Ask Me Help Desk - IBS & Weightlost & Sleep

IBS & Weightlost & Sleep

I am almost 20 years old, and have had IBS for almost 2 years now. I also have problems sleeping at night, and usually go to bed around 8-9am and wake back up at 2:30pm. When I am awake, I hardly ever eat. I might eat 1-2 small meals, and then a couple 90 calorie snack bars or nuts or something small. I want to lose 30 lbs, and I'm wondering if I'll be able to given my wacky schedule?

To lose 2 pounds a week, people say I have to take my daily calorie needs, minus 500, and then burn 500 calories. But they also say sleep and stress take a toll in weight gain, so I'm unsure if I'll be able to lose weight.

What do you all think?

Can you give a list of what you eat every day? List what you have for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and all snacks. Include drinks as well.

How much exercise do you do?

When you wake up at 2.30, do you go back to sleep again, or are you up for the rest of the night? I have to say, 8pm is very early to go to bed, it's not that surprising you wake up six hours later.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eileen G

Can you give a list of what you eat every day? List what you have for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and all snacks. Include drinks as well.

How much exercise do you do?

When you wake up at 2.30, do you go back to sleep again, or are you up for the rest of the night? I have to say, 8pm is very early to go to bed, it's not that surprizing you wake up six hours later.

I don't eat breakfast, or lunch really. I just eat some 90 calorie bars, and small things here and there. And I drink water 24/7.
And I've been doing about 30-45 minutes jump rope...
And I wake up at 2:30PM, and go to bed at 8-9AM.

List all the small things. If you can't, try keeping a diary of what you actually put in your mouth every day. I suspect the that answer to your problems will show up.

You are eating more than a couple of 90 calorie bars. No-one can put on weight with 180 calories a day. People who snack rather than eating meals tend to eat a lot more than they think they are eating, and it tends to be less healthy. Very few people snack on broccoli.

Why are you going to bed at 8am? No wonder you are waking up at 2.30p, Try going to bed at 11pm, and lying there with the lights out, even if you are not sleepy. I'll bet money that in a few nights, you start sleeping during the night.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eileen G

List all the small things. If you can't, try keeping a diary of what you actually put in your mouth every day. I suspect the that answer to your problems will show up.

You are eating more than a couple of 90 calorie bars. No-one can put on weight with 180 calories a day. People who snack rather than eating meals tend to eat a lot more than they think they are eating, and it tends to be less healthy. Very few people snack on broccoli.

Why are you going to bed at 8am? No wonder you are waking up at 2.30p, Try going to bed at 11pm, and lying there with the lights out, even if you are not sleepy. I'll bet money that in a few nights, you start sleeping during the night.

I'm not trying to gain weight... I'm trying to lose it. I'm about 30 lbs overweight...

That's what I mean. You can't be gaining weight on 200 calories a day, EVEN if you have an extreme medical condition. List what you are eating, and I'll see if there's anything which might be making it hard for you to lose weight.

I agree keep track of what your eating, and walking ,would help a great deal. Also drinking a lot of water. Good Luck.

3,500 calories equal 1 pound. So count calories.
I think u can go a high as 1,000 or 1,200 calories & still lose weight.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mepk5

I think u can go a high as 1,000 or 1,200 calories & still lose weight.

The World Health Organisation defines starvation as consistently eating less than 1600 calories a day. For anyone who is not bedbound, 1000 to 1200 calories is controlled starvation.

Quote:

Originally Posted by danalee12

I don't eat breakfast, or lunch really. I just eat some 90 calorie bars, and small things here and there. And I drink water 24/7.
And I've been doing about 30-45 minutes jump rope...
and I wake up at 2:30PM, and go to bed at 8-9AM.

You are likely not eating enough... your body is holding onto what it can because of the severe calorie restriction.
I'd suggest seeing your doctor first for a complete physical to rule out any potential medical reason for your sleep/wake schedule. Depending on your situation, and how much you think you can change on your own, a consultation at a sleep center and with a dietician may be beneficial as well.

When your body rhythm is off, your metabolism will often be effected as well... everything gets out of sync.

Focus on making healthy food choices and not skipping meals. Start slowly since you are not used to it but gradually work your way up to a more regular schedule of food intake. A food diary, as was suggested, will let you see just what you are actually eating and drinking over a period of several days. This would be helpful to do prior to a doctor's visit and take in with you.