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HomeMediaBooksHeather Van Vorous and Heather Van Vorous - The First Year - Ibs: (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed
Opinion Summary
Educate Yourself: The First Year--IBS
by Bijou | Sep 06 '06
Pros: Wonderful reference book with researched information and practical advice.
Cons: None

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OVERALL RATING
Product Rating: 5.0



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Comments on Educate Yourself: The First Year--IBS" (13 total)  
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Date Written
Thank you for your wonderful review and support! (Reply to this comment)
by heathervan
I'm the author of the First Year IBS book, and you have just made my day! I am so happy to hear that the info helped you and that you got some concrete help from my work.

It frustrates me that so many people are still struggling with IBS and feel like there is no help available - trying to remedy that was my main goal with the book. I could not be more thrilled that I was able to help you. That is so wonderful.

Thank you again!

XXOO
Heather
Sep 30 '09
4:27 pm PDT

Re: Very Interesting (Reply to this comment)
by Bijou
Thank you for your comment! Van Vorous DOES mention other colon maladies such as Crohns and Ulcerative Colitis--although this book primarily deals with IBS problems, I think her diet tips prove a good reference for anyone suffering from a digestive/colon/immune system problem. I have a history of Crohns, Ulcerative Colitis, and Diverticulitis in my family, so I know first-hand that her dietary advice correlates to my relatives' advice from their doctors.

Take care,

Bijou
Sep 10 '06
12:21 pm PDT

Very Interesting (Reply to this comment)
by nibor
I too thought of my coworker with Crohns disease and wonder if this might be useful information to him.

I enjoyed reading this review. Very informative and well-written.
Sep 09 '06
3:39 pm PDT

Re: Re: Thank You, Heather! (Reply to this comment)
by elvisdo, elvisdo is an Advisor on Epinions in Books
Paranoid Bij Visdo,

Admit it--you just love the book because it says how Asian cuisine (for the most part) is not an IBS trigger. Did you conspire with the author in order to have that tip published? Yes, I *DO* believe your superhuman powers extend that far and wide...

Busted! :) And you have to admit that it worked to a tee. I'm so bad I scare even myself. But that's what happens when I look in the mirror to see all the steel wool on my face.

Conspirator Eli
xxx
Sep 08 '06
1:08 pm PDT

Re: Re: Re: Thank You, Heather! (Reply to this comment)
by cascogirl
This book sounds like it has been a wonderful discovery for you. Im so glad you found ways to help yourself. Hopefully in time you can cut back your meds.
I would think teaching a class of HS students could cause IBS ;)

My neighbour has Crohns disease, and while it is differnt than IBS she too has to be so strict with her diet or she ends up very unwell.

Great job on the review - Im sure it will be helpful to many people!!!!
~Sarah
Sep 08 '06
12:05 pm PDT

Re: Re: Re: Thank You, Heather! (Reply to this comment)
by Bijou
AJ,

Thanks for the nice comment--I see you've been busy writing. Good for you! It's great to see some familiar faces here on Epinions.

Blast from the past Bijou :)
Sep 08 '06
11:59 am PDT

Re: Thank you... (Reply to this comment)
by Bijou
Thank you for the comment! I hope that the book can help other people as it has for me.

Take care,

Bijou
Sep 08 '06
11:57 am PDT

Thank you... (Reply to this comment)
by gaelkm, gaelkm is an Advisor on Epinions in Books
....for letting me know about this book. I am going to pass the title along to a family member who I believe suffers from IBS.

~gael
Sep 07 '06
3:40 pm PDT

Re: Re: Thank You, Heather! (Reply to this comment)
by AinsleyJo
Nice to see you back again after all of this time, and I'm glad that you're feeling better. I had no idea that this was going on with you. You certainly have a prize in that understanding husband of yours--and, of course, he's really blessed to have you, too. You're a fun couple!

Hugs!
AJ :-)
Sep 07 '06
3:21 pm PDT

Re: Thank You, Heather! (Reply to this comment)
by Bijou
Sir Eli of the Visdo,

Here is a simple observation: your discovery of this book, Heather's website, and IBS information online changed my life. You know how absolutely grateful I am to you for finding a way to help me that didn't involve the wrong medications (like I got @ the first doctor visit!!) or lousy advice (like I got every other doctor visit hahaha!).

Admit it--you just love the book because it says how Asian cuisine (for the most part) is not an IBS trigger. Did you conspire with the author in order to have that tip published? Yes, I *DO* believe your superhuman powers extend that far and wide...

Bathroom Bijou
xxx
Sep 07 '06
6:51 am PDT

Re: It seems really strange.... (Reply to this comment)
by Bijou
Louise,

I hear you about your morning destination--I can't believe how many people share the same scenario. I learned so much not only from this book but on Heather's website. There is a community of people on bulletin boards who support each other...they post questions about all sorts of topics, diet tips, recipes, etc. It's been a lifesaver for me this year!

I was really wondering how I could give up my favorite things--especially COFFEE (I teach in HS and my class starts at 7:50 AM.)!! BUT I have to say that my IBS got so bad that I wanted to try anything to make it stop. I've learned to substitute different things for my favorites & treat myself to foods (not deprive myself) when I am not having a flare. The trick is to treat yourself when you've eaten something "safe." For example, if I eat a bagel with jelly, but I am *really* craving cheese, you know after I eat that bagel, I am going to have a small piece of cheese!! :)

I was SO skeptical of Heather's dietary advice...I think what keeps me going is that I discovered it works for me. I still have a lot more tips to try out, but knowing what foods I can eat safely has been a huge turnaround for me. So I *do* still eat solid chocolate pieces (shh!!) and bits of cheese (!!!!!) but I just eat it carefully so my stomach isn't overloaded or working while its empty.

Secret sidenote--I am still taking medication too. I have not tried Heather's diet without my meds. I take an antispasmodic three times a day! However, I was on the meds before Heather's diet and while they helped, they didn't give me the relief I have now after revising my diet choices.

Anyway sorry for the long note! It's very nice to meet you and find a kindred soul here! :)

Take care,

Bijou
Sep 07 '06
6:46 am PDT

It seems really strange.... (Reply to this comment)
by 1truluv
That one out of every four women I know-ages 18 to 60-have this disorder! It absolutely has to be the food we eat now days! I just cannot seem to give up everything...and that is what it would take...
As soon as my feet hit the floor in the morning...well, you know where to find me! Great information here thanks so much. I will find this book!

Louise
Sep 07 '06
5:42 am PDT

Thank You, Heather! (Reply to this comment)
by elvisdo, elvisdo is an Advisor on Epinions in Books
I am glad I stumbled across this site and found a lot of answers to your situation. Everyone who has IBS symptoms should definitely check out this book. I know it helped you out extremely and it still does to this day. Having this information on hand is invaluable. I can't imagine what things would have been like if you continued getting the wrong treatment.

I know it's a slow proces but you have finally taken back control of your life, and for the better. It's exciting to witness it every day.

Hubby
xxx
Sep 06 '06
5:43 pm PDT
   

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