Diagnosed: Fructose Malabsorption; some questions, including weight loss issues

After having numerous tests done, I finally had one come back positive and that was for fructose malabsorption. Based on the results of my food log, this was one of the tests I really suspected would come back positive before taking it. I received the diagnosis today, and have been reading up on a ton of information online. The problem is that most of it is conflicting and I was wondering if some people with experience could answer a few questions I have.

First, is weight loss a possible problem with FM? Based on this site, it is listed as a symptom: Fructose Malabsorption . My symptoms almost match up exactly with the list given:

-frequent C, rare, but seemingly predictable D; no urgency
-bloating, gas
-gurgling
-gas pains
-abdominal pain; occasionally severe, but erratic
-fatigue
-headache
-brain fog, inability to concentrate at times
-weight loss, at times
-yawning and hickups, very predictable patterns

I have pretty much gone through all the main testing. I have not been tested for SIBO or had a colonoscopy, though. I was wondering if other FM sufferers had any of the above symptoms. Most websites tend to focus on the bloating/gas and diarrhea/constipation issues.

The weight loss has been an issue for me and I'm wondering if something like FM may be a problem. In the past 15 months, I went from 160lbs to an all-time high of 190lbs, gaining about 1.5lbs/week with a lot of effort on eating. Then, I dropped to 150lbs over the course of 4-5 months, with most of the weight loss occurring on vacations over that time. On vacation, I would eat any food, whereas at home I prepare all of my own meals.

Upon dropping to 150lbs, an adult lifetime low (I am 6'2, 29), I worked on putting weight on and gained 1 lb/week to get back to 175lbs. During this time, I followed a strict diet and was at home, preparing my meals. I just completed a 3 week trip to Italy, over which I lost 15 pounds to return to 160lbs, where I have stayed for a couple weeks. Given my recent 150lb low, I was working extremely hard at tracking calories and averaged around 2,900 calories/day. The drop in weight seemed abnormal, as it often has while traveling. I also tracked calories burned walking/sightseeing, and don't feel I should have lost as much weight as I had.

I tracked calories and food for this entire time frame. Anyone care to comment on this weight loss? Could fructose malabsorption be a culprit? It seems as if I eat food I know agrees with me and follows the IBS/fructose diet, I can gain weight. Immediately, and always while traveling, I seem to be losing weight drastically. Has anyone experienced anything similar?

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Likely IBS-C and Fructose Malabsorption
Undiagnosed and going through testing process

Edited by IBSHelpWanted (06/01/11 10:09 PM)

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