Irritable Bowel Disease

My sister was just diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome. She has gained 25
lbs since Christmas. The doctor contributes the weight gain to the IBS.
She only has bm's about once every 8-9 days... She's been really suffering
with this, feeling very sick to her stomach, acid reflux, etc for a long
time. It's hard for me to believe that IBS could cause such a huge weight
gain, but I know how she eats, and she doesn't eat very much, and what she
does it is pretty healthy.

Does anyone have first hand experience with this problem? I've been
researching, but if you guys have anything you could share, that would be
great.

There is a difference between Irritable Bowel Syndrome and
Irritable Bowel Disease. The first is not as serious as the second. No
single cause or cure has been found but control through diet can
sometimes help.

I have IBS and am having a very bad flare up following a month long
bout of flu. I also found coffee and dried fruit were aggravating it.
Several foods I have tolerated on the SCD diet for gastro instestinal
problems suddenly began to bother me.

What I am doing until my system calms down is using animal protein,
many fresh cooked vegetables, salad, and a little fruit. I have
eliminated much dairy until I feel better. I did experience an almost
immediate weight loss and reduction in bloat as a secondary side
benefit. The problem is getting enough calories.
(This is not a diet specifically written put by a doctor, but it has
worked for me before without medication. Many allergists suggest
similar simplified food plans under the heading of "exclusion diets.")

I also did a lot of research on the Internet under
"Irritable Bowel Syndrome" but would not venture to speculate on the
cause of the weight gain without knowing what ypur sister has been
eating or how much.