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My stomach makes me look pregnant.
Women's Health | Last Active: Apr 24 11:10am | Replies (145)Comment receiving replies
Three years ago, I was my normal weight 125 pounds, and a friend was visiting me, and I noticed I was getting a stomach. I showed it to her, and she thought I was pushing it out. (I always have a flat stomach). Six months later my weight went from 125 to 190 pounds. People commented I was pregnant, and I could not fit into ANY of my clothes or shoes. Bloodwork showed I had a Hypothyroid and was told this was the reason. Now for 2 years I have been on thyroid meds and my blood work has always been perfect. I live on the beach and wont dare go on it with all the weight gain. My doctor told me exercise would work. I have been exercising and eating normal meals have lost 20 pounds but not in my stomach. I just finished a belly 5 min workout and when I was done my stomach bloated like I was pregnant. Can I ever lose this weight. I can't wear any of my clothes nor even fit in my bra's. I see my Dr. in 3 weeks because I have been depressed and have been isolating.
Replies to "Three years ago, I was my normal weight 125 pounds, and a friend was visiting me,..."
Just a thought, if the tummy swelling gets worse at certain times, you might want to check for SIBO. I had it for two years before I got a diagnosis. My stomach went from normal to 8 months pregnant-looking in a hour +/- after eating, horrific and painful. Specific antibiotics and a diet change. Not less food as much as just certain food avoidance.
If your doctor doesn’t do breath testing for that, I believe you can buy a home kit.
Good luck!
Holly1295,
I experienced the same issue, but it took me 6 months to get an appointment with an endocrinologist. I never had an issue with belly fat, even after menopause, but everything changed when I got Covid. Suddenly I weighed more, and no amount of dieting helped. The majority of the weight was in my belly and breasts(I went up 3 cup sizes) . I sought help first from my PC, she told me to exercise more. Next I went to a gastroenterologist and she told me I was constipated. I requested a SIBO test, that came back negative. Finally it was time for my endocrinologist appointment and someone listened to me. Turns out that my cortisol level was high and was a possible explanation for the weight gain in my stomach. Hope this information helps.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hormonal-belly#cortisol
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Hi, sorry to hear about your tummy.
Sounds like you might be experiencing some gastrointestinal issues.
When you see your doctor again ask him to check you for SIBO.
“Symptoms of SIBO are nonspecific and include bloating, abdominal distension, abdominal pain or discomfort, diarrhea, fatigue, and weakness. The frequency and severity of symptoms likely reflect both the degree of bacterial overgrowth along with the extent of mucosal inflammation.”
Since digestive conditions mimic each other it’s hard to diagnose. But at least this is a start to your proactive search to address your problematic digestive issues.
Take care and wishing you good health.