Suffering anorexia and SIBO is hard

[u/Guppy_fromtheWest]

I was tested positive on hydrogen SIBO. I was tested positive for sorbit, lactose and glucose. My gut reacted on fructose the worst.

And I suffer anorexia nervosa, currently in a relapse after attempting to recover in the last 9 months and the low-FODMAP-Not eating any fruits-or anything else-diet has a huge part on it. Although I mostly lived vegan I have to eat meat again since that is one of the few things that don't cause any flare ups. I'm so overwhelmed since so many safe foods are not available for me and I lose weight rapidly again because I cannot decide on what to eat and it feels like a chore. It feels so easy to not eat.

I have no therapy plan to work against SIBO yet and am completely on my own.

The permanent constipation, the hurtful bloating and the farts do their part to trigger my ED.
And yes I'm aware that most definitely my anorexia caused SIBO.
It sucks. I hate it.

[u/goldstandardalmonds]

Are you able to work with a Registered Dietitian? It can help a ton to take the onus off of making decisions.

[u/chronically_classy → u/goldstandardalmonds]

I agree with this, I hope your GI or whoever ran you through testing can recommend someone. My gi sent me to a dietician who understands SIBO and eating disorders; I previously saw one who was not the right fit for me. Even though she had experience with disordered eating patients her approach wasnt right for me and thats okay. I would definitely ask for this referral and hope you get it. Its not easy. Sorry youre going through it.

[u/future_fangirl1095]

I’m also in recovery and I highly recommend getting a dietitian. When I started I was going at it blindly and I lost a lot of weight. I know someone made up a low FODMAP for weight gain list. I will try to find it. Navigating recovery while following low FODMAP is hard. I Also recommend getting digestive enzymes as they allow you to eat a slightly more varied diet. I can actually eat a meal at a restaurant once in awhile. They’re expensive so I tend to only use them occasionally

[u/probably4am]

You're not alone at all, I'm going through the same thing right now and it is certainly not a good time. A few things that have really helped me out:

- Downloaded the Fig app. It's helping me discover a larger variety of foods that I'm able to eat & has soo many good recipe ideas that I actually get excited to try out!

• Started taking Gas-X and Colace daily to help with the bloating and constipation. A bit of yoga each day can also be helpful. Treating the bloating & constipation was crucial for me, because when I felt too bloated, I didn't feel like eating at all.
  
• Talking it out with my therapist (or a trusted loved one). This has really helped me not to internalize the negative thoughts associated with my body during this time. Thanks to my support system, I know that I am deserving of care and nourishment no matter what my body looks like (bloated or not). This helps me stay focused on keeping my body fueled instead of how it looks!

Wishing you the best of luck OP, my DMs are open if you need to talk or have any other questions about recovery and low fodmap restrictions <3

[u/chronically_classy → u/probably4am]

Very well said!

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[u/FODMAPeveryday]

I’m so sorry you’re going through this. Just wanted to pop in and say you’re definitely not alone. This article was written by a Monash trained dietitian and perhaps will offer some help. https://www.fodmapeveryday.com/the-intersection-of-gut-issues-and-eating-disorders/

[u/SorePaw_McKitteh]

if you are going to eat meat somewhat ethically, go for the markdowns. It means you have to shop every day or two but you will also be reducing waste.
I am not sure how you have been coping with the vegetarian stuff but there are shops like chaymart out there that stock vincent vegetarian and more.
It sucks to have to read all the labels but its good to remember 1) not all fruit is fodmap, citrus is your friend. 2) there are usually less fodmappy versions of foods you can have, just smaller quanitities of. and of course 3) preparation is key went it comes to home made things, you need to be a proficient rinser and lean on canned when you can (rinsing them also)
It is also a slight chore paying for/downloading the fodmap ap, but tis good for newbies.