The strategy of "The First Year: IBS" is true to its title - to take the newly diagnosed patient through the first year after diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). This is no small task as there is a significant amount to learn about IBS, and each person responds to treatments differently

     Each chapter begins with a task list of items to be completed. For instance, Day 1, Task 1 is to verify that the diagnosis is accurate. Chapters are then further divided into two sections - Learning and Living. For example, "Day 1: Learning" helps the new patient to verify that symptoms fit the IBS diagnosis, while "Living" explains the current theories on the cause of IBS. Each "Living" section has a paragraph at the end that sums up the chapter - appropriately titled "In a Sentence"

     Other chapters cover diet (the topic of Van Vorous' first book, "Eating for IBS") excercise, stress, medical options, prescription drugs, alternative therapies, eating out, and dietary supplements. Sidebars throughout the book contain tips, tricks, and recipes.

     Van Vorous' conversational style writing is easy to understand and engaging. The format of the book gives information and advice on lifestyle changes in small chunks. The prevents the newly diagnosed from being overwhelmed. Focusing on only one topic each day week, or month also gives time for new information to register before moving on to the next idea.

     This is a book that can truly help the newly diagnosed find some order in a time filled with uncertainty and chaos.