Weight loss in not a feature of irritable bowel syndrome

Dear Ask The Doctor: I have been going to a gastro dr for over 10 years now. he dx me then with ibs. I had to have my gallbladder removed 1 year ago. it was working at only 3%. i also was dx with a slow emptying stomach.I have so much bloating.swelling and pain in my abdoman after i eat that it is interfering with my work. i also have acid reflux. my physician has run numerous blood tests.ct scans.endoscopy nad colonoscopy. all he found was poloyps in my colon. i put off eating until i have to eat. this is causing me to lose weight. is there any other test or something i can try?

Dear Darlene: It is reassuring to note that all the investigations performed to date have been normal, apart from the presence of some colonic polyps which are unlikely to be the cause of your symptoms. It may be useful to note in a diary your daily intake of food, to establish any relationship between certain foods and worsening symptoms of abdominal pain or bloating. It would also be useful to monitor your daily calorie intake to ensure adequate calories are being consumed. I advise consulting your gastroenterologist for specialized advice and investigation of your weight loss, because this is not typically a feature of irritable bowel syndrome.