Hi Barb, I am a junior in college, and my IBS-C started last year when I was living in a dorm room, so I know EXACTLY what you and your daughter are going through.
I also lost a lot of weight initially, but I have gained most of it back and I am feeling great-- mostly thanks to Heather's diet! Some others have already given you a lot of advice, but I'll see if I can fill in some holes, and give you a college perspective:
- FOLLOW HEATHER'S DIET STRICTLY-- this will be very tough for her at first, and it means a lot of changes for someone our age. But, I think she has an advantage over me because she is just starting, whereas I had to adjust everything I was used to.
- GET THE BOOKS! Tell her to come on here whenever she has some time. These are wonderful resources. I was VERY skeptical at first, and I tried everything else for months before I finally forced myself to try Heather's diet.
- EASY DORM FOOD: CEREAL is a staple. There are a lot of safe ones, and they can be dry as a snack or with soy or rice milk for breakfast. PRETZELS, BAKED potato chips, RICE CAKES, SOY CRISPS (if not at the grocery, try a health store), GRAHAM CRACKERS, VANILLA WAFERS, APPLE SAUCE, SOY YOGURT, BANANAS (these are great for me, not for everyone though)
--IN THE DINING HALLS-- Avoid fresh vegetables. At least for a while-- no salads. Stick to sandwiches or pasta with red sauce-- turkey or chicken. Egg whites are also great if that's a possiblitiy. BREAD BREAD BREAD!!! I don't know how great her dining hall is, but the school should provide vegetarian alternatives. Check with the school to see how they can help or what's available for lactose intolerant people. Eliminating dairy is A MUST!
-Get a list of SOLUBLE FIBER FOODS, and just have her memorize it. These foods will stablize her when she's really not feeling well. She needs to find her "comfort" foods (and these are no longer mom's homemade cookies or her hometown pizza).
- BARS?? I'm with Heather on this one-- There's just too much stuff in them. Instead, someone already mentioned the "Breads" in Heather's book-- I make loaves of the Banana Bread and Zuchinni Bread (there are also lots of recipies on here) and freeze them by the slice. Then, just pop one in the microwave for a snack or breakfast. These are SOOOO GOOD and they're very safe. When I was really trying to gain weight, I tried to put a little peanut butter on a slice every day.
-SLEEP SLEEP SLEEP. I can't say it enough. It's hard for a college student, but its absolutely neccessary for IBS-C. Especially if she's stressed over this. I read (PLEASURE READING-NOT SCHOOL) every night before bed to calm me down, then I watch TV for at least an hour in the morning and drink water until I "go". I know this seems crazy for a college student-- but IT REALLY WORKS. THEORY-- WHATEVER GOES IN MUST COME OUT, SO DON'T PUT ANYTHING IN UNTIL SOMETHING COMES OUT--GIVE YOURSELF TIME TO GO, AND YOU WILL GO. For me, my bowels only work right during the night. I only have regular movements in the morning, but I am totally regular.
- MAKE SURE ITS IBS-- from what it sounds like, you are at work on this. If for no other reason, your daughter needs peace of mind. I was so scared over my health and being alone at school, my nerves were making my problem worse.
-HOPE AND FAITH. You need to believe that things will get better and they will. She needs to believe that a solution will be found, and she won't be stuck like this forever. I fell into a state of self-pitty and anger over my IBS-C and the things it did to my college life, but that just makes things worse. IT IS TOTALLY POSSIBLE TO LIVE A NORMAL (AND VERY HEALTHY) COLLEGE LIFE WITH IBS 
I know this is the longest post in the world, and I'm sorry, but I promised myself that after I started to get better I would help people who are in the position that I once found myself in. I am very open to e-mailing directly with you or your daughter. I know how difficult this can be on a college student, and talking to people who understand is the best place to start. This is just a start to the changes I've made for my improvement-- I can still give pages of advice from my book (which is always in revision), so please ask as many questions as you want!
Also, you sound exactly like my mom, who let my illness take over her life--it is great for you to help her, but don't try to control her, or try to control her stomach (because that will NEVER happen!)... Everyone is individual, and she knows her body better than anyone else. But, we are all here to help, and this is a great place for advice and support 
GOOD LUCK, and keep in touch!
Edited by kiks (10/19/03 08:25 PM)
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ANOTHER COLLEGE GIRL-- wants to help
