Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Portion size and number of meals

I can't find this information so would love some help with this. What has worked for you?

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BACKGROUND
I have IBS-C. And by that I mean that I cannot go nearly at all. For well over two years, weeks can go by with no movement and then just a small amount comes out. Finally, about a year ago, I started doing weekly enemas, which really has worked for me. Now, it's twice a week.

Just started with new gastro who confirmed the diagnosis. He put me back on stool softeners, which do nothing, but I am trying to be compliant. And he wanted me on fiber.

I did STRICT FodMaps for eight months with an Australian dietitian, who was great. But it made no difference. I tested positive for methane on the SIBO breath tests, but was unable to get the antibiotics (I am allergic to the methane preferred one anyway). It definitely didn't make any difference in my IBS-C.

So now, I am trying Heather's route. I also have many many food sensitivities, so my food is very limited, way more than even this food plan allows.

I am also a compulsive overeater in recovery, which means I weigh my food at every meal and have done so for over 17 years. So I need to think in terms of food plan.

I keep trying to use the Acacia fiber and have just started again. I am doing 1/2 tsp 2 x/day. In the past, whenever I raised it, the bloating and gas were terrible, but I am determined to make this work this time!

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QUESTIONS

1. I am confused about the amounts of insoluble fiber to add. Yesterday, I had 8 oz blueberries. But I think that was too much. I had stopped all fruit for two weeks, which really helped my pain level. But the advice from Heather is to add a little insoluble fiber frequently. I don't know what that means. Would it be 2 oz? 1 oz?

2. Here is my thought for what seems reasonable:

Breakfast
6 oz grain (e.g., rice, buckwheat)
4 oz animal protein
2 oz fruit

Lunch
6 oz grain (e.g., rice, buckwheat)
4 oz animal protein
4 oz veg (pretty much cooked zucchini, baby bok choy, and yellow squash)

Dinner
6 oz grain (e.g., rice, buckwheat)
4 oz animal protein

I have been adding in a snack of 2 oz cream of rice or something else sometimes. But this amount of food seems to tide me over until my next meal, giving my body a chance to digest it.

My weight is normal.

3. But is it better to eat two more snacks or is that too much food?

4. Is it better to keep it to 2 oz veg at lunch and then at dinner?

5. Is that enough insoluble fiber for a day?

I'm just confused about this. In fact, I was using 8 oz grain, but that seemed just too much and 6 oz actually corresponded to a 1 cup serving.

So I just want some guidance from those who have done this for awhile.

Thanks for reading my long post. And for your help.

Edited by susaninflorida (12/12/15 05:09 AM)

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