need help to gain - any suggestions????

Hi RCH...I assume, maybe incorrectly, that your IBS symptoms are diarrheic prone vs constipation prone.If you can isolate and avoid all foods and additives and other (psychological) events which provoke the intestinal release of mediators, your symptoms will subside, digestion will improve, and nutrient utilization as well.This may, however, be accompanied by a temporary weight loss as many patients are carrying around a few pounds of water weight as a consequence.Once you have achieved symptomatic remission, a dietician can show you how to consume 300-500 more calories a day than your present baseline and thus gain about a pound a week.The caveat is that you have some normal base weight sort of genetically-programmed into your body, so passive caloric manipulation will usually only allow a person to alter their weight about +/- 10% around that normal weight...then the body starts to make adjustments to prevent further gain or loss depdning upopn which way you are going. Hence the program of weight gain or loss can become more arduous as one has to alter ones level of activity under supervision in such a fashion as will allow for the addition of more body mass....or less as the case may be.To better understand, if my guess is correct about your symptoms, your options in how to first get the ssmptoms you have under control these books think you will find helpful:IBS: A DOCTORS PLAN FOR CHRONIC DIGESTIVE TROUBLESBy Gerard Guillory, M.D.; Vanessa Ameen, M.D.; Paul Donovan, M.D.; Jack Martin, Ph.D. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/088...3369143-6824157 "FOOD ALLERGIES AND FOOD INTOLERANCE: THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO THEIR IDENTIFICTION AND TREATMENT", Professor Jonathan Brostoff , M.D.. Allergy, Immunology and Environmental Medicine, Kings' College, London http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/089...6487508-3420903 MNL

Hi Rcharette,With IBS, it's difficult to suggest foods to gain weight, as you haven't identified which foods increase your IBS.But, in general, fats are the highest calories, so even an extra tablespoon a day, (1 tsp. per meal/snack 3 times a day) would boost your total calories significantly. But it has to be one you tolerate well, and fats are often a problem with IBS. Flaxseed oil is generally not very reactive, you may try adding it, and rotating it with some other oils, like almond or canola. (Don't eat the same things every day, or you risk increased food sensitivities down the road.)Do you tolerate nut butters? Peanut, cashew or almond butter? Spread on white toast with a bit of jelly?Do you tolerate juices of any kind? They are a great way to increase calories easily. (Too much juice is a major culprit in obesity for many people.) Again, fructose or a particular fruit may make things worse. . . or not. Just sip throughout the day.Have you ever tried a gluten free diet? SOMETIMES, people find they get better in as little as 4 days on a gluten free diet. So, if you do gluten free, and get a LOT better in 3-4 days, GREAT! However, IF you don't get any better, it doesn't prove ANYTHING. (Some people who are gluten sensitive have to elimnate it for 6 months before they see results. )Finally, don't just eat 3 meals a day, but have snack foods on hand, in your car, at work. . . etc. and be sure to eat 5-6 times a day.Anyway, just a few tips.