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Weight loss
My father was diagnosed with IBS a few months back. But he's been losing weight consistently for almost a year now. He had undergone a few tests, but nothing came out.
Answers (20)
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â ï¸ Critical Warning:
- 1 year of weight loss is NOT normal IBS
- Must rule out cancer and IBD urgently
- Don't accept "it's just IBS" without proper testing
- Colonoscopy is ESSENTIAL
â
Key Facts:
- True IBS doesn't cause ongoing weight loss
- Normal basic tests don't rule out serious disease
- Need specialist gastroenterologist, not general doctor
- Weight loss + IBS symptoms = investigate thoroughly
ð« Don't:
- Don't delay colonoscopy
- Don't accept anxiety/stress as only explanation
- Don't wait for more symptoms to appear
- Don't restrict diet further without guidance
ð¡ Good to Know:
- Celiac disease and IBD are commonly missed
- Age 63 - cancer screening is important
- Proper nutrition now while investigating
- Second opinion is reasonable after 1 year of weight loss
This needs urgent attention - advocate for your father's health!
Next Steps
URGENT - Don't Delay: 1. See Gastroenterologist This Week: - Request colonoscopy urgently - Discuss all tests done so far - Consider second opinion if needed 2. Get These Tests Done: - Blood: CBC, ESR, Thyroid, Celiac panel, HbA1c - Stool: Calprotectin, culture, fat content - Imaging: CT abdomen and pelvis 3. Start Nutritional Support Now: - Protein powder: 2 scoops daily in milk - High-calorie foods: Nuts, peanut butter, cheese, eggs - Eat every 2-3 hours - Avoid bulky fiber that fills stomach 4. Supplements: - Multivitamin daily - Digestive enzyme: Before each meal - Probiotic: VSL#3 or similar 5. Monitor: - Weigh weekly - Track food intake - Note any new symptoms - Document stool pattern 6. Emergency Signs (Go to ER): - Blood in stool - Severe abdominal pain - High fever - Unable to eat/drink
Health Tips
â ï¸ Critical Warning: - 1 year weight loss is NOT normal IBS - Must rule out cancer and IBD urgently - Colonoscopy is ESSENTIAL - don't delay â
Key Facts: - True IBS doesn't cause ongoing weight loss - Normal basic tests don't rule out serious disease - Need specialist gastroenterologist evaluation - Age 63 - cancer screening important ð« Don't: - Don't accept "it's just IBS" without colonoscopy - Don't wait for more symptoms - Don't restrict diet further without guidance ð¡ Remember: - Second opinion is reasonable - Advocate for thorough investigation - Start nutritional support while investigating
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Need more history and symtomatology to properly evaluate your problem
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Colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy??? IBS drug taken???
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Hello, I am Dr. Romain Rajan, General Physician.
Your case has been allotted to me.
I understand your concern. Weight loss despite being diagnosed with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) can sometimes occur due to poor nutrient absorption, chronic stress, or dietary restrictions, but persistent or progressive weight loss always needs a deeper evaluation to rule out other hidden issues.
â
Advices
Maintain a food diary to track any foods that worsen symptoms like bloating, loose stools, or pain.
Encourage small, frequent, high-protein meals with easily digestible foods such as dal, rice, curd, eggs, bananas, and boiled vegetables.
Manage stress through relaxation, meditation, or light walking, as anxiety can worsen IBS and appetite.
What to Monitor
Any change in stool pattern, blood in stool, or persistent abdominal pain.
Fatigue, loss of appetite, or further weight loss.
Management
Since earlier tests were normal, Iâd suggest getting a repeat evaluation for causes beyond IBS â including thyroid profile, stool for occult blood, liver function tests, and colon evaluation if not already done.
You may start a probiotic supplement once daily and a vitamin B-complex to support gut health and nutrition.
When to Consult a Doctor Immediately
If weight loss continues despite adequate food intake.
If any blood appears in stool.
If weakness, night sweats, or appetite loss worsen.
Every patientâs situation is unique. For accurate guidance, itâs important to review the old test reports, diet pattern, and current symptoms in detail.
ð You can reach out to me directly for this case, and also connect with me in future for any medical consultation.
I am available on Practo or on WhatsApp at 85271646 seven seven for a one-on-one consultation, where youâll receive:
A personalized evaluation plan
Diet and supplement guidance
Follow-ups to track weight and recovery
Take care, wishing your father good health.
Best regards,
Dr. Romain Rajan
General Physician
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Frequent bloating, diarrohea can make eating uncomfortable leads to weight loss
I want to discuss more in detail
Pls wattsap nine zero seven two two zero seven zero nine three
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IBS is irritable bowel syndrome. This bowel condition does not individually cause weight loss. If this was the only thing he was diagnosed with please make sure you get him evaluated by a general physician in a hospital setup. Tele consultation will not be of help much. He might have to undergo certain blood and radiological investigations to come up with a proper cause for this and then the treatment plan for it.
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He should be rechecked for:
Thyroid problems, Diabetes, Infections (like TB), Stomach or intestinal diseases.
He could get tests like blood tests, stool test, ultrasound/CT scan, and colonoscopy if not done before.
Till then, give small, frequent, nutritious meals and protein supplements to help maintain weight.
Next Steps
Please take him to a gastroenterologist for further evaluation.
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Need details. Kindly consult with me on 94 two six 86 seven eight 96.
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Okay need more detailed history for weight loss
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Diet history and do share test report
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Such problems can't be solved by Tele-consultation. Please seek a proper consultation with a General Physician preferably in his Clinic.
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Try more with gastroenterologist
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Dr. Jitendra Kumar
General Physician
45 yrs exp
Delhi
A significant weight loss in a 63 yrs male needs lab and related investigations to rule out Malignancy tuberculosis Hyperthyroidism and Diabetes mallitus specifically.
However if IBS is confirmed diagnosis then
Avoid milk and milk products
Give a spoon of Naturolux powder in a glass of cold water at bedtime .
Maintain nutritive diet .
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Dr. Gaurav Jaiswal
General Physician
6 yrs exp
Jhansi
Avoid fried and spucy food
Water intake more
Green leafy vegetables more
Fiber meal
Do connect and consult
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Dr. Manoj Kumar
General Physician
9 yrs exp
Dehradun
Need few more details
Kindly consult
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Dr. Chaithra H
General Physician
5 yrs exp
Bangalore
Gastroenterologist
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Dr. Sachin Bhiwaji Sanap
General Practitioner
7 yrs exp
Hingoli
need more information
kindly consult
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Dr. Nazia Begum M.G
General Physician
15 yrs exp
Belgaum
Consult online will guide you
Need proper history and evaluation for further management
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Dr. Ravi Kumar Nadella
General Physician
18 yrs exp
Hyderabad
Give protein rich food
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Dr. Anuj Mothsra
General Physician
6 yrs exp
Jhunjhunu
Can help you, kindly consult and provide detailed history for proper diagnosis and further management
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Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.