Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Re: I can't stop losing weight. HELP!

Alright, keep in mind that I'm strictly amateurish in diagnosing this stuff, so I'll speak from personal experience.

It sounds as though the IBS is in some sort of remission. Having diarrhea 1-3 times a month can be a result of eating something bad (i.e. something with a very high fat content). What troubles me (and I expect you as well) is hearing that you're continuing to lose a good deal of weight each month.

Many years ago, after my wife died, I went through a similar time. I had weighed about 200 pounds when she passed away and maintained that for a few months. About six months later I started to lose weight. At first I thought it was due to the fact that I was eating my own cooking (not very good) but, like you, I was happy I was losing weight (I'm 5'10" and I was too fat anyway). The weight continued to come off even though I was eating a lot (I used to be able to eat anything then - pizza, pasta, etc.). I got to the point I was trying Ensure and other drinks like that in the hopes I'd keep my weight level steady. When I got down to about 160 pounds I started to get worried and went for a complete physical. Nothing bad showed up.

To make a long story short, I soon figured it I was stressed by being alone and facing the fact that I'd be "dating" again soon. Co-workers and friends were wondering if I had AIDS or some other serious disease because I started to look skeletal. Then, for no apparent reason, the weight loss stopped and I slowly started putting weight back on. I can only guess that my stressful period was over then.

Jason, the holidays can certainly trigger a stressful time, and I hope that as soon as they're over you'll stop losing weight. Hang in there, and it's good you're taking a positive step (i.e. behavorial therapy), but you may also consider getting a complete physical to rule out any ailment.

Good luck!!

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Saul (IBS - D)

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