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Distended abdomen
Hi everyone,
I'm hoping you could help me with a problem I've been dealing with since a very early age, for as long as I can remember.
The problem is : I have a distended abdomen, really distended, it makes me look pregnant. The thing is, I always had this stomach, at fist when I was young I thought (as my mum told me) that it was a baby belly and it would go away, the problem is that it never did. I'm now 25 years old and always with the distended abdomen, though I'm not really fat (I do have minor weight fluctuations, but the stomach always stuck with me even when I underweight) , I also have a very active work, and I don't drive so usually I walk a lot during the day (present situation excluded) .
Usually ( around 90% of the time) I contract my stomach, and it looks flat, I do have some fat in it, it isn't top model flat but it is flat. For obvious reasons I cannot do it when I'm sleeping which is pretty much the only time I let go, or if I'm laying on my stomach. I've also discovered that if I'm standing and I try to let go and not contract my abdomen anymore I start to feel very dizzy very quickly, as if my heart beat got slower and the air couldn't get it. As an addition to that sometimes (I wouldn't say often but not rarely neither) I experience a shooting pain in the area around my ribs everytime I breathe, and more often that not I feel like air is getting properly to my lungs, when I take a deep breath specially.
I've already told doctors about this two symptoms ( except for the distended stomach which I know I should have ) but they've concluded I was too stressed out, although it is sometimes true, it isn't always the case.This is a big issue for me, and couldn't even talk about it with no one, I'm sincerely hoping to find answers here.
I think I shared all the important details with you, thank you for reading me and for your help.
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Have you tried the FODMAP diet, developed by Monash University, to find the foods that bother you? Also look at the FAST TRAC DIET, developed by Dr. Norm Robillard a microbiologist, his diet limits carbs which will cause the overpopulation of "bad" bacteria which cause bloating to die off. He has written two books which cover his reasoning for limiting carbs and how to implement the diet. He sells an inexpensive app to look up carb content of foods.
Antibiotics, both herbal and commercial, will kill off both good and bad bacteria. They also will not work long term if you are carb sensitive, your SIBO will return. Unfortunately, your gut bacteria can become immune to antibiotics like Rifaximin, after repeated use.
The fastest way to long term good health is to invest some time in your health and read up on these diets. I had bloating, use to sit up at night after Dinner until it resolved enough to head to bed. I finally figured out how to use the FODMAP and Fast Trac diet to stop the bacterial overgrowth and manage my symptoms. The one thing that has helped the most with gut motility for me is a dried ginger root capsule after meals.
Good luck!!
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1 ReactionYes, I follow the low FODMAP diet. I’ve bought numerous books, have the Monash APP,Fig etc. Also have a GI dietician. I believe in addition to bloating , I have permanent distention post Colectomy. I’m
Also doing Acupuncture,have done Pelvic Therapy and do Abdominal Massage.
I will discuss the low carb diet with my dietician.
Thank you
Does anyone have blowup belly after years of gallbladder removal? What do you do? I look like I carry a large ball. So uncomfortable!
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1 ReactionHi @mo22, and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. You have found a good place to share and learn from others.
You may want to explore Connect a bit as you wait for others to comment.
I did a quick search on the home page for “distended abdomen”: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/digestive-gastrointestinal-problems/
One discussion specifically: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/distention-abdomen/
How long after your gallbladder surgery did you begin noticing your belly change? It may help others to know more about your journey thus far, if you are willing to share. Do you have other symptoms, and have you discussed with your doctor or had any testing?
Janell, I can’t thank you enough for this super prompt response and connection to other links.
Approximately a month after the surgery, my belly began to be bigger. My thought was it gets back to the normal. But it began to be bigger and continued to grow. No matter what I do, eat, drink. I don’t drink soft drinks, I’m lacking energy to do the kind of exercise that would sweat and burn calories. My meals are relatively healthy, however I tend to eat very fast. It’s a bad habit and I can’t remember to slow down.
Now I have a true Michelin tire around my waist. My last resort would be fasting.
I appreciate any comments, tips, guidance.
Thank you.
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1 ReactionI would suggest cutting back on your carb intake.
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2 ReactionsThank you for your suggestion. I have to get back to bake my own bread. I find gluten free helped with the gasy issues, but not so much with the bloating.
I’m so sorry that you are in despair. I am in the same predicament since the gallbladder removal in 2022.
The GI dr told me I have constipation and suggested metamucil - not working! However, I find soft food helps!
Today, I googled and found an article about big belly after gallbladder surgery. It’s suggested to have low-fat diet, light exercise routine, well hydrated with lemon water, eat small meals, and chew well. I’m going to try this.
In the past, I tried gluten free bread, it seemed to help with being gasy, but not with the bloating. Perhaps I will give it another try for a longer time. Also a post recommended to reduce the carb.
I hope this helps! I do feel your frustration and helplessness. I’m constantly looking for the how-tos and not much is working so far.
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2 ReactionsMy husband had his gallbladder removed on April 5th and his belly got so big as well. He has excruciating pain and hasn't been able to go back to work. We spent the last few months at Mayo and did every kind of test and scan and nothing shows up and said he is fine. He hasn't been fine and he has no quality of life cause he is in pain all the time and they don't know how to help him. I'm sorry you are going through this after 4 years. I pray every one going through this gets a breakthrough 🙏.
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