small bowel overgrowth

I had a sigmoid colon resection in December 2009. In Jan I had a pseudo colon obstruction. Since then I have had symptoms of  bloating, gas, flatus, diarrhea, 30lb wt. loss. I went to an gastroenterologist. I had the breath tests which were negative, upper Gi surgery ,and ct of pelvis which was negative also. He prescribed antibiotics 2times which seem to help some but still had problems. Actuall he made no diagnosis and told me to take antivan 3x day for anxiety which I have taken and referred me back to my local physician. What should I do. How can I find an answer to this problem?I have good days and some very bad ones. More bad then good. I am trying to rise above all this but i need help. Any idea/

[Ratnakar Kini, MD]

Hi,
If you suspect it could be due to small intestinal bacterial overgrowth syndrome, you can have duodenal/jejunal aspirate culture test done for confirmation.