Gastritis vs. weight loss

Posted By Eric on July 26, 1998 at 14:09:06:







Hi, I'm 26 and have recently been suffering from intermitten abdominal discomfort. It seems to come on more strongly after eating and is generally in the upper left quadrant but will radiate to the middle and even the right side.  My primary care physician
has done blood work wich showed only a small concentration of helicobactor (I got the impression that this was not abnormal) but I had him refer me to a gastroenterologist who will be doing an endoscopy sometime in the future. I am currently on prilosec which seems to ease if not remove the discomfort. (I haven't taken any inflammatory drugs in the past).
My big concern is that my appetite has been significantly diminished and even when I'm hungry I don't feel comfortable eating a heavy meal.  Traditionally, I have always been a big eater although I have kept my weight in check with a modest fitness program. My question is, these symptoms began about six weeks ago and since then I have lost about 15 pounds (which puts me at my ideal weight) even though I eat about half of what I usually do (excersize has been minimal), and very little dairy and meat, I  try to keep up with eating, yet I still feel like I'm losing weight. Is this much weight loss unusual for someone with a decreased appetite and gastritis or a potential ulcer. If not, what could cause this.  
Thank you,
Eric