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Original poster

Let's talk bloating

29 replies

Dollydoo2244 · 08/11/2023 19:44

I'm a size 8 /10 overall but I look about 6 months pregnant.

I've started meeting friends for wine and having a few at home with DH since I stopped breastfeeding but nothing wild.
I lost weight while breastfeeding but now my periods have returned my belly is constantly huge.

I don't really exercise bar walking with pram as don't have time.

Is this normal for semi regular exercise/wine drinker who is not on a diet. Or should I get an investigation/speak to gp. I'm mid thirties so wondering if we all get a middle age spread if we leave it unchecked. Just feel the size of my stomach doesn't match my lifestyle and it's quite prominent as not really overweight anywhere else.

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Splat92 · 18/01/2024 03:38

I would say most likely IBS (also read up on SIBO as it seems a large proportion of IBS cases are thought to be caused by SIBO). Try eating a low FODMAP diet for a little bit and see if it makes a difference. I'm still working out what foods I'm reacting to I found that gluten and onion are both big triggers for me so far but still sorting it all out.

Snippit · 18/01/2024 03:00

as well as using Optibac as I mentioned in my previous post, I also use a homeopathic remedy called Nux Vomica, it’s amazing. You can get it online, it’s pretty cheap and won’t harm you, 🤩

Whataretheodds · 16/01/2024 19:38

Are you bloated when you wake in the morning?

Can you keep a food (and drink) and stress diary? Eating too quickly and stress can cause bloating with foods that are otherwise fine for you.

Jadejack · 16/01/2024 19:36

I’m having similar issues , I wake up and stomach is pretty flat but by end of the day I’m a bit more bloated and very gassy !
iv cut out caffeine which has massively improved my health anxiety , caffeine caused me to get horrible shaky hands and palpitations.also cut out white bread. However I am currently going through gastroenterology as had an elevated calprotectin of 275 ( inflammation )
I do suffer a bit of reflux and recently some heart burn so I have no clue what is going on with me .
anyone else had similar?

Hecate01 · 09/11/2023 10:42

I used to bloat massively when I was taking the mini pill and then had the Mirena coil. As soon as I stopped taking hormones it reduced a lot, I occasionally get bloated but it's usually because I've eaten too many carbs now.

Justwrong68 · 09/11/2023 10:33

Dollydoo2244 · 08/11/2023 19:49

@andHelenknowsimmiserablenow I eat a lot of bread 😩

Try cutting out wheat for a short period and see if that helps. Unfortunately your babies stretched your belly skin so it doesn't take much to make it pop out more

Torganer · 08/11/2023 23:37

@Dollydoo2244 Sorry, it’s Ulcerative Colitis. Like Crohns. Basically bowel disease. It won’t get better, but it’s manageable with drugs. Eventually I will probably have to have stoma. Just recently it’s been worse and maybe some ibs to deal with hence the diet!

AlmostAJillSandwich · 08/11/2023 23:28

Have you tried peppermint oil capsules, or drinking peppermint tea?

AliceOlive · 08/11/2023 23:06

A daily Probiotic yogurt drink has been really helpful for me. I also drink wine and eat loads of carbs.

hulahooper2 · 08/11/2023 23:03

I had it really bad , clothes felt uncomfortable, never found out what caused it . I’m now following slimming world and think healthier eating helps as it rarely happens now .

Judystilldreamsofhorses · 08/11/2023 22:29

I get a really bloated tummy after eating certain things - mainly carbs! I’m in peri and on HRT and actually did ask my GP about it. She said ovarian cancer “bloat” tends to be consistently there rather than coming and going because essentially it’s a mass causing the stomach to protrude. It was a telephone consult so she didn’t examine me but I wasn’t asked to go in. I do have long standing IBS and feel like it’s got worse since peri.

Original poster
Dollydoo2244 · 08/11/2023 22:24

@MrShady I have often wondered about endo. Thank you so much for sharing. It can reduce but then huge again the next day and especially towards end of cycle

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MrShady · 08/11/2023 21:48

Mine is endometriosis and cysts. This was one day to the next (took it for consultant)

Let's talk bloating
Snippit · 08/11/2023 20:58

Please don’t get yourself worried about cancer, it’s highly unlikely.

I had something similar and was sick to death with it. My G.P did blood tests, one for ovarian cancer, negative.

She recommended I take a probiotic called Optibac, I also have a teaspoon of turmeric in hot water first thing in the morning with a touch of honey. Both of these have completely changed my stomach for the better.

It could be down to a hormonal upset, I’m going through menopause at the moment and those two items have been life changing. My daughter also takes Optibac and has noticed her stomach is happier. I’m happy after two years of crappy bloat, it’s such a relief.

TheMildManneredMilitant · 08/11/2023 20:41

It's massively unlikely particularly if you've had it so long. Bloating seems fairly common and ovarian cancer isn't. But I'm really not a medical professional and any symptoms you should get checked.

ZipZabZupZy · 08/11/2023 20:39

I stopped getting bloated when I cut out sugar and white bread. Could be an intolerance to something

Original poster
Dollydoo2244 · 08/11/2023 20:34

@Torganer I had bloat pre baby too and thought it was down to wine. It's definitely got worse after my second. Would you mind me asking what is UC?

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Original poster
Dollydoo2244 · 08/11/2023 20:33

@TheMildManneredMilitant I had it pre babies and have had 2 pregnancies and birth between 2020 and 2023. Would ovarian cancer be possible or potentially picked up during this time. Just googled symptoms and a bit worried now

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Torganer · 08/11/2023 20:29

I have the same, but I have UC, seems to have got worse after a baby. I look 8m pregnant!! Have had scans, colonoscopy, etc. was put on a low fibre diet (white bread, white rice, chicken, no veg). It has helped a bit, but I would see your GP.

LeafDancing · 08/11/2023 20:29

I stopped eating wheat and my boating massively dropped. It’s worth keeping a food diary for a week with symptoms then try avoiding a bit to see what happens.

TheMildManneredMilitant · 08/11/2023 20:27

A smear wouldn't pick up ovarian cancer I don't think.

It's very unlikely that it is but also not something you want to ignore.

Original poster
Dollydoo2244 · 08/11/2023 20:26

I guess a smear might not pick this up though. The bloating is pretty constant tbh

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Original poster
Dollydoo2244 · 08/11/2023 20:25

I have recently had a smear and all was fine

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TropDrôle · 08/11/2023 20:09

I can’t eat carbs because I get fat and I can’t eat too much fibre because I bloat.

I basically live on meat and cheese. It’s great 😁

BarelyCoping123 · 08/11/2023 20:07

You should probably speak to your doctor, as bloating can be a sign of ovarian cancer. My gp sent me for all the tests