Stomach Bloat

[Frappuccino]

I was wondering if any of you look pregnant after a meal ever?? Sometimes my tummy looks nice and flat, but other times (usually after a meal, but not always) I can look really bloated. Do any of you have any suggestions for preventing stomach bloat? I want to look long and lean, I do not want people asking me how far along I am! Thanks for any suggestions.

[shandi76]

I do occasionally get stomach bloat after meals, often takeout. Either it is a result of over-eating, or eating something that my body can't tolerate at that point in time.

Have you been tested for allergies or food intolerances, or even for digestive tract disorders? One of my relatives has coeliac disease and she suffers really badly from bloating if she eats even the tiniest amount of gluten, because it upsets her digestive tract.

Drinking a large glass of hot water (some people suggest putting a spoonful of sugar in it) is supposed to help relieve bloating.

[pig]

Yeap. If I have a really large meal and stick my stomach out I look pregnant. Keep your meals small.

[Formerly SK]

I stopped eating gluten and dairy last June because of this. I don't know how it happened since for all my previous years of life I could eat those things without an issue. But I was crazy gassy and feeling sick for several months until I finally decided to take a break from them. I didn't notice improvement right away, but about a month later I "cheated" and ate some. Man was I sick! So I stopped eating it permanently.

My theory is that my GI just got really overloaded and needed some time to heal and then I could probably go back to eating gluten/dairy on an occasional basis. I consider it an intolerance. I have found that I can eat a few bites here or there and not feel sick (for instance last night I ate one of my kids' quesadilla wedges to experiment and I feel fine). I don't know if I'll ever be able to go back to 100% normal eating, but I actually don't feel deprived at all so I'm not too concerned.

Another theory for you - a couple weeks ago DH and I went to a local Mexican restaurant and I got a GF/CF meal. I started feeling sick midway through (as if it was loaded with gluten/casein) so I only ate about 1/3 of it. By the time I went to bed that night I looked like I was 6 months preggo and I actually weighed SEVEN POUNDS heavier. I've never had such a bad reaction to a dinner. By morning though my stomach was flat and I'd lost those seven pounds. I figure it was salt, but since I've never reacted that way to salt I'm a bit perplexed about why it happened.

Anyway, I've found personally that the healthier I've gotten, the more sensitive I am now to crap in food. I used to be able to eat everything (and tons of it) and never felt badly. Now my body is soooooooooo sensitive. I know exactly when I need fruit/veggies or carbs or protein. And I bloat up so easily if a meal isn't "right." Perhaps this is your situation too.

Another thing - do you take a probiotic? It may be worth your while to take one for several months to get your GI back in balance. I know I can tolerate gluten/dairy more when I'm on them.

[pig]

I don't know how it happened since for all my previous years of life I could eat those things without an issue.

You know now that you mentioned this I noticed this as well. It's not bad but it certainly effects my stomach differently than it used to.

[busymom]

skinny, I'd mention this problem to your doctor the next time you go in. A "bloated belly" can be caused by more than one problem. Best of luck getting your questions answered!

[lonewolf2019]

Happens to me if I get into certain foods like gluten or dairy. Might want to log what you're eating and how you feel.