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Thread: Delayed stomach emptying and bloating. :(

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    Default Delayed stomach emptying and bloating. :(

    I have a condition known as Gastroparesis. I am not sure what caused it. I think perhaps years of eating disorders (from depression) caused my body to hold onto everything it gets.

    I can deal with the feeling full and sick after just a few bites because I do not mind eating smaller portions over large meals throughout the day anyway. What I cannot deal with is the severe bloating that comes along with eating anything at all.

    I do all these ab exercises but I do not even see the point in continuing anymore because the only time I am able to see how flat my stomach actually is, is when I go on an all liquid diet and even then it is only when I keep it up for over a week so that my body has time to empty all the food it was holding onto. But I just cannot do it anymore. It gets so boring just consuming liquids for my meals. I just want to be able to eat like a normal person, snack on whatever I want, eat however much at a time I want, etc.

    I have big fitness goals and I want it to actually look like I work out and have my toned stomach be noticeable, but it is always covered up by all the bloat.

    This was mostly just to rant because it is just another additional thing in my life that makes me depressed, but if anyone has any tips to reduce bloating with Gastroparesis, can you share what worked for you please?

    I tried probiotics, but they did not help. The only thing that helps is if I am on an all liquid diet like I mentioned and that is only because liquids leave the body by gravity alone.

    I am about to just say fuck it, put on the layers of clothing, eat what I want, and deal with looking like I am pregnant.

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    Default Re: Delayed stomach emptying and bloating. :(

    Have you ever tried home made sauerkraut? Probiotics are great, but naturally fermented foods are like the difference between a multivitamin and a well balanced diet. Pills don't always come with what your body needs to absorb them.
    Sauerkraut helped me when I started eating again (though it'd only been a year of starving myself), I'd feel like my insides were trying to claw their way out, and I only started adjusting when I'd have some before and after meals.
    Maybe I'm just crazy, but maybe it's worth a shot? I'm focusing on sauerkraut because it's easy, but there are alternatives XD

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    Default Re: Delayed stomach emptying and bloating. :(

    Quote Originally Posted by coma288 View Post
    Have you ever tried home made sauerkraut? Probiotics are great, but naturally fermented foods are like the difference between a multivitamin and a well balanced diet. Pills don't always come with what your body needs to absorb them.
    Sauerkraut helped me when I started eating again (though it'd only been a year of starving myself), I'd feel like my insides were trying to claw their way out, and I only started adjusting when I'd have some before and after meals.
    Maybe I'm just crazy, but maybe it's worth a shot? I'm focusing on sauerkraut because it's easy, but there are alternatives XD
    I do like sauerkraut lol. I might try incorporating foods such as sauerkraut and yogurt into my diet instead of the pills. Worth a shot.

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    Default Re: Delayed stomach emptying and bloating. :(

    Protbiotics are great-taking an over the counter tablet and adding natural ones to your diet (kombutcha, keffir, kim-chi and sauerkraut etc) will help. Drinking warm water when you wake up can help to get things moving (you can add ACV too, it's good for digestive issues).

    Additionally, it could be a combination of bloating and water retention (fluid away tablets may help if that's the case).

    Have you been to your GP to test for any food allergies (a lactose or gluten intolerance will cause bloating. A candida problem will too). Also, have you considered seeing a seeing a Naturopath? It would be a good idea.
    Last edited by OliveJardin; 06-09-2015 at 08:56 AM.
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    Default Re: Delayed stomach emptying and bloating. :(

    Quote Originally Posted by IvaSkye View Post
    I do like sauerkraut lol. I might try incorporating foods such as sauerkraut and yogurt into my diet instead of the pills. Worth a shot.
    I agree it's worth a shot (it's yummy!), though I would really suggest making it; store bought is normally pasteurized, which kills all the good bacteria

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    Default Re: Delayed stomach emptying and bloating. :(

    This may not be the advice you're looking for (firstly I would always recommend seeing a doctor, nutritionist/dietician and/or gastroenterologist) but I had a very similar situation. I'm 5'2 and got down to 39 kg (86 lbs). Anything I ate would cause serious bloating. I'd honestly look as though I was at least 5 months pregnant, at times. I had to start slowly introducing more and more food back into my diet, until I could eat a proper meal without outrageously stretching my stomach and eventually the bloating stopped. I had a dietician, my doctor and, when I was well enough, a personal trainer behind me. I can now eat a well portioned meal, without the insane bloating I once experienced AND because of the lean muscle mass, am able to fit into some of the same sized clothes as I did at 40 kg (I now weigh 47 kg [103 lbs]). I don't mean to turn this into a self-praising post, but my aim is to instil some hope in you. It can improve for you like it did for me, and you'll be able to enjoy food again, without worrying about the extreme bloating. All my love <3

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    Default Re: Delayed stomach emptying and bloating. :(

    Iva, before going to the dictor.
    Make a quick review what you are eating!
    1) do you eat enought fruits and veggies? 8 serving per day?
    2) do you eat enought probiotics? fermented drinks or food?
    3) maybe you eat too much gluten and no fiber foods?
    4) are you walking enought?
    If yes,what sense to go to the doctor? Maybe first make adjustments in your lifestyle?
    Visiting a doctor could be way too expensive. But try for a month to test.
    Morning: glass of warm/hot water with half lemon and tea spoon of apple cider vinegar.
    Breakfast. Lettuce, nuts, fruits you can blend it into a smoothie or eat as salad.
    11 am cup of hot tea with spoon of coconut oil.
    Lunch again lettuce, sauted kale/ fresh kale, eggs, avocadoes, fresh zucinni.
    If you are suffering from gastritis http://www.amazon.com/Biotics-Resear...rds=gastrazyme
    Really helps and makes you feel good inside.
    Things to avoid: coffee, carbonared drinks, sweets, deep fried food, fast food.
    Ah almost forgot http://www.amazon.com/Natural-Vitali...&keywords=Calm
    3 spons of this producs will leave you empty!relaxed mentaly too)
    When i talk about fiber, i do not mean that fiber from walmart. Which made of wheat bran or something like that. Im talking about soft fibers in fruits, veggies.
    Last edited by MissJu; 06-10-2015 at 09:37 AM.

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    Default Re: Delayed stomach emptying and bloating. :(

    I think I had gastroparesis from a medication, though I did not do the gastric emptying test. It was horrible, and I still seem to have some delayed emptying issues with my stomach even after going off the medication. I don't have the diagnosis though, so take my advice with a grain of salt. I also think you should do the same for some of the advice these other girls have given you. Not trying to be rude--I know nobody gives advice with the intent to hurt, and most of this is good advice for the average stomach. But some of these suggestions are dead wrong for someone with motility issues.

    Gastroparesis is a tricky condition. While eating disorders are thought to be one cause, the most common one, from my research, is type II diabetes. Have you been tested? Diabetes can cause nerve damage throughout your body, and if it affects your intestines, it can screw with your vagus response, which influences your digestive track. So I would say that getting tested for diabetes is a good idea right now. I would also recommend that, instead of eating small portions throughout the day, you do intermittent fasting. Intermittent fasting is flexible. I've noticed a huge improvement in bloating, nausea, and reflux since I began intermittent fasting. There are also many studies that show a relationship between intermittent fasting and a decreased risk for diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic health issues that stem from inflammation. So with intermittent fasting, you would have a window in your day where you can eat, and then you fast for a large portion of it. Right now, I'm eating from 2PM to 7PM. Some people shorten their window to only one hour a day. It takes some effort and getting used to, but it has reduced my bloating and stomach pain significantly.

    You could also try a liquid fast every other day. I know those shakes suck, but it's a reality people with chronic gastroparesis have to deal with. I drank Atkins shakes and the low-carb Glucerna ones, because I try to stay very low carb. So you could just drink meal shakes one day, then try to introduce compatible foods in low amounts during your eating windows the next day.

    One other thing I noticed that made me feel better was walking often. I couldn't run, because any sort of bouncing would make me extremely nauseated and likely cause me to puke. But walking a lot seemed to help my stomach process a little bit. Oh, and I also have come to terms with the fact that milk fucks me up. No, it won't cause gastroparesis, but it will inflame my stomach, and we need to avoid intestinal inflammation more than most.

    I know this really fucking sucks and you want to eat like a normal person, but unfortunately, that is not possible for you right now. You need to do what you can to recover, even if that means going back to a gastroenterologist and staying on a liquid diet most of the time. If you continue to screw up your stomach because you want to taste the foods you like, you're going to kill any chance you have of recovering.

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    Default Re: Delayed stomach emptying and bloating. :(

    All good advice. Do NOT try to treat this yourself as it could be a variety of things and most likely is a combination of syndromes.

    I would see a doctor with a strong nutritional background as there is obviously a systemic problem. You need to be tested for food allergies and parasitic conditions just for starters. It could be so many things.
    At first glance, especially to an amateur, your condition might say : " More fiber , more probiotics , pantothenic acid " but it might not be the best for you depending on your underlying condition. Get checked out first.

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    Default Re: Delayed stomach emptying and bloating. :(

    Since a few people have mentioned it, fiber is one of the main things people with motility issues as severe as gastroparesis should avoid. The recommended diet for people with this condition is actually really crappy and directly conflicts with most "common sense" healthy dietary choices--google a sample meal plan for gastroparesis to get an idea of how crappy. This is why OP should definitely get back in a gastroenterologist's office asap and commit to a mostly liquid diet with low fiber and fat to see if she can salvage her digestive system. Get completely serious about treatment now, and there is a chance you can get a semi-normal food life back.

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    Default Re: Delayed stomach emptying and bloating. :(

    Spot on ! My point EXACTLY !

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    Default Re: Delayed stomach emptying and bloating. :(

    DO NOT treat this on your own. See a specialist. This can escalate quickly and you do not want to end up on formula.

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    Default Re: Delayed stomach emptying and bloating. :(

    Quote Originally Posted by OliveJardin View Post
    Protbiotics are great-taking an over the counter tablet and adding natural ones to your diet (kombutcha, keffir, kim-chi and sauerkraut etc) will help. Drinking warm water when you wake up can help to get things moving (you can add ACV too, it's good for digestive issues).

    Additionally, it could be a combination of bloating and water retention (fluid away tablets may help if that's the case).

    Have you been to your GP to test for any food allergies (a lactose or gluten intolerance will cause bloating. A candida problem will too). Also, have you considered seeing a seeing a Naturopath? It would be a good idea.
    I have only seen a physician but she doesn't really know what she is doing. Just prescribed me laxatives.... But I did my own research and Gastroparesis is what really matches my symptoms the most. I know it is not good to self-diagnosis, but it is all i can do at this point while looking for options.

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    Default Re: Delayed stomach emptying and bloating. :(

    I agree that I should see a professional, but need to convince my physician to refer me first. This has been going on for four years now and just saw a doctor for it about 6 months ago, who didn't seem to really listen to me and just prescribed laxatives, but I will try harder to convince her.

    But being that it has been four years now, I might already be screwed when it comes to fixing my body completely....

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    Default Re: Delayed stomach emptying and bloating. :(

    Try not to be discouraged. Many people with long standing chronic conditions and illnesses have been helped and made improvements after getting the proper help.

    From your most recent posts your immediate problem seems to be getting past your primary care physician ( PCP ) and obtaining the referral you need for a good gastroenterologist. Admittedly I only have a fraction of the facts but at a glance I have serious questions about her competence and even her overall concern for you as a patient. Is there any way for you to get a new or other PCP ? If not ,is there any way for you to by-pass her ? Read your policy. Sometimes you can go out of network and get reimbursed for 80 and even 90 %. Have you tried contacting your insurer directly to get them to give you pre-approval and/or the referral ?

    Don't give up and be a squeaky wheel. Start with the phone and get NAMES of people you speak to. If they give you a hard time DEMAND to speak to a supervisor.
    Good luck and keep us posted.

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    Default Re: Delayed stomach emptying and bloating. :(

    Sorry to hear about the bloating. I know how it feels as a woman who has to get into skimpy clothes and have lots of people staring at , and sometimes critiquing, my body.

    Definitely do some research and print out some articles to take to your doctor to help explain symptoms you've been feeling. Also get second and third opinion if you feel like the first doctor is not helpful.

    Me personally I get bloated from eating too much wheat products. It could be possible you may also be sensitive to gluten and I believe there is a test to confirm this but cutting back on as much gluten is another way to tell.

    Good luck and hope you get the treatment you're looking for to improve your health.
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    Default Re: Delayed stomach emptying and bloating. :(

    Ask for a barium swallow. Actually I'd get more aggressive with your doctor and demand it.

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    Default Re: Delayed stomach emptying and bloating. :(

    Quote Originally Posted by Vackra View Post
    Ask for a barium swallow. Actually I'd get more aggressive with your doctor and demand it.
    While 1000 % well intentioned I respectfully caution against amateur diagnoses , testing and treatment. First let's try to help Iva get to a competent doctor and then worry about testing , diagnoses and treatments.

    I've resisted doing it because I'm not a doctor and I don't have all the facts. Once she gets a diagnosis i.e. finds out the underlying cause or causes then I might recommend a thing or two.

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    Default Re: Delayed stomach emptying and bloating. :(

    ^the actual test for suspected gastroparesis is called a gastric emptying test. The patient eats radioactive food, usually eggs, and then doctors monitor the rate at which the meal passes through the patient's digestive system.

    But OP, if you don't have the actual gastroparesis diagnosis, it could be something else entirely. You need to get back to a doctor asap. I know most of them are frustrating to deal with, but you need some reliable answers.

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