Conference rocks::weight_control

217.0. "Looking for advice..." by JJM::ASBURY () Tue Feb 02 1988 12:59

    
    I haven't had a chance to read all of the notes in this file, yet,
    so if I've just missed this elsewhere, please point me in the right
    direction. Thanks.
    
    I have discovered recently that I have a condition known as
    Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Also called Spastic Colon, among
    other things. This condition is characterized by constipation followed
    by diarrhea followed by constipation, etc, etc. There is usually
    a lot of pain involved throughout all of this. (I'm sorry if this
    bothers anyone. That's not my intention. I need advice and this
    seemed like a good place to start.)
    
    My doctor told me that it is possible to regulate the problem somewhat
    through diet. Ideally, I should be eating a lot of fiber, both of
    the roughage variety (lettuce, veggies, etc.) and whole grains,
    etc. Unfortunately, my body's need for fiber is not constant. I am
    learning to listen to my body and vary the amounts of what I eat
    based on what my body tells me.  
    
    This works pretty well most of the time. And most of the time when
    I have problems it is due to my own screwing up what I eat. I have
    also discovered that I have problems if I don't eat often enough.
    If I wait too long between eating, I am liable to have problems
    the next time I do eat. So it seems to be pretty important for me 
    to eat small amounts often.
    
    Here is where I need some advice. Perhaps some of you have come
    across this type of problem? I can do fine maintaining my weight
    this way. I have, however, about 25 pounds that I want to lose.
    I already don't eat much in the way of high fat foods or sugary
    things. I am trying hard to further cut these things out of my diet.
    
    Do you have any suggestions? Maybe for low cal ways to get the whole
    grain type of fiber? Also, any suggestions of creative, low cal
    ways to serve veggies and other good-for-me foods would be much
    appreciated.
    
    Thanks all!
           

    Gee, your story sounds familiar!!!  Since I have gone on
    Weight Loss Clinic, I have lost 35 pounds (10 more to
    go) and have had few problems with my degestive track.  I 
    suppose this is due to the foods I am eating - All pretty
    plain, no sauces, no oils, no butter - etc.  Plain broiled
    chicken, fish, meat, etc.  Steamed vegetables, plain, or
    raw, raw or cooked fruits.  Also, I was told to take a fiber
    supplement, and when things started to bother me, to eat
    only cooked fruits and vegetables.  Between the fiber supplement
    and watching the cooked vs. raw fruits and vegetables, I am
    almost free from all digestive problems.  While you think you
    are on a low-fat, low-sugar diet, if you use a lot of salad
    dressing, mayonaise, butter or margerine, cook with oil, use
    ketchup, mustard, relish, eat pickles, etc.  - these all contribute
    to sugar and fat intake.  I have cut all all of the above (not
    easy, believe me) and have been using Fiber-Con, which is a
    Fiber Supplement Tablet that is easy to take - you just have to
    be careful to determine your intake - I believe the box says 1 to
    4 times a day - I will vouch for the fact that 4 times is WAY TOO
    MUCH - at least for me.  Try it, anyway; you'll probably lose weight
    if you cut out the extras for a while, and may start to feel better
    especially if you try a fiber supplement.
    
    Val