Bloating/weight gain

I have had several problems for the past 5 years and have not been able to get a diagnosis or basically any relief.  I went to a gastro Dr. complaining of constipation, gas and bloating.  I have recently been put on Perdium and charcoal pills.  Just this past month I have had a colonoscopy and ultra sounds of the pelvic and abdomen.  Nothing has been found with the exception of cysts on the right ovary.  The ovaries worried me so I did have the CA-125 blood test and it came back negative.  The constipation and gas have somewhat been relieved but I still have this huge bloated abdomen that starts at my belly button down to my pelvic bone.  I have been complaining for the last 5 years about the severe abdomen pain, constipation and gas.  It has been so bad at times that I have had to unbottom by skirt/pants.  At one time I measured in the am and directly after lunch and on a mild day my ab grew 3 inches and that was on a "good" day.  My problems usually occur directly after lunch.  I usually eat salads, soups, chicken.  No burger and fries or heavily seasoned or spicy foods.  I have had several worse days.  I have tried to self diagnose myself with celiac sprue as well as Candida and have followed a desperate diet of carb elimination.  I was successful for a while and then all symptoms came back.  1 1/2 year ago I had several tests done including thyroid, flexible sygmoidoscopy, berium enema, upper GI, cat scan, and ultra sound.  NOTHING!  Not only does this control my life at times (5 out of 7 days) but I follow a strict exercise program and most people would not even think I do a situp.  I seem to hold onto 20 some extra pounds in the last few years.  I work out 5 days a week for 1 1/2 hours every morning consisting of running 20 minutes, alternating 45 minute classes of biking and weight training.  Plus walk 3 miles every night after work.  My pain is not located strictly on the right side which is the question I am always asked.  I would say it is usually on the left and when pressed above my belly button besides the cramping and sharp pains in the lower ab when the bloating begins.  What is my next step.  I am desperate and am contemplating on going to the emergency room the next time it is severe.

[Forum-M.D.-DT]

Thank you for visiting the Family Practice Forum.

Your symptoms make me think over and over again of irritable bowel syndrome.  (or ... IBS).

IBS, also known as irritable colon, spastic bowel or spastic colon, is a disorder of the intestinal tract, causing recurring abdominal discomfort associated with constipation and/or diarrhea and abdominal bloating. It usually starts before age 50 and is worsened by anxiety or stress.

The symptoms of IBS are usually worse under stress such as when you travel or attend social events or change your daily routine. Symptoms may get worse if you go long periods without eating or have a very large meal. Women who have IBS may have increased symptoms during their menstrual periods.

1. Bloating and gas
2. Constipation
3. Diarrhea, especially after eating or first thing in the morning
4. Feeling as though you still need to have a bowel movement after you have had one
5. Abdominal pain and cramping relieved with a bowel movement.


Although foods do not cause IBS, certain foods may make symptoms worse. Foods high in fat or caffeine cause the intestines to contract and may make symptoms worse. Foods causing an increased production of gas such as beans, cabbage or some fruits may also need to be avoided.

Keeping a diary of what you eat for a few weeks is very important in helping to control IBS. Patients are usually able to identify what food or foods will cause their symptoms to be more prevalent. If milk and dairy products bother you, you may have lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerance means your body is unable to digest certain sugars in milk.

Diagnosis of IBS

Your doctor will begin by asking you many questions about what is causing your symptoms. Typically there are certain patterns in your diet or activity which will help the doctor make the diagnosis.

Although there may be mucus present in the stool with IBS, there is no blood. Blood in the stool may signify a more serious problem. If there is the presence of blood in the stool, painless diarrhea, diarrhea at night or the presence of weight loss this may point toward a cause other than IBS. The doctor will perform an examination, paying particular attention to the abdomen. Additionally he/she may order blood tests to check for abnormalities of the blood counts, liver function, evidence of inflammation of the pancreas. Other tests include abdominal Xrays, a barium enema Xray or in some cases a colonoscopy.

Treatment of IBS

Essentially, the best way to control IBS is to control stress, avoid certain foods and to maintain a healthy, consistent diet. Fiber may be helpful as well. Increase the fiber in your diet slowly. Increasing fiber content in your diet to rapidly will increase the likelihood of gas and bloating. As your body becomes more accustomed to the increases in fiber, the gas and bloating will resolve.

1. Eat a variety of foods and avoid foods high in fiber or caffeine
2. Drink plenty of water
3. Eat smaller meals (6 small meals/day instead of 3 large meals)
4. Keep a diary for 2 weeks and avoid foods which seem to aggravate your symptoms
5. Learn ways to control your stress
6. In severe cases consider the use of prescriptions medications such as hyoscyamine (Levsin) to help control stomach cramping or Imodium (immodium) when diarrhea is severe.
7. Increase fiber in your diet

It really sounds like you have had an extensive workup. Maybe a second opinion from another Gastroenterologist will prove helpful.

[Laurie36]

Would this also contribute to the not being able to shed a pound and no matter what exercise regimen I am not able to lose but rather gain?  What about food enzymes.  Could this relate to my problems?  My body not producing enough amalease, protease, etc?  I remember watching an infomercial about this and I have read a little about it.  How is the testing done for this and food allergies?

[janetoaster]

Have you checked into food allergies?
or Increased Intestinal Permeability?

[Grace42]

Your symptoms and efforts to understand them are very similar to mine. Do you find your weight increasing as the bloating gets worse? I also walk 2-5 miles a day but find I am often more bloated afterwards. Doctors usually mention IBS but I only experience constipation and fiber can sometimes be a disaster. I sometimes think Doctors feel I am making to much of this, but it really makes me feel awful. I do not think gas is the main reason for the bloating. Charcoal never has any effect. The bloating goes way beyond 3 inches. Not eating wheat helped for awhile, but now that is not doing the trick. You sound as frustrated as I am, yet also as determined to find some answers and relief.

[lgj]

I had so much problem with IBS and after a colonoscopy which revealed diverticulitis was told to introduce a high fiber diet. I started on a high fiber diet but that in and of itself did not relieve my discomforts. I did begin avoiding wheat products and still only partial relief, I then began ruling out foods that irritated this condition. I have since found that even tho I have always loved dairy products ( could drink several glasses of milk a day) cheeses, yogurts, ice cream . These are the foods that gave me the most problems. I now take suppliments and avoid all dairy products. ( very Hard as I loved Dairy) it has given me dramatic improvement in the IBS I hardly even notice it anymore.

[ShelleyS]

I too suffer from bloating, abdominal pain and occasional constipation, along with unexplained weight gain. I had loads of tests done (thyroid, vitamin B deficiency, etc.), including ultrasounds, which all showed normal. It wasn't until I had an upper abdominal x-ray done that my doctor diagnosed me with severe constipation. Even though I had been fairly regular (sometimes missing at most two days), I was backed up severely. He has me taking a dose of 1 Tbsp. Metamucil and 1 Tbsp. of Lactulose together each morning. This has gotten things moving and has improved my stomach dramatically. He recommends that I stay on it for at least a month and then go off it when I start to feel better. I had gone off it for a week before I saw him, and had improved greatly but not completely. (I was concerned about staying on it too long). He said to try again for at least a month and then go from there. I improved after just two weeks! And it did not get worse when I went off it.

[ShelleyS]

I too suffer from bloating, abdominal pain and occasional constipation, along with unexplained weight gain. I had loads of tests done (thyroid, vitamin B deficiency, etc.), including ultrasounds, which all showed normal. It wasn't until I had an upper abdominal x-ray done that my doctor diagnosed me with severe constipation. Even though I had been fairly regular (sometimes missing at most two days), I was backed up severely. He has me taking a dose of 1 Tbsp. Metamucil and 1 Tbsp. of Lactulose together each morning. This has gotten things moving and has improved my stomach dramatically. He recommends that I stay on it for at least a month and then go off it when I start to feel better. I had gone off it for a week before I saw him, and had improved greatly but not completely. (I was concerned about staying on it too long). He said to try again for at least a month and then go from there. I improved after just two weeks! And it did not get worse when I went off it.

[tiggertapp]

OMG!  Exactly my symptoms! NOTHING helps.  Today I began looking up lactose intolerance, which is sometimes misdiagnosed as IBS (per web sites).  It's great to know (although not great for the 'victims') that there are others with my problems...and my frustration at finding answers!  Life is miserable as I now avoid going anywhere due to the problems of diarrhea.  The bloating and constipation are the same problems as I read here.  And the unexplained weight gain.

I will try the metamucil and lactulose 'remedy' and report back!

[mayla]

Please look into allergies of peas, beans and nuts.  I have had the same problem for 5 years.  Nothing helped, i have taking loads of antibiotics and pills of all kinds.  Try staying away from peas and beans or nuts for two weeks and u should feel better.  Introduce some garbanzo or red beans and see if the bloating returns.  Many doctors don't even bother to look into this allergy.

Hope things work out for you guys!

mala from trinidad in the caribbean

[jenbellini]

help!

Four months ago I  gained 10 pounds in my stomach which is never the place I gain weight.  All summer I have been playing soccer and bike riding etc...i cannot lose the weight and I have that (full) feeling.  It started when I was overseas in thailand and Australia.  could it be a parasite??  I eat mostly organic food; not lots of sugar at all...I do eat a lot of seasalt but this never bothered me before!!  my stomach is huge and totally horrible!  I never had dairy problems or anything...it is a constant SEVERE bloating...it seemed to get a little better when I was doing shots of apple cider vinegar but when I stopped, it came back.. What can it be? Im miserable!!!!

[bloatedgirl]

i am the same way as everyone in here...it has been two weeks. i have had problems going to the bathroom. i have had two bowel movements...that have been really hard, followed by a lot of water taking me three days inbetween....each movement....that is even trying miralax.... i am a very healthy eater and have taken dairy out of my diet due to having IBS. I work with GI docs, who say i really have nothing to worry about. I am not really high stress right now. I am training for a marathon. I eat about 1200-1500 cal. a day. I have gained nearly 10 pounds in a matter of 4 days. i  am not skipping meals and i stopped my workout, to just taking it easy, walks ex. I feel really nasty embarrassed to go anywhere. i really need some help!!!

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[hiipwetty]

Hi, I'm 16 and have generally the same issues.  I've been bloated for about 6 months now and tested for everything. I had a ruptured ovarian cyst but they said that shouldn't last 6 months. Had an ultrasound they said everything looked okay. I'm not sexually active by the way.  I had a colonoscopy and everything came back normal.  I'm not in severe pain but its intermittent on my lower left side it feels as though its a muscle but the bloating is all in the middle area.  This may sound dumb but I know you can catch chlamydia and gonnarhea from swallowing and I saw abominal swelling was a symptom, anyyone know if I should be worried