IBS & Summer BBQs
We asked our IBS Facebook community: “What is your first thought when someone invites you to a barbecue?”
We collected the responses in this article, and want to hear more from you! Have you turned down an invite to join a barbecue because of IBS? Did you go and set boundaries? Share below!
My first thought is, "Yum!" followed by "I better pack the Pepto." I usually get by with smaller portions of food – or avoiding some things entirely – so I can (hopefully) tolerate it. How about you,
, , ? I have had to do that as well. This relates well to your "summertime blues" article. Thanks for sharing! 
I first automatically think of "what will I eat." Then I think of a side dish I can bring so I have at least one safe food. Typically I do fine with protein, so I can usually enjoy the food by bringing a side dish. But like us all, so many things go through my head. And if I wake up that day not feeling well, then I won't go. I have no shame in cancelling.
Sounds like a good strategy,
. Thanks for sharing. Sorry for putting all of you on the spot. 😉 
My stomach is so unpredictable these days that I also just go without eating when I go to events now. Unless we're at a restaurant where there is a public bathroom, I won't eat. I don't want something happening at a friends house/etc...
That's a good strategy! Sometimes it's better to be safe than sorry. Thanks for weighing in! - Chris, IrritableBowelSyndrome.net Team 
I feel you; I am the SAME way. I'd rather just wait it out rather than get too comfortable and have an accident on the go. Even, WITH a toilet, I still find myself hesitant to eat. The social anxiety that comes from having to use the bathroom multiple times, especially in quick succession, is more than enough to keep me from eating during social events. Best to stay on your guard! Wishing you a gentle day ~ Sawyer (irritablebowelsyndrome.net team)
I got invited to my brothers house for a BBQ the other day I was panicking about going like what am I gonna eat there I still don't know what foods to eat that won't act up my IBS I think its mostly my bad anxiety I have that triggers my stomach into thinking I have to go to the bathroom right away cause even when I don't eat anything I feel like I have to go the restroom right away but when I do go nothing happens . does any body here go through the same thing ?. and I also notice when I take my pain killers for my back and pain I have I feel fine like it calms my stomach . but also constipates me ugg! I never win .
I know exactly what you mean! My anxiety also gives me the impression that I have to go to the bathroom very badly but I really don't. It's so strange. How was your brother's BBQ, did you find something to eat?
Hope you're feeling well today! Karina (team member)
