What are some tips to go on a date with IBS?

You've come to the right place! Anxiety is my biggest trigger, and regardless of what lean, trigger-free food I got, I knew I would still have an issue. On the first date with my girlfriend, I went to the bathroom like, 3 times! I tried to play it off cool, but she tells me that she totally clocked my potty times, but hey, she loves me all the same! One and a half years strong. I knew she was the right one when she opened a pack of lactaid on our third date. We actually just had a date two weeks ago where she, herself, had to go to the bathroom 4 times!! You'll be surprised how many people have tummy issues and don't talk about them 🙌 . It can even be a point of connection!


On our first date at the Cheesecake factory I ordered a BLT and WOWZA did it get me! I thought mayo was safe! But apparently, it's like a sleeper agent, ready to strike in the shadows. I'd recommend you eat something light, that won't trigger you. I know it's hard, but I'd avoid things on the FODMAP chart of negative foods. Our bodies can't process certain ingredients compared to others, so I'd try to be safe. For me, that's no garlic, creams and dairy, as well as too spicy and overly sweet or greasy foods. Salmon is often my go-to.


I always take Imodium. It's been my life-saver in a pinch. My gastroenterologist said that I can even take up to 4 a day! Between that, and a dairy pill, those are my best options. It keeps me locked up, to where I can practically eat anything! I still wouldn't just to be safe. Especially on a first date!


Other than that, I'd recommend just breathing and trying to relax. First dates are always awkward. It's like an audition, or job interview! You're both trying to figure each other out and establish a dynamic. Just be your best and most authentic self. Honesty gets you far in life and I hope you soar!


Please feel free to comment on this thread for any more questions. Plus, I'd love to know how things went! First dates are so important, yet so clumsy. That's what makes them beautiful.


Wishing you a great day and good luck 🍀 👍
~ Sawyer

Hey sawyer, delighted to know that your date went well. Here is how mine went. She wanted to go to a newly opened Mexican restaurant. I politely told that I have issues digesting Mexican food. She was quick to understand and change the place. We went to a new restaurant. I ordered a salad saying that I am on a diet and she ordered a sandwich. I also declined dessert with the same excuse .I already took 3 Imodium tablets earlier. The date went on for like 2 hours and my stomach was pretty fine throughout because I even only ate half the salad. I was troubled by the gas though. I was unable to go anywhere and let it out lol. Anyways, she even asked me for a second date and I am eager to know how it is going to unfold. Actually I was pretty relieved in the end because I thought I will shit my pants in front of her lol. I think being calm and composed is one of the key in controlling ibs. Eager to know more about your date experiences. Take care 😇

I recently watched a YouTube video about how our bodies were never built for digesting bread. I always tend to stay away from carbs. It's okay for me to have them occasionally, just not every week. I also find that wholemeal fibre tends to give me "birth pains". 😄🙂