distended stomach

My stomach is constantly hard and distended. It gets worse after eating. I am on Weight Watchers due to a recent 16 poung gain. I have lost 5 pounds in 4 weeks butstomach is still same size.

16 months ago an MRI showed thichening of stomach wlls. I had an endoscopy which showed everything normal.

I take Previcid daily, have no heartburn or pain. Doctor has not recommended anything.

What do you think this could be and what course should I take.

By the way all of my adult life I have experienced bloating and hardness ater eating a large meal.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Hello - thanks for asking your question.

Without examining you, it is impossible to say what you have.  The MRI and endoscopy is a good place to start - having it negative rules out most of the causes of dyspepsia (ulcers, gastritis, esophagitis) and abdominal masses.  If the MRI was 16 months ago, you may want to consider repeat imaging with another MRI or a CT scan to evaluate for any abdominal masses that could have grown during that time.  

With increased bloating (especially after meals), you may want to consider various malabsorption syndromes or irritable bowel syndrome.  Fat, carbohydrate or celiac disease can result in increased intestinal bloating and gas.  These can be tested with fecal fat tests, tests for carbohydrate malabsorption or antibody tests for celiac disease.  

You may also want to consider an ultrasound to evaluate the gall bladder.  

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.

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