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NYLady
02-20-2009, 08:59 PM
I'm 65, 5'3 and weigh 215. I am on Cartia for blood pressure and Prilosec for GERD. My doctor, who I love, doesn't seem to think my problem is a big deal. I have struggled with weight since my change.
Before that I was thin. She just tells me to go to Weight Watchers.

Here is why I can't.

When I get carbohydrates I get gross flatulence - I mean serious the gas comes out with such force I cannot control them in public. I get gas pains so bad I can't breathe and I get loose stools. I also have some fecal incontinence so I have to keep the stools hard. (I was tested by a proctgologist and my sphinter is only 1/2 working.

I've been on the Atkins since May 1 and the diet agrees with me 100%. My stools are hard, slightly hard to deal with but better than incontinence. I have NO gas whatsover to speak of and no gas pains.

So what's my problem? I stopped losing weight. It took me since May 1 to lose 18 lbs (to 209) but I start to add a few slight carbs to the diet because everyone is telling me the diet is dangerous. Not only did I stop losing but I gain back 5 lbs. This is by just adding a few carbs like whole wheat toast and a few Atkins bars.

So if the Atkins is dangerous.... what diet can I go on? What can I eat? Is there a cure for this. Do I have carbohydrate malasorbtion?
What is your advice?

Other than low blood sugar I have no other major health problems.

Maria RN
03-29-2009, 04:09 PM
Carbohydrate intolerance occur because of the absence of one or two intestinal enzymes, as result, there are certain carbohydrates that can not be digested. A person with carbohydrate intolerance may experience flatulence, abdominal distention and diarrhea. Your health history and result of H2 breath test will help your doctor to diagnose whether your symptoms are related to carbohydrate intolerance. Once the disaccharide that has been causing the symptoms identified, the doctor will recommend to eliminate it from your diet. I recommend that you talk to your doctor about the symptoms that you experience after ingesting certain food items.