I had severe IBS for a few years a while back. I hated the thought of eating because I just associated it with feeling sick and bloated and having to run for the bathroom. Eating just wasn't worth the after-effects. I used to force myself to eat because I would be getting shaky and have a headache and I knew my body needed food, but I hated eating.

My doctor suggested a couple of different IBS diets for me to follow and they just made me feel worse. According to those diets, I was supposed to eat bran and raw vegetables and all the things that trigger bloating, pain and sudden, urgent dashes to the bathroom. I gave it a fair shot, but my body couldn't handle those diets. I got even sicker and hated the thought of eating more than ever.

I finally found something that worked for me and got my IBS under control. I just thought I would mention it in case it might be an option for someone else. I followed a plan called Eating for IBS. The premise of the plan is to keep a steady level of food in the system all the time because it's the starvation and then sudden influx of food that throws the GI tract out of whack. Since I didn't like eating, it was a struggle for me to eat small amount many times throughout the day, but it was worth it. The diet includes lots of soluble fibre -- cooked vegetables and soft fruit (like mango and banana) and applesauce. There are no whole grains. The bread recommended is a good quality homemade white bread or sourdough. Rice, chicken, fish, yogourt and hard cheeses are also recommended. There are some good recipes and the plan is easy to follow. Following that plan got my IBS under control. I am now able to eat things like salad (which I love but raw veggies used to make me sick) as long as I eat a piece of bread first -- no high fibre foods on an empty stomach. I supplement my diet with daily acidophilus capsules and add a small amount of powdered soluble fibre to my breakfast smoothie. I still have the occasional attack, but I'm SO much better. I can actually enjoy a meal now. I don't associate food with feeling nauseous and shaky and crampy, etc.

I hope everyone here finds something that works for them. When we have such negative associations with food (like gaining weight AND getting sick), it's really discouraging. IBS feels horrible and it's anxiety-inducing because you're always scared of when the next attack will hit. I wish you all the best of luck and hope you feel better soon.

Cheers.