The First Year: Ibs (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) - by Heather Van Vorous (Paperback)

About the Book

A patient-expert with firsthand experience walks those recently diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome through everything they need to learn and do during their first year. 12 charts.

Book Synopsis

Offers answers and advice for those who have just been diagnosed with IBS.

Like the other titles in the "First Year" series, The First Year-IBS offers two distinct advantages. First, it is written by a patient-expert, Heather Van Vorous, who has managed her IBS for more than fifteen years and knows firsthand what's required to manage her condition. Second, it guides readers through their first seven days following diagnosis, then the next three weeks of the first month, and finally the next eleven months of their first year. Starting with the day of diagnosis, Van Vorous provides detailed information about trigger foods, safe foods, soluble versus insoluble fiber, tips for eating and cooking, traveling, eating out, exercise, and much more. The First Year-IBS will inspire and educate those with IBS as no other guide does.

Review Quotes

Over 50,000 copies sold.
From Publishers Weekly Statistics show that Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is the second leading cause of worker absenteeism in the U.S., according to Van Vorous (Eating for IBS), who has lived with the condition since she was nine, but because her severe abdominal pain was dismissed by her pediatrician, was not diagnosed until seven years later. And although IBS studies are currently underway, sufferers in the past found themselves either ignored or stigmatized. Because she had to work out her own strategy for dealing with IBS, Van Vorous is a "patient-expert" in other words, she's well qualified to write this informative and reassuring guide. She advises those suffering from IBS symptoms abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhea, for example to first obtain an accurate diagnosis. Once other illnesses are ruled out and the syndrome has been properly diagnosed, a patient with IBS can lead a normal life by maintaining proper eating habits, learning to manage stress, using prescription medication and dietary supplements when necessary, and even utilizing alternative therapies such as acupuncture. Van Vorous draws on medical research, her own experience with IBS, and other patient anecdotes to support her suggestions. Accessible and clearly written, with recipes for colon-kind foods and advice for parents who have children with IBS, this is an excellent resource for people learning how to live with the syndrome.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc. From Library Journal The second installment of the publisher's new "The First Year" series, this text on Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) walks the reader through the first year of diagnosis. As with the authors of other titles in the series, Van Vorous is a "patient-expert"; she is also the author of Eating for IBS and founder of eatingforibs.com. In a conversational style, she explains how to manage symptoms by breaking the year into manageable steps. She includes diet guidelines that feature some appetizing recipes and suggestions for eating out. She also discusses relaxation techniques and some alternative therapies. Personal stories from other IBS sufferers are sprinkled throughout, as are tips for children with IBS. An especially useful chart on medications is also provided. This book differs from William Salt's Irritable Bowel Syndrome and the Mind-Body Brain-Gut Connection (LJ 10/15/97) and other guides to IBS by prescribing a first-year-only timetable of steps, focused mainly on diet. Salt's book focuses more on lifestyle and stress management issues. Recommended for any health collection. KellyJo Houtz Griffin, Eatonville, WA
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc. In a perfect world, The First Year: IBS would be handed to every IBS patient. Really does provide an overview of everything you need to know. --Irritable Bowel Syndrome Guide at About.com Barbara Bradley Bolen, Ph.D. Barbara Bradley Bolen, Ph.D.
Joseph s Reviews blog, 11/19/12 A very wise investment. "

Joseph's Reviews blog, 11/1912"A very wise investment."

About the Author

Heather Van Vorous is a food writer specializing in healthy gourmet and ethnic recipes. She is the author of Eating for IBS and she is a frequent guest on radio and television shows on the subject. She teaches classes on eating for IBS and works with corporate HR departments to offer employee IBS education program. She lives in Seattle, WA.