Tummy Bloating

[LesleyB]

For the past six months or so my once not exactly flat tummy but one that went to the gym several times a week, has grown to resemble a six month pregnancy.I have just had a CT scan, which has ruled out anything that could be causing it. It is making it difficult to even pull up my joggers . I have had to give up on my jeans and cargo pants.Even though they are all big around my legs and bottom, I can’t zip anything up.My GP who is very helpful is at a loss.I can appreciate my core muscles have given up.Does anyone else have this problem?

[Ellie]

LesleyB Ah yes, the curse of the Buddha Belly 😏🙄 - sit in a wheelchair + lose core strength + lose diaphragm strength = lose the six pack 😬 throw in 'middle age' for good measure too and you'll see big bellies is a common complaint around here.

*However*, "tummy bloating" is different - are you saying that your stomach itself is distended with air or gas? Have you pain?

If it is, common culprits for GI issues are swallowing more air as we have difficulty swallowing food and liquid: swallowing air with NIV use: side effect of meds: air being inadvertently pushed into the stomach through a feeding tube: food intolerances.

Even after having 2 children, my stomach was washboard flat and, whenever I moan about my Buddha Belly, my husband looks at me 🤨 and says, "and that's what you're worried about?" - I hate to admit it, but he's right 😂 xx

[Deb]

Hi LesleyB I totally understand this. Like Ellie I was proud of my flat tummy after 3 children . I know the size of my tummy shouldn't bother me with everything else going on but it does.

I do have tummy issues and bloating.. without going into detail im either one way or another. Im not sure if it's weakening core muscles, no mobility or IBS. I have had a scan and kept a food diary including giving up gluten, dairy etc to see if it helped. If we're going out I take imodeum which is not ideal but it saves me panicking about loos.

I tend to wear loose dresses as its easier for me in my wheelchair, anyway. I used to live in jeans but they're too hard to get on and off. X😘

[Tabbycat]

LesleyB I have the same problem. I've always been a bit "skinny" and after pregnancy my belly returned to normal. I now have the Buddha belly and I too, am not in love with it 😔.
I have been blaming the menopause!

[AngieCanuck]

I too have the Buddha Belly ☹️ I honestly feel more unattractive than I ever felt in my life! I keep having this repetitive bad dream that my husband is leaving me for another woman because subconsciously I wonder how he could possibly be happy with me on my sinking ship 🚢😖🫣

[Karen62]

Glad to know I am not alone with this. Even after 5 children I always have had a flat tummy but now I look 6 months pregnant 🙈 which would a miracle since I went through the menopause at 44. Looser tops and elasticated waists seem the only way forward now.

[Tabbycat]

Karen62

Looser tops and elasticated waists seem the only way forward now.

😆😆 yes! That sums it up beautifully.
Embrace the elasticated waist 😍

[Miker]

For balance, I too have the buddha belly as you call it. My granddaughter recently asked if I was having a baby . I put it down to the lack of mobility, spending far too much time in a chair of one type or another. I suffer stomach cramps after eating and have tried various regimes to overcome the urge to go to the loo without success. My palliative care team offer help and guidance but it is all trial and error. Everyday presents different challenges with this condition. Still here though.

[LesleyB]

Thank you everybody. Glad it’s not just me.I don’t have a feeding tube and at the moment I can swallow my food. I am 66 so can’t blame the menopause. So I am beginning to think , lack of movement, sitting all the time is the answer.It can be uncomfortable at times but not really in pain. I have about ten pairs of pants from Marks and Spencer’s. Good Move section, they have an elasticated waist. Even they take some pulling down over my belly😂My doctor has recommended Peppermint capsules.Once again thanks for the feedback.