5 stars for possibly changing my life; 4 stars for incomplete content.

I picked this up not because I needed to lose my belly (although it did help with losing those nagging 4 lbs) but because I wanted to see if I could cure the stomach issues I've battled for a number of years, mainly GERD and discomfort. I had read GUT BLISS but determined it was way too complicated for my lifestyle but the FODMAP information seemed to have not only a good base in science but the allowed foods were very doable, and after two weeks of no gluten, limited lactose, and low sugar/sweeteners, it seems to be helping. The only time I felt deprived was the first couple of days in phase 1 but that lasts for only 5 days, and now I am totally comfortable in what I'm doing and determined to see it to the end. After three weeks I will allow a few extra things in my diet (hello, chocolate!) and see how it goes. If it keeps me from having to inhale acid reducers every day, I will keep my five star rating.

The lack of one star for content is because the allowable food lists don't seem to be completely comprehensive (is that a redundant phrase?).

The above was written in early March 2014.

UPDATE: May 6, 2014 - It took a little time but this diet seemed to take care of my problems. I'm still a little leery and careful of eating a few things such as garlic, deep-fried foods, and anything with a lot of seasoning, and I'm still sticking to low-lactose and light gluten foods, but I haven't had discomfort for a month, and even ate a Krispy Kreme donut the other day without having to take a Tums! Now *that's* progress!