Inflatable Belly?

Updated on August 03, 2009
S. asks from Greenville, SC
15 answers

Hi Mamas, I apologize already for the descriptive details, but this is really bothering me A LOT. Lately my belly swells up (especially after each meal but not only) to the point of making me look pregnant (and I am not). I don't mean a regular swelling like the pre-menstrual syndrome or such, it becomes huge and hard like a drum. The antigas pills don't seem to help and sometimes I hurt inside (one time I was laughing and had to stop)...Doctors don't really know exactly what to do, I've taken meds for IBS, colitis, even for emotional stress etc...but there is not a clear diagnosis, so I haven't found peace yet.I tried to eliminate certain foods (the once more fibery and the dairy) but it still swells up like a balloon.Anyone out there has an answer?

1 mom found this helpful

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J.I.

answers from Savannah on

I am 50 years old and have had the same problem all my life (sorry to say). I have been to doctor after doctor all my life with no answers. You are the first person i have found with some problem. Please email me if you like: ____@____.com.

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A.L.

answers from Atlanta on

Hi S.,
Well, I wish I had an answer, but I have experiece that sometimes, usually in times of stress seems like, specially emotional stress, I dont mean run down depression or so, but usually the way we feel affects the way we digest our food. At this point I think, you need to go further than taking antiagas and meds. You should go to a Gastroenterologys. Drs should start to run colonoscopy, Barium Enema (sorry) and tests of that nature, so they can rule out inflamation in the Colon area which couses this as well, or polips in your intestine, any phisical anomaly in your digestive System. You really need these tests!
Drink plenty of fluids and try to eat your last meal not to late, so you have time to move around. To me it happened more at night, if I seated to long after the meal, then not even unbotton my pants would helps. Only lay down would.
You should avoid food that makes you blow up, like broccoli, beans, coliflower. Dont eliminate the fiber tough, all the way around, you need it, just have your fiber intake between breakfast and lunch.

I hope you feel better soon, but look for an specialyst right away. It is a VERY unpleasant feeling. I can definately relate!

1 mom found this helpful
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C.J.

answers from Savannah on

Hi S.,
I swell sometimes like that,before I started using a colon cleanser. I did the anti-gas medicines and then I would burp and it would relief it for a little while. The colon cleaner was the best I tried.

Working and family mom

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J.F.

answers from Atlanta on

Have u been to a gastro Dr. for a blood test for Celiac disease (allergy to gluten)?

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J.O.

answers from Atlanta on

Have you tried probiotics and digestive enzymes? It's an inexpensive place to start. Could be allergies, too. Go see a good naturopath or nutritionally-sound chiropractor. Sure, the visit will cost you, but the advice will help you. Stay within your budget on supplements and work things in slowly. This is a much better approach (healing) than pharmaceuticals.

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E.W.

answers from Atlanta on

Dr. Reed Sainsbury in Gadsden AL--not so far from here--is EXCELLENT. He is a naturopath who does electro-dermal screening. He will be able to look at root causes of your problem--non-functioning organs, bacterial or parasitical issues and more. Then, he recommends herbals and enzymes that will target your exact issues.

The screening is $200, and the herbals are more--but they depend on what you've got going on. I've been on his program for a couple of weeks, and I generally am feeling a lot better. He can let you know what specific foods to avoid, too, based on allergens and good nutritional guidance. You can find him and his clinic with a Google search. All the best to you.

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G.K.

answers from Atlanta on

I heard of this through an acquaintance. She eventually eliminated foods one by one and found out she was allergic to chocolate (especially dark). You might want to keep experimenting with your diet until you find the culprit.

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V.D.

answers from Albany on

Hey S.,

I do the same thing all the time. I swell to the point I look like Im about 6months pregnant. My problem is that I have IBS and its untreatable. There are medications that can be given for it but nothing really helps with the swelling. I usually stay swollen for about a week and then it goes down. If you have any other questions on this feel free to ask me because I have dealt with this for over 12years.

Thanks,
V.

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E.W.

answers from Charleston on

Your problem sounds exactly my best friend's. She does the same thing whenever she eats any wheat or gluten- it's a gluten allergy in her case. Have you tried avoiding those foods? It sounds intimidating, but it's easier than you think. There are lots of great gluten-free products out there and most grocery stores carry some of them now. good luck

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J.M.

answers from Atlanta on

Try taking an all 100% natural raw superfood call Mila. It is amazing and does wonders for your body. Loaded with Omega's and the right kind of fiber that won't bloat you and in fact helps when are bloated or have issues like IBS, Crohns, etc.. It is raw and wheat and gluten free. It has no taste and can be added to almost anything. You can just buy a bag to try it. It's a lot cheaper than a trip to the Doctor or a prescription and if you just try one bag...you've got nothing to loose.

Here is where I buy mine from. My whole family takes it and we all love it. We all have notice a difference by adding it to our diet.

http://www.ripplemktg.lifemax.net/

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L.T.

answers from Atlanta on

Hello Syvia, I can relate to a certain degree. I have been dealing with fibroids for quite sometime now, and have chosen not to have surgery to remove them. In the meantime, I've done quite a bit of research, because I too have to deal with blotting and swelling, as a result of eating foods that feed the fibroid. I have found that elimating dairy products, caffiene, and meat, especially chicken, makes a difference. Most meats that we buy from the market has hormones, which cause our bodies to swell and in my case, feeds the fibroids. I've noticed that eating more fresh veggies and fruits, keeps my system clean and makes a difference with the size of my tummy. I do eat meat, but I make sure it's free of hormones and antibiotics. I'm entering the premenopausal stage, and praying that the fibroids are shrinking and I can get back to a flat stomach:) again. Also, do not lay down after eating, that's a big factor. The food settles in the tummy area, and takes forever to digest. Hope this helps.

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T.R.

answers from Atlanta on

Hi S.,

You may want to research something called SIBO- small intestine bacterial growth. A combination of antibiotics and probiotics has been useful for some people.

I've had similar symptoms (worst during the evening) and have had an endoscopy and CAT scan and apparently there's a blockage in my small intestines. My next test is the Barium test to find out what it is- could be scar tissue from my C-section 4 years ago. Anyway, it's imperative to see an gastroenterologists to get to the root of it all.

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C.P.

answers from Charleston on

Are you allergic to yeast? Or gluten? it is in everything...

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J.L.

answers from Atlanta on

I don't know where you live, but I would suggest finding a GREAT Chiropractor!! I live in Canton, GA, if that is anywhere near you, let me know and I can get you into our office!!!! He's great at treating other things besides back pain!! Good luck!

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J.S.

answers from Atlanta on

Two suggestions - get on a Candida (yeast) treatment either from a natural food store (Willners Chemist is a good place) or get Nystatin or Diflucan from your primary care doctor to see if the reduction of yeast changes it. There is a terrific supplement called Candicid Forte (search online) that is incredibly efffective.
Second, read the book "Breaking the Vicious Cycle". It will give lots of insights as to what your issue may be. Good luck, J.

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