 are considered ideal when their weight is so low it's actually unhealthy, etc., etc. but that's an entirely different crusade, lol. Just take care of your IBS first. That's more important than anything else. It doesn't matter if you're model thin if you can't go out at all because of IBS. Do what it takes to lead as normal a life as possible.
Posted 1/17/2006 7:48 PM (GMT 0)

Blondie

Be glad your the size you are! And lots of people gain weight on IBS, please tell me your secret. Cause i have done nothing but lost weight. I wear a size 0  and i used to wear a 5 or a 7.  Im only 5'1" but its NO fun being to skinny either and have people ask obvious questions like, are you sick? are you anorexic? (which im not). But having IBS-D sure hasnt made me gain weight. Even though i  do eat and drink ensure. So be glad with your size blondie!!!

Posted 1/17/2006 8:08 PM (GMT 0)
You are so right Peppertree... "the grass is always greener." I am slightly overweight by 15 lbs and it bothers me so much. I remember though that I used to be a stick in high school and college and would have gave anything for some meat on my bones. I know its hard but I'm trying to be happy with myself which I guess is the key. I need to realize that I will never be totally satisfied and it will drive me insane if I obsess over it.
Posted 1/18/2006 4:15 AM (GMT 0)
Sorry, I just can't be happy about the weight gain.  I am obese.

I an 5'4" and weigh just over 200 lbs.  I keep gaining and gaining, and I am too exhausted to exercise.  I am happy if the laundry and dishes get done.

Note: I also have ulcerative colitis which should also be contributing to weight loss.

No, I am not on prednisone.  Yes, I eat a good diet.  I eat much better than my best friend who is 5'7" and weighs around 130.

Dixie

 

Posted 1/18/2006 1:49 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Dixie,
I also have UC and am overweight. I'm not on prednisone either and I think that I eat very well (no choice with my IBS). I understand its very frustrating. Do you have any pets? I have a dog and feel that my obligation to take her out for walks keeps me if just a little active. I probably would be worse if I didn't have to. I know about the exhaustion. I am at work from 6am to 3pm every day and I am so exhausted after cooking and helping my son with his homework when I get home that I don't even want to think about the gym.
Posted 1/18/2006 4:03 PM (GMT 0)
Dixie (and others), you may want to check out www.bigfatblog.com. It's all about fat acceptance and learning to like the bodies we're in (which is hard to do when it's dysfunctional, I admit!). There are all sorts of people on it, many larger than you, and they eat healthy and exercise and are the weight they are. There are even fat vegetarians on there, which a lot of people think is a contradtiction in terms (of course, as one person pointed out, sumo wrestlers get fat on rice and vegetables). For some people there is a medical condition for their weight gain--like polycystic ovaries--or they are on medicines which cause weight gain, but for some, they were just born big and have been big all their lives and everyone in their family is big. Blonde people tend to have blonde children, tall people tend to have tall children, big people tend to have big children; it's just genetics. Same lovely genetics that allow most of us to inhereit digestive tract issues.

There is a lot of evidence out there that doesn't get published that size is irrelevant and that eating healthy foods and getting exercise is all that matters. Obviously it's hard to exercise when you are sick, but every little bit helps. 30 minutes of moderate walking 5 days a week is all you need to be classified as "fit" and "fit" will lower your cholesterol, blood pressure, insulin resistence, you name it. Exercise is very important. And it's true that moderate exercise will eventually increase your overall energy levels. So if you could ever get started, it would hopefully help you to get out of your rut.

You may also want to talk to a doctor to see if you are depressed (being sick all the time can certainly cause that) and see if medicines might help you feel better. Some one on bigfatblog was just talking about having gained an unusual amount of weight while being depressed, but had gotten on a pepper-upper antidepressant and was back down to his usual weight and felt much better. The other thing to look at is to see if you have seasonal affectivie disorder (SAD); I am always much more lethargic and prone to depression in the wintertime. That happens to a lot of people. You can treat it with a light box (although they are expensive).

I hope you find something that makes you feel better. It sucks to feel sucky all the time. I know, I've been there and done that off and on throughout my life.
Posted 9/5/2008 5:45 PM (GMT 0)
Hi. I would like to reply to all of your posts. I am 5'4 and weigh 210 pounds. I have ibs-d and gastroparesis (delayed emptying of the stomach). So I have severe bloating everyday and diarreah. When I was diagnosed I became very depressed and just started eating alot of chocolate (which I shouldn't have). Now I am in trouble. I have never been this big in my life. I am so uncomfortable and have trouble moving around. Forget about exercise. I used to exercise everyday but now, it feels like I am going to have a heart attack. I need something to jump start it, but I don't know what to try with the ibs and gastroparesis. Does anyone have any advice for me? I need to get this weight off now. My back hurts, my feet hurt, I am just miserable.

Posted 9/5/2008 7:15 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Trish,
Have you tried walking? Start out small with just a brisk walk up the street daily. Then graduate to around the block, then further and further. Your best bet would be to stay away from any food for at least 4 hours before bedtime.
Have you seen a nutritionist?
Posted 9/5/2008 7:28 PM (GMT 0)
7Lil,
I haven't tried walking because my feet hurt so bad. I can walk only for about 5 or 10 minutes at a time. Then I have to sit back down again. I will try to stay away from food at night. I have seen a nutritionist and they weren't any help. No ones knows about ibs very well around where I live. My GI doctor put me on a cholesterol med that controls the diarreah and I was on reglan for my stomach, but it caused vision problems so I am not taking anything now. Ive heard so many people talk about medications they are on, and I wonder why my doctor hasn't tried anything for me. He just says there isn't anything. Thanks for your advice. I will try the walking, as much as I can handle anyway. If you think of anything that could jumpstart this let me know. Like an herbal supplement or something. Or any special diet. Thanks again.
Posted 9/17/2008 4:51 PM (GMT 0)
I am a new poster, but have been dealing with IBS for YEARS...I'm 35 and feel worse than my 75 year old grandmother.

I have been diagnosed with IBS-D and I have gained weight. It's ironic, isn't it. I can't figure it out, other than I am too busy sitting in my bathroom and feeling the side affects of diarrhea to actually exercise. The irony is I don't eat anything, and I have slowly over the past 5 years gained about 10 pounds a year. My legs, buttocks area, and lower back hurt so badly on many days, I have a difficult time walking around the grocery store, let alone going for an actual walk.

This IBS-D stuff is serious stuff, it's ruining my life. I don't think I can really take it anymore, and to top it all off, I feel crappy and fat on top of the actual side effects and pain from IBS-D. I actually think I am moving from IBS-D to alternating, as I haven't went to the bathroom for 3 weeks now, for some reason, even after taking 11 laxatives and miralax.

I'm 35, a mother of 3 younger children, and a total mess. I feel awful, I feel bad for my husband having to put up with my issues, I feel bad for my kids that their mom can't always do the things that other moms do. I think it's driving me into a depression.

I rarely eat, so I feel weak constantly..but I still gain weight! It makes no sense. I cant' even begin to type all the meds that I am on, but I do take daily my donnatol, my bentyl, and my clidinium. Literally I try not to eat, as on some days even if I eat 1 grape...I will run to the bathroom with the urge to go, spasms, and nothing comes out. On those days, I sit in the bathroom putting my body through torture of pushing and pushing, crying in pain, spasms all over my body..but there is nothing in my system to actually "push" out because I am empty...although my body doesn't realize this for some reason?

I did eat 1 bowl of vegetarian chili yesterday, and that's all I ate all day long. This is normal for me, only 1 meal a day and I STILL gain weight. I cant' understand it, and I feel my doctor must think I am crazy when I go in and tell him about the diarrhea issues and the spasms but then I am actually gaining weight. It makes no sense. Half of the time I do not even feel like eating, it's some psychological issue telling me if I eat anything, I will be in the bathroom...and the next day will be nightmare with the hurting back, hurting butt, throbbing upper leg pain, and general weakness from all the ruckus I caused in my body with the straining and spasms.

If you find out how we can actually feel good enough to exercise, let me know because I'm right there with ya.
Posted 9/18/2008 5:49 AM (GMT 0)
Trish,
I have gastroparesis and diarrhea too. It's a gnarly combination, that's for sure...there is a gastroparesis diet that you might want to try. Just google "gastroparesis diet" and you'll see some guidelines. Basically, it's best if you eat several very small, low-residue meals throughout the day.
Posted 10/13/2008 8:36 PM (GMT 0)
I have dealth with IBS-D for the past 20 years.   Along the way I have had UC, Gallbladder removed, colon biopsied, and even got so bad I couldn't keep anything in for nearly a month.  It was coming out one end or the other and all the could tell me was it was my IBS. 

When I was not able to eat at all of course I lost weight very quickly.  But as soon as I could eat again it gained back quickly too.  But I started taking antidepressants for other reasons (wellbutrin and lexapro) but noticed my IBS symptoms were not as bad.  I even was having some formed BMs, which honestly is very rare for me.  However, my BP started to rise while I was on the meds so I discontinued without notifying my Dr.  I have to say since I stopped taking them 6 months ago my stomach is back to 5-6 times a day in the bathroom and I have gained 25 of the 30 lbs I lost back.   I even eat much better now and cut out all soda and most juice, I try to drink only water.  I don't like milk and lactose intollerant anyway.  I know my body does not absorb properly because I have to crush my pills or else I will see them whole floating in the toilet.  So I am certain that since things fly through me so quickly my body hordes what fat it can to compensate for what it seems to think is starving.

I am 5'5" and pushing 218 now.  I was down to 189 while on the meds and still losing.  I am going to start taking them again and see if it comes back down.  I will just have to monitor my BP but hoping exercise will help offset that increase.  I am trying to walk 30 minutes a day but have not worked up to every day yet.  about 4-5 times a week right now.  I also suggest starting out with brisk 10 minute walks and just get yourself used to that everyday for a few weeks and then add a few minutes each week.  I know it is hard believe me!  I was slim without considering what I ate when I was younger but then I lost a child to SIDS and my world fell apart and I didn't care what I looked like and the IBS just got worse and worse.  I snowballed from 125 to what I am now.  I even considered the gastric bypass surgery but just think I need to be more disciplined and try harder before I go that route. 

I know I had started to lose weight and then became pregnant with twins.  When my babies health was dependent on what I put in my body I was very good about what I ate and exercise.  I only gained 30lbs carrying the twins but they were nearly 8 weeks early.  I weight a lot more now than the day I came home after having them.  But I am trying to use that focus to get me motivated now to fight the weight.  I don't like the way I look of course but I am more concerned about my health than vanity.  I want to be healthy for my kids and my future grandkids.  Even though they are not inside me anymore I need to think about what I do to my body and health as a direct affect to them now too.   

Hope this helps.


Post Edited (juliab) : 10/13/2008 2:51:17 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 7/6/2009 9:14 AM (GMT 0)

I'm 66 and have had IBS-D for almost 10 years. I've gained lots of weight since having IBS even while on a low fat diet.  about 6 years ago my doctor sent me to a nutritionist who put me on Xenical for about a year (plus same low fat diet I was already following).  I lost over 30 lbs.   But then I had gall bladder attacks and had GB removed.  I was unable to continue xenical because the IBS-D got worse.  I gained all the weight back.  I still maintain a healthy (lots of fruit and veg, low fat) diet but have a huge belly that just won't go away.  I work out at the gym 3x week...half hour on an elliptical machine and 15 mins on weight machines.  I walk to and from the gym, plus quite a bit of walking at other times during the week.  My blood pressure is pretty low and cholesterol is normal.  But I worry a lot about having so much fat (esp around my middle).  My doctor says I'm 'morbidly obese'! 

I'm doing all the right things but nothing changes... shakehead

Posted 7/6/2009 6:18 PM (GMT 0)
Blood pressue is low and cholesterol is normal... what's to worry about? It's those things that can give you health problems, not fat. It's just that excess fat is normally linked to high blood pressure and cholesterol that makes fat bad. Since your fat is obviously not making those numbers spike, then your fat is a costmetic, not health, concern. Also, exercise is a better indicator of health than weight; thin people who get no exercise tend to have worse health than overweight people who get it quite reguarly. And it's all a crap shoot anyways. We have a friend who is quite thin, exercises regularly and just had two stints put into his heart (I think he's 52). My husband probably weighs 2.5 times more than this man does and gets very little exercise and is doing fine. Sometimes genetics will get you, no matter what you do.

Anyways, you might want to look at "Fat Fallacy" by Will Clower. It explores the French diet and healthy eating. He theorizes that low-fat diets actually make our bodies horde fat; the French eat diets quite high in fat, but are much thinner, on average, than Americans (they also live longer). But they are careful what fats they eat. Cheese and other dairy fats, olive oil, nuts, fish = good; trans fats from things like McDonald's french fries and Litte Debbies = bad, bad, bad. They also consume very small amounts of sugar, which is one thing that older people do have to be careful about, because insulin effectiveness tends to drop and older people are more likely to develop Type II diabetes (regardless of weight).

The reason why I point that particular book out is that Will's mother stayed with them for a few months in France; she was about your age, I think, and she dropped several dress sizes (went from quite overweight to a more normal size for her age).
Posted 7/6/2009 6:34 PM (GMT 0)
Keriamon, Many thanks for your reply and all the information. I shall indeed check out the book you suggest as well as more on French eating customs (French cuisine is already my favourite). How great would it be to stop worrying/obsessing so much and enjoy my lifestyle more?! I now live in England (very close to France). The UK diet is appalling!! My husband (who is very thin) piles on the very high fat stuff, including junk. He doesn't gain weight but he's prediabetic.

Anyway, I really appreciate your taking the time to share with me. I'll let you know what comes of it.

Cheers,

Nancy
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