Hello. I have a few questions about IBS and low carbing. I have had IBS for approx 5 yrs. Three years ago I started low carbing and lost 20 pounds in a few months. I was a healthy 135. At that time I cheated alot, ate whole wheat products, drank caffeine while still maintaing my weight for over one year and continuing to lose. Also, IBS symptoms disappeared for the first time ever and felt incredible. I was suffering for extreme abdominal bloating, constipation, irriability and fatigue. Then I got pregnant (I have a beautiful 8 month old baby boy!) and had to up my carbs. I gained 40 pounds(179 pounds)while pregnant and had very little symptoms of IBS.
So, once I had my baby in May I immediatly lost some weight and weighed about 149 (15 pounds to lose - not too bad I thought..with low carb it will just come off!). I nursed for a few months while still eating an increased carb diet but still low carb - but had to stop nursing due to low milk supply. This is when things got worse. I decided to start low carbing the way I did before..but was even stricter on myself so I could lose the baby weight and be back at 135 pounds. I noticed that IBS started to flare up now and then..sluggish bowel movements, constipation, some diarrhea, bloating (all over..esp abdominals)..etc. Also, I simply can not lose the weight!!!!!!!!!!!! Not only can I not lose the weight..I finally decided to weigh myself a month ago and was up to 160 pounds!. So..I take a close look at my eating habits and honestly have to say that I am NOT cheating..no sugar, no caffeine, no bread, no pasta, looking at all ingr in my meals and labels, and increased my water supply and exercise. So, started taking the right supplements.. and nothing. My IBS is worse than it has ever been!! I am getting depressed because I don't know what is going on with my body! I look pregnant again (but I am not!). My face & abs look huge, I am fatigued again and seem to retaining water. Bowel movements are extremely sluggish..I go once a week and the day I go...man do I go (diarrhea with cramps). So I decided to eliminate cheese, peanut..etc to figure it out with no luck. I don't want to have to complete eliminate the foods that I love and had great success with prior to baby. I desperatly want the low carbing to work again like it did before and feel like I did before.

So, I'm wondering if the IBS which is deciding to flare up is stalling my weight loss? Has anyone heard of this? Low carb the first time was so easy for me..worked wonders on my IBS for almost 2 yrs. Not sure what to do and getting depressed over the symptoms and inability to lose weight when I am trying so hard.

Thanks!