Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards

Yes, I know it's a little overwhelming at first. I felt that way too, so I can understand how you're feeling.

My suggestions would be: First, get Heather's book "The First Year." It's our bible. Practically everything we discuss in these boards you'll find in that book. It's easy-reading, makes sense, and you can refer back to it. Mine's all dog-eared. Most of us here have read it at least twice.

Second: stay with us here in the boards and read everything you can. Other people will raise questions that will pertain to you that you want to ask but forgot, or didn't think of. When I came on board, I was doing everything wrong. As I read everyone's posts, lights went off; I would say to myself, "Self, I remember Heather mentioning that in her book!" Things just clicked. I followed the advice and I got better.

Third: the recipes in the recipe board are fantastic. I've tried a LOT of them. Trying new recipes is fun! I've had only a few disasters, and I ended up with a nice collection. What I do is this: when someone posts a new recipe, I check it out. If it sounds yummy, I print it and set it aside in my "pending" basket. When it's time to go grocery shopping (I hate shopping -- thankfully we only go once a week), I go through all those new recipes and pick a few, make up my grocery list from the ingredients, and that's what we buy -- and what I make for the week. So, as far as cooking went, I just dealt with one week at a time.

Third: Really this is the most important. You didn't mention anything about yourself, so I don't know your situation, but if you're not stable, you need to work on that first. Concentrate only on those foods that will get you stable; don't worry about the insolubles -- the fruits and veggies -- just deal with TODAY -- right now. That way it won't be so overwhelming for you.

Fourth: Ask questions -- actually we should be doing this in the "IBS Diet Board," not here in the recipe board -- but ask any question you have, no matter what. No question is "stupid" if it bothers you and you need answers to it. Don't hesitate. This is a wonderful group of very helpful people; they certainly have helped me get better, and they will you too.

I hope this helps, Shirl. We're glad to have you on board.

Bev

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<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy

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