Just a quick one as having an endoscopy today and need to get ready to go.
I thought about your eating flax to "put on weight". My understanding is that flax oil helps the body to metabolise fats, and doesn't necessarily cause you to put on weight.
You could try other foods like potatoes to help you put on weight?
From what you say it may well be worth finding a professional with a holistic approach to help you, if it feels that you need this support. It is difficult to find which road to take here, as these days there are so many options!
I guess at the end of the day it depends on what financial resources you have, and which practitioners are available in your area.
I don't know how you'd find a naturapathic doc in the USA. In the UK I would go to the Association that they register with, and then this way I know that they have gone through a formal recognised training.
In the USA there must be an equivalent. Maybe post others on the board and ask how to go down this route, and also do a search on Google for one. You need to check out which qualifications are the good ones.
Have you had any tests done for the pain? eg colonoscopy, endoscopy etc....
I don't know how much IF you should eat a day. My guess is that it depends on the individual's needs. Maybe do some searches on IF on Heather's Reviews (top menu bar), and also re read Heather's info on IF.
Heather suggests to always eat some SF before IF, to line the stomach with soothing starch (if I remember rightly!!!) This definately helps me ~ that's why I think your prunes are a harsh way to start the day on your tum!
Have you tried Acacia yet?
Must stop there ~ you'll find your path you know ~ it may take some time, but you will!