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Rapid weight loss, food particles in bowel movements

I have a history of problems with involuntary weight loss.  This began in
1998, when I suddenly started losing weight despite not changing my eating
habits; after dropping to a scary 92 pounds, the problem disappeared as
mysteriously as it started and didn
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Avatar universal
A related discussion, Gastro problems was started.
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A related discussion, celiac disease was started.
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A related discussion, vegetarian diet and bowel frequency was started.
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have you looked into celiac disease? basically a gluten allergy causes malabsorbtion of nutients. Managed by changing diet to avoid the allergen. Other digestive troubles (iritable bowel etc) can also be part of it. Just a thought. I have been much better on the avoidance diet. Good luck.
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233190 tn?1278549801
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
There can be several conditions that may explain your symptoms.  The first would be any type of thyroid disease - particularly hyperthyroidism, which can cause some of the symptoms you describe.

More GI-focused diseases like malabsorption, gastroparesis or inflammatory bowel disease can lead to changes in the bowel habits as well as weight loss.

You can consider tests like a colonoscopy which can thoroughly evaluation the lower GI tract for inflammation or possible sources of malabsorption.  You can also consider obtaining stool samples for analysis and culture.

Gastroparesis can be evaluated with a gastric emptying scan.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician, or in conjunction with a GI evaluation.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b
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Avatar universal
I too have been experiencing drastic weight loss (40 lbs in about 8 months) with no real change in eating habits, a little more stress than usual, but nothing major that altered my eating habits.  Same problems with stools that you are having.
I had a colonoscopy after blood tests indicated nothing.  Preliminary results reveal diverticulitis and severe stomach spasms.  Ii have a follow up for blood work and office visit with doctor next week to have a full review of results.  Sorry you live in Canada with that socialized medicine.  Her in the good old U.S. we are very fortunate as our doctors can explore avenues to attempt to find a diagnosis
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