Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Need help in determining what ailment I have.

I wasn't sure if this is an appropriate question for this forum, but here goes. (Sorry if it's not!) I had two feet of my colon removed about a year and half ago and have been suffering ever since. I've always had a weak stomach, but part of that was attributed to food allergies. The colon section was removed because it was too long. (I'd rather not go into the nasty details surrounding that otherwise, unless someone really wants to know to help me determine what's going on.) Ever since then, I have had constant stomach trouble. It took around 9 months for things to get back to even a semi-normal state in that area. Constant stomach cramping, loose bowels, etc., but virtually no gas during that time. I thought I had it made in that area until earlier this year when the gas came back with a vengeance! I am way too regular these days (several bowel movements a day) and almost everything I eat causes me to have severe gas, sometimes bloating, and much less frequently, pain. It's embarrasing and extremely bothersome. I'm a little confused as to what IBS is, or at least whether or not I fall into that category, even after reading lots of info on this web site. Does anyone know what my symptons sound like they might be? I have had lots of turmoil going on in my personal life over the past year or more and thought that the emotional stress might be causing the bowel problems, but they have gotten worse over the last month or so, with weight loss included. I started taking Sam-e for depression a few weeks ago and thought that might be exaserbating the problems, but not sure. Stomach problems are one of the side effects of Sam-e for people with weak stomachs. I saw a Gastroenterologist a year ago for it and he sent me home with a hand-out that explained what foods caused gas and a "good luck" wish. He wanted me to come back in three months, but I was discouraged and never went back. Should I find another doctor to determine if this is something serious or does this sound like something I can treat with Heather's material? Any help would be much appreciated. I found that I am eating lots of the trigger foods on a regular basis. Thanks

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