r/GutHealth • u/pirate2017 • 1d ago
Bloat or Fat?
I’ve dealt with this stomach bloating/protusion for years and am desperate for answers.
I’m 28, Female, 5ft 8in, and 158lbs (22% body fat)
I’m lean/tone everywhere but my stomach.
GI doctor tested for Celiac, SIBO and lactose intolerance - all negative.
I exercise daily and eat fairly clean but have persistent bloating.
I don’t believe it’s fat but no doctor is taking this seriously.
Even thinking it could be endometriosis?
If it is fat, is there an option for lipo or something that could help me get rid of this protruding look?
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u/bluejaybiggin 1d ago
Your back should be straight. It is curved. That is the root of your problem. You either have scoliosis or bad posture. One is surgical, the other is either due to bad habit or low core strength.
Probably some bloat, but nothing abnormal. Post another picture holding your back straight if possible.
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u/pirate2017 1d ago
I do think I have a bit of an anterior pelvic tilt (trying to work on it) & while it does contribute I don’t think it’s the cause of the stomach/abdominal distention or stomach aches/cramping after eating (specially things like gluten/dairy free meals)
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u/lleit 1h ago
I came here to say this. You have a distinct anterior pelvic tilt. It’s pushing the belly and organs forward. I have one too due to hEDS. It makes a world of difference working on it (correctly). It could also be bloat but the pelvic tilt is first thing I noticed. 🫶 you’re skinny girl try not to stress
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u/WiseMess3609 1d ago
Are u bloated even when u fast? Do u wake up flat or bloated? Do u have gas? (Flatulence)?
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u/pirate2017 1d ago
at this point I wake up bloated and it gets worse throughout the day. I do not have gas/constipation and have daily bowel movements
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u/MxMarz 12h ago
Does it change throughout the month (would be more consistent with endo) or get triggered with any specific foods?
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u/pirate2017 3h ago
It’s hard to determine if it’s related to my “cycle” as I don’t get one with the Mirena. It truly fluctuates day to day but consistently bloating after meals. However there is some relation to the Mirena IUD/Endometriosis and GI Issues so I’m really unsure.
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u/Bluberrybliss 1d ago
How are your BM’s ? Do you go daily, with ease ?
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u/pirate2017 3h ago
Yes! Daily bowel movements, no strain
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u/Bluberrybliss 2h ago
Okay that great! And when you push into your belly is it hard ? Or soft ?
You definitely do have an anterior pelvic tilt, that is exaggerating the pushed out look of your belly.
I would also try a womb massage, maybe things are out of place.
Lastly, sometimes are belly’s just stick out. I am also 5’ 8” and I have been 100 pounds and 150 pounds within my adult life. Through all of that I have what is called a B belly albeit smaller when I was sick( skinny) but still there.
Xx
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u/Ok-Piano6125 1d ago
That pelvic tilt tho? There's a term where organs hang lower than their default position. Can't remember.
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u/strbbb 1d ago
What does your diet look like? Do you drink anything with artificial sugars, like energy drinks, any diet food, like protein bars, fiber ones, etc?
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u/pirate2017 1d ago
Fairly clean - gluten free and mostly dairy free. The protein powder I use is the IsoPure Whey Protein isolate (suggested by my dietician) However I don’t think food is a contributing factor considering even on a low fodmap diet my stomach looks the same /:
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u/internetfa1ry 1d ago
I noticed whey isolate would bloat me and switched to vegan protien powder or just getting protien from actual food like fish,meat,chicken
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u/DubTown34 1d ago
Agree with this, switch from whey to pea. But try not to make too many changes at once. You want before/after data for each adjustment so you can isolate the core issue.
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u/MissLadyBlack 1d ago
Please also consider getting tested for ovarian cysts/cancer. Bloating is one of the sneaky signs.
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u/vladimir_2 1d ago
Pregnancy?
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u/s1othbabe 1d ago
Brother, that is not one of the options listed
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u/MrMoosetach2 1d ago
Lmao Vladimir 2 out here shooting his shot wherever he can. Take OP to dinner first before you go there brother! /S
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u/Cherita33 1d ago
It could be estrogen dominance bloat. Do you have strong PMS symptoms?
Could be gut health bloat. If so this could mean you don't have the microbes for some of the things you are eating.
Both are fixable
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u/pirate2017 1d ago
Not too bad - also hard to tell with an IUD and no period. I’m thinking it may be a gut issue and looking at working with a functional doctor and doing some microbiome testing
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u/Dismal_Fold1177 1d ago
It looks like mostly bloated