New Here, not to IBS

My mother (a nurse) warned me that a low-fat diet will make you constipated. She said we need some fat to move things along. I know when I was on a low fat diet (1600-1200 calories a day), I went from having diarrhea due to being post-gall bladder to being severely constipated all of the time. When I got off my diet, my bowels went back to being normal (at least they went back to being their usual selves). I tried taking fiber pills, only to have my constipation get worse. Nothing worked for it but to eat a normal diet (normal including fat).

I would suggest you try adding more fat into your diet (the best kind of fat being milk fat, but obviously you have to avoid that if you are lactose-intolerant) and see if that helps you pass things any better. It may not help because this may be a problem that's wholly independent of food (a lot of IBS is), but maybe it will help you some. The other thing you can do is try prunes/prune juice. You said you like fruit, so that ought not be a stretch for you.

Please don't think I'm fat free...I do eat fats. I just don't eat "bad" fats. Even when I wasn't eating the way I do now, constipation was a big issue for me. Milk itself is a big no no for me, even ice cream (which I love) makes me sick. I'm guessing I'm allergic to it, lactose intolerant or both. I drink Lactaid when I need to have milk with something. I have tried the fiber pills, about killed me, it made things so much worse. I drink a ton of water during the day and even that hasn't helped lately. I guess I'll try prunes (can't hurt), but I'm wondering just how many I'd have to eat to be somewhat normal!

Thanks for the suggestion.

I'm curious, what does the aloe vera do? Also, any particular probiotics I should look for? I've read through a lot of the posts, but it's confusing.

    Hello Starrnr,         Hello and welcome to a great support Forum!    My pain actually started last August. I was diagnosed just a few months ago after going through the colonoscopy,Upper GI/Lower Bowel Study and three blood panel thing. No endoscopy for me, but I was worried that it was maybe a paralytic illeus, because of my Constipation,and going once a week with the help of that "Liquid Dynamite " Milk of magnesia.  My Regular Doctor prescribd Zelnorm ,but without insurance,a 60 pill supply was about $200.00. As a guy, I read on Zelnorns's website all the side effects,and then read that it has never been tested on men.  Ok.....Ummmm. She also prescribed Belladonna(Donnatal) A phenobarbituate for the Cramping. That, so far helps. But other stuff that didn't was the Bentyl-alergic reation to that. Zannax for anxiety and help sleep..addicting,and Librax (Librium and a anti-spasmotic) which is mild,but at least I can do daily fuctions without drossiness,for me anyway.  Everyone is different as meds go, and I do not like taking them,but,,when i have the loud stomach gurgling, and the pelvic and the deep excrusiating,rectal cramping..I find relief where I can.   IBS (from what I've been hearing) has alot to do with stress and anziety,and some foods make it worst to live with.  I was talking to someone just yesterday that said she is in remission, but had it for a few years,what helped her was a book about positive thinking that got her past her dilemma. "How Full is your Bucket" by Tom Rath. I haven't got it yet,but wondered if anyone else read it to any advantage.     I am afraid of experimenting with foods that I used to love to eat. There are alot of variables with each person. Some swear by Brown or White Rice or Bread. I can't eat the rice or potaotes because they are bulking,and I have C,which stops me up. TRIAL AND ERROR is the key!     So, I have a Shaklee protein Drink woth SILK or 8th Continent, Little organic Cherry juice,bannana, and some ice in a blender,along with a piece of Sourdough or White bread toast. I tried the LUNA protein bar for lunch, so far, so good. Then for Dinner (what a joke) Chicken Broth ans fat- free Saltine Crackers.  Went to trader Joe's tried some SOY Pretzels,but I think the wheat flour made me cramp alittle bit.   TALKING about WINDED,DRAWN OUT  STORIES!    Now I'm alittle normalized,but very weak. I've lost 32 LBS, in a few months, primarily from not eating for fear of those cramps! ...Chocolate, Pizza, Beer,Dairy including  cheese and yogurt . not sure if having IBS automatically includes having lactose Intolerance or not...A LITTLE HELP HERE?   I still don't  know what Christmas Eve Dinner will be like...Lean Turkey,or Ham? Potatoes,all the fixin's will be hard not to sample.  Thankgiving was a nightmare!   I also need a food plan to breakfast,lunch,and dinner..I wish there was a across the board food plan to follow for all of us.   Somehow pizza with Soy,or lactose free cheese (that doesn't melt very well) doesn't cut it for me. maybe alfreado white sauce...Well good luck to you, and sorry about my ramblings on.      Can someone tell us if having IBS, automatically assures you will also have lactose Intolerance? And if so, Does taking those over the counter lactose Aid medicine help us to have cheese, chocholate,    and regular milk,pizza,from time to time, without the painful cramping? Thank You and good Luck!