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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Fat but not fat?

65 replies

Jonette · 07/06/2019 19:16

Or am I deluding myself?

I've got an extremely squishy fat belly, but it doesn't feel like fat. It feels more like everything inside is taking up room. The actual fat isn't there.

Is that fluid retention or something?

OP posts:
Poshjock · 07/06/2019 19:40

Absolutely see your GP. There are many possiblities and some of them serious. Any sudden loss or gain of weight or change in shape as you have needs to be investigated. I immediately think ascites when I read your OP.

Montypulciano · 07/06/2019 19:42

OP, most likely it is nothing but it could be the symptoms of ovarian cancer. Bloating and fullness after very small meals are red flags. I’d visit the GP asap to talk your symptoms through. Sending you very best wishes 💐💐

Montypulciano · 07/06/2019 19:43

X post

milkshak3 · 07/06/2019 19:44

agree, GP. might just be too much wheat or whatever but it can indicate ovarian issues.

wheresmymojo · 07/06/2019 19:47

I'm also going to echo that you really need to see a GP.

It's probably something manageable but the last thread that started like this turned out to be something very serious so please make an appointment to be on the safe side.

maresedotes · 07/06/2019 19:50

Make an appointment to go and see a GP. The feeling full after not eating much is a worrying sign.

kidsmakesomuchwashing · 07/06/2019 19:54

Erm how old are you? Abdominal distension is a symptom of many things which are non-serious but it's also a symptom of ovarian cancer which is serious.
The fact that you have abdominal bloating AND you state you feel full after a tiny amount of food would be a big red flag for a GP. Get yourself seen!

Original poster
Jonette · 07/06/2019 19:59

I'm 45. It's not ever anything I've mentioned to a GP. I'm only thinking today that it seems odd.

OP posts:
Vibiano · 07/06/2019 20:11

OP, please get checked out. A good friend of mine had ovarian cancer a couple of years ago and these are definitely red flags. Don't ignore it.

Original poster
Jonette · 07/06/2019 20:24

I kind of wonder whether I'm just putting on weight as I've stopped working out. I've a GP appointment anyway next week so will mention it. I'm sure she'll say I'm just getting fat!

OP posts:
Original poster
Jonette · 07/06/2019 20:27

I'm just recalling I was in A&E about 3 weeks ago and the dr examined my abdomen and asked me 'are you always this swollen'. I replied 'Yes'. Didn't know what else to answer! I'm embarrassed about how big my tummy is so I just wanted him to stop squishing my tummy!

OP posts:
PickAChew · 07/06/2019 20:29

if you put on weight because you've stopped working out, it would go on fairly evenly, not just on your belly. There's likely something in there taking up all the room, making you feel bloated and preventing you from eating a full meal, just like a pregnancy would, and it needs checking out.

BIWI · 07/06/2019 20:30

Please stop ignoring all those of us who are alerting you to a potentially serious condition.

mulberrybag · 07/06/2019 20:34

This can be a red flag, get yourself checked out lovely x

chaoscategorised · 07/06/2019 20:36

Someone I know just died at 30 of extremely aggressive ovarian cancer. This was her only symptom. Go to the doctors.

maresedotes · 07/06/2019 20:40

Don't let the GP fob you off by saying you're just fat. Get it checked out properly.

Lougle · 07/06/2019 20:58

There are two conditions that are very serious which can give the 'pregnant tummy but skinny body' look. One is ovarian cancer and another is pseudomyxoma peritonei, which is a cancer often arising from the appendix (or appendix stub) that spreads through the abdomen.

There are also benign causes, but whatever the cause, it isn't right to leave this without seeing a GP.

Original poster
Jonette · 07/06/2019 21:17

As I said I'll mention it to the GP next week.

OP posts:
Original poster
Jonette · 07/06/2019 21:18

Bizarrely, my GP keeps telling me 'you've lost weight' every time she sees me! I've put on weight!!

OP posts:
BIWI · 07/06/2019 21:19

Please mention the specific concerns that have been expressed on this thread.

Original poster
Jonette · 07/06/2019 21:21

I wasn't expecting this sort of response. I was expecting 'get back walking' etc. I will make sure to mention it to the GP.

OP posts:
Lougle · 07/06/2019 21:30

She'll think you've lost weight because of the disproportion between your abdomen and your arms/legs.

I have some muscle weakness in my abdomen (3 children) so I look pot bellied if I don't hold it in. But the rest of me is quite slim (BMI 21). People still say I'm 'tiny' even though I carry a tire around my waist.

kidsmakesomuchwashing · 07/06/2019 21:37

You only need to google the symptoms you have and every single website will tell you to get checked out.

Original poster
Jonette · 07/06/2019 21:40

You're all scaring me a bit now. I have an appointment next week so will ask my GP whether it's normal.

OP posts: