Any other IBS sufferers?

[kelseypink15]

I have IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) where basically certain foods (lactose, spicy foods, fried/fatty foods, etc.) really upset my stomach. I eat a lot of salad, potatoes, cereal, fruits and veggies! On top of all of that I have been a vegetarian for about a month (and doing awesome! I don't miss it at all). Has anybody ever dealt with this at WDW? Or do you know anybody who has? The last time I went with my mom (April 2010) I always had cereal for breakfast at the hotel, fruit and salads for lunch, fruit for snacks in between, (I can eat Dole Whips- thank GOD!) and I could usually find something to eat for dinner at the buffet at SOG.
I want to branch out though and eat at the restaurants! Haha I'm usually too nervous to order food because I'm afraid I will accidentally get something that will set off my stomach and I will feel miserable Nobody wants to feel miserable at Disney World!

Share your experience, please!

 

[snorris49]

I have IBD (Crohn's disease) and my mom has IBS, so I can relate! I'll try to give you my mom's tips and tricks from what I recall on the trips and any foods that really set her off. First off, she always tries to make sure she has a lot of fiber, fruits and veggies. On this trip, she's bringing oatmeal to eat in the room (our room at BLT has a microwave in it) and yogurt (she loves that Activia! ) Since you are a vegetarian, some of the issues she had with too much fat may not apply, but she got really sick from the sausage at Kona's breakfast (she says she loves it, but it does not love her ).

I know that she has some problems with a spasmodic colon, so she has medicine that helps with that--in emergencies. She always makes sure she has that with her. Overall, I know she tries to be really balanced and not eat too much fat or fried food.

I can say we both like Sunshine seasons for grilled food and she loves Yakitori House for tasty less greasy food. I would definitely stay away from too many fries and such. Cosmic Rays has more options too--not so sure on how veggie friendly they are. I do know you can get veggie burgers on property and a hummus sandwich at Columbia Harbor House. We loved Restaurant Marrakesh too for something different, and Boma and Tusker House have great veggie options with lots of unique flavors.

Hope that helps!

 

[mom2meiko]

I am the perfect person to talk to! I am a lactose intolerant vegetarian with IBS! Lucky us, right????

So - I have to tell you I never feel better or eat better for that matter than when I am at WDW! All you have to do is ASK! We typically eat at sit down restaurants with ADR's. I tell them when booking the ADR that we have food allergies (exageration but i like to be sure they take it seriously). When we check in we are seated and then the chef comes out. If it's a buffet, the chef will walk the buffet and discuss ingredients, what's safe, what's not, etc. They will then typically come out with plates of incredible food that has been custom made to accomodate my needs. At the regular, non-buffet restaurants they also discuss menu items and then usually customize a meal for me based on my needs.

Last year we were desparate to find something, anything, at Epcot. We didn't have any ADR's (long story) so we just opted for a fast food place. I didn't see much on the menu so asked dh to just get me some fries and a drink. The manager happened to overhear me and stopped us. He brought out a binder with all of their food items and their ingredients and then proceeded to make me a great lunch based on what I could/couldn't have. He even went so far as to bake some fries for me so that my fries wouldn't be contaminated with the regular cooking oil! He reminded me that they are prepared for that at all of the counter service restaurants - all you have to do is ask!

You won't find a place that is more accomodating with better food than you will at WDW. Don't be afraid to ask and they will take care of you.

 

[kelseypink15]

I am the perfect person to talk to! I am a lactose intolerant vegetarian with IBS! Lucky us, right????

So - I have to tell you I never feel better or eat better for that matter than when I am at WDW! All you have to do is ASK! We typically eat at sit down restaurants with ADR's. I tell them when booking the ADR that we have food allergies (exageration but i like to be sure they take it seriously). When we check in we are seated and then the chef comes out. If it's a buffet, the chef will walk the buffet and discuss ingredients, what's safe, what's not, etc. They will then typically come out with plates of incredible food that has been custom made to accomodate my needs. At the regular, non-buffet restaurants they also discuss menu items and then usually customize a meal for me based on my needs.

Last year we were desparate to find something, anything, at Epcot. We didn't have any ADR's (long story) so we just opted for a fast food place. I didn't see much on the menu so asked dh to just get me some fries and a drink. The manager happened to overhear me and stopped us. He brought out a binder with all of their food items and their ingredients and then proceeded to make me a great lunch based on what I could/couldn't have. He even went so far as to bake some fries for me so that my fries wouldn't be contaminated with the regular cooking oil! He reminded me that they are prepared for that at all of the counter service restaurants - all you have to do is ask!

You won't find a place that is more accomodating with better food than you will at WDW. Don't be afraid to ask and they will take care of you.

Oh my gosh, thank you!! I think we need to be best friends now! I've never met anyone who deals with what I do...and I'm only 16 It sucks but now I am SO excited to go (not that I wasn't before; I was just a little nervous about the eating). We have ADR's for Les Chefs de France (think I'll get the veggie lasagna?) and Columbia Harbor House because of the Keys to the Kingdom Tour. Looking forward to it! Thanks again

 

[kelseypink15]

I have IBD (Crohn's disease) and my mom has IBS, so I can relate! I'll try to give you my mom's tips and tricks from what I recall on the trips and any foods that really set her off. First off, she always tries to make sure she has a lot of fiber, fruits and veggies. On this trip, she's bringing oatmeal to eat in the room (our room at BLT has a microwave in it) and yogurt (she loves that Activia! ) Since you are a vegetarian, some of the issues she had with too much fat may not apply, but she got really sick from the sausage at Kona's breakfast (she says she loves it, but it does not love her ).

I know that she has some problems with a spasmodic colon, so she has medicine that helps with that--in emergencies. She always makes sure she has that with her. Overall, I know she tries to be really balanced and not eat too much fat or fried food.

I can say we both like Sunshine seasons for grilled food and she loves Yakitori House for tasty less greasy food. I would definitely stay away from too many fries and such. Cosmic Rays has more options too--not so sure on how veggie friendly they are. I do know you can get veggie burgers on property and a hummus sandwich at Columbia Harbor House. We loved Restaurant Marrakesh too for something different, and Boma and Tusker House have great veggie options with lots of unique flavors.

Hope that helps!

Thank you for the help; I REALLY appreciate it! Everyone at the DIS boards is so helpful! It's hard having IBS- I'm only 16 and last year I had to be homeschooled just so that I wouldn't miss class for any attacks. I'm better under control now, I just have a RIDICULOUS amount of bloating (TMI? hahahah) I just have to work up the nerve to tell the wait staff that I have issues Sunshine Seasons is the best for fresh food!

BTW..I've tried the Activia before- I was in the bathroom pretty much the whole next day I think I have the opposite problem that your mom has!

 

[snorris49]

Thank you for the help; I REALLY appreciate it! Everyone at the DIS boards is so helpful! It's hard having IBS- I'm only 16 and last year I had to be homeschooled just so that I wouldn't miss class for any attacks. I'm better under control now, I just have a RIDICULOUS amount of bloating (TMI? hahahah) I just have to work up the nerve to tell the wait staff that I have issues Sunshine Seasons is the best for fresh food!

BTW..I've tried the Activia before- I was in the bathroom pretty much the whole next day I think I have the opposite problem that your mom has!

Yikes, sounds like the Activia is a bad choice for you. Well, that's tricky thing about IBS and IBD, everyone's body's and reactions are different. Good luck on your trip, and glad to hear you are feeling better

 

[LMC]

My 15 year old has IBS and he takes Hyoscamine (generic for Levisin). This medication has really been a lifesaver!!! He was in the bathroom about 12 times per day until he started on this a few years ago. Now he goes 2 or 3 times per day. BUT, if he does not take the meds he is immediately in the bathroom after eating. It is a short acting med and only stays in the body about 6 hours so you have to take it multiple times per day.

 

[wahmtexas]

I suffered with IBS for years, I now take Florify and no longer have any problems. I would suggest eating light and not visiting in the heat as that can make it worse. Blessings to you!

 

[Maggie'sMom]

I have IBS too. A lot of mine is stress-activated so I don't have as much trouble on vacation, but fatty and rich foods can set me off. I must admit I don't really limit my foods on vacation so I occassionally have to deal with the consequences of that.

I used to take Levsin, but when I got pregnant (almost 8 years ago ) I stopped taking that. I looked for a natural alternative and found that peppermint really helped. It works as well, and maybe better, for me than the Levsin. I haven't had a prescription for Levsin in 8 years! I carry peppermint candy in my purse, and I had a baggie of peppermints in my backpack at WDW. I pop one in my mouth as soon as I am done with my meal and anytime I start feeling a bit uneasy. And the bonus is my breath stays minty fresh.

 

[kelseypink15]

Thanks to everyone for the replies! I feel better about going now
I'll let you know how it goes afterward! Three weeks from today!!