Got a problem - what do you guys think I need to do?

@ElicBxn (63595)
United States
July 19, 2009 7:22am CST
Well, as most of my friends know by now, I've gone on a diet - about 15 lbs so far. My problem is that for the last 3 days, every time I eat, I get a stomach ache - not as bad as the one I got last summer when my gall bladder was going out, but bad enough. Some times I'm even hungry and its hurting - and hurting like its over full or not digesting stuff... I do have some pretty bad food allergies, and I'm wondering if maybe I'm starting to react to the fact that I'm eating more of the same foods over and over and that's causing my problem. The stuff I am eating are stuff that I don't normally have bad reactions to, like corn, hollow peppers or legumes (tho I have had some in moderation, that don't seem to be the problem.) My roomie suggested going to the doctor, but I'd like to avoid paying that $20 co-pay if possible - so, any ideas here?
9 people like this
20 responses
@dragon54u (31634)
• United States
19 Jul 09
Any time your diet changes you'll probably have some digestive problems. I had stomach aches after my appendectomy in May and into June, when my diet changed--lack of appetite at first then I cut out most of the salt in my diet, started eating non-processed foods and more fresh stuff. My stomach was miserable for a few weeks! I would definitely advise going to the doctor but if you can't afford the copayment, try cutting out some of those foods you're eating one at a time and see if it helps. You may have an allergy that affects you only when combined with another of the foods that you are eating now.
3 people like this
@ElicBxn (63595)
• United States
19 Jul 09
I have been on this diet for 7 weeks now, why would it just now begin to give me fits? I have been eating more fresh/raw foods, lots more veggies. I guess the fact that I'm not eating chips any more means I've nearly cut the salt out of my diet, since I don't really salt stuff. I'll consider calling the doc
3 people like this
@ElicBxn (63595)
• United States
19 Jul 09
well, I've had pre-ulcers before, and this doesn't feel the same, more a "over full" feeling than a stabbing pain that I had on the 2 previous times. Much more like I was feeling before the gall bladder was removed than anything else.
1 person likes this
@dragon54u (31634)
• United States
19 Jul 09
More raw foods could be making your system work harder than it's used to. You could have an ulcer or something that those rough food irritate? (Most ulcers are bacterial and just need antibiotics to heal up.) I'm glad you're considering the doctor. Do look up your condition on the net so you'll know what questions to ask.
2 people like this
@gabs8513 (48686)
• United Kingdom
19 Jul 09
Elic does your Stomach bloat up and that to The reason I am asking is I had my Gall Bladder removed last Year and I have nothing but Problems since, swollen Stomach, feeling bloated, feeling full up when I have hardly eaten and the Pain, also Problems on the Bowel side and a few other things, now the first thing I suggest as this is what the Hospital did, till my appointment with the Gastric Consultant came through, get some Fibregel, it is a Drink that will help I am now under a Consultant and believes that it is to do with the Removal of my Gall Bladder, something to do with salts and that, he has now put me on a Drink (which is disgusting) to help the salts and that in my Body and it is working, I have to go back in September as he will do further Tests due to a Pain on my right Side of the Stomach Try the Fibre Gel Drink but please do go to the Doctor I got that bad as my Bowel is not emptying on it's own, I was sick for 5 hours at the Hospital, they put me on a drip, I was in and out of Consciousness being sick and all that was coming up was Bile, due to my Bowels being full, I would not wish that on anyone ever, so please try the Drink and do go to the Doctor when you can
3 people like this
@ElicBxn (63595)
• United States
19 Jul 09
well, so far my bowels are emptying pretty good, and the stomach doesn't seem to be bloating up, but I do feel full quickly. I really haven't had any problems (until now) since the surgery, probably the best thing that's happened to me in years actually. Roomie asked if I thought it was the pre-ulcer acting up again, but it really doesn't feel the same, that feels like a knife!
3 people like this
@gabs8513 (48686)
• United Kingdom
19 Jul 09
I was going to the Toilet about 20 times a Day it was liquid but my Bowels where not emptying out But if you are going normal and no bloating of the Stomach then I guess it might not be that but I would get it checked out
2 people like this
@ElicBxn (63595)
• United States
19 Jul 09
I had a friend who's mom's had part of her colon die, and it was only about the size of a quarter, needless to say, she was impacted. They had to do surgery.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (160708)
• United States
19 Jul 09
The ones you are naming, corn, peppers, and legumes, often give people problems, and are hard to digest. Often allergies develop with exposure, and if you are exposing yourself to these things a lot you may be stirring up your body to react to them. You may have become sensitized to them. I think the loss of fifteen pounds is fantastic, and I am so proud for you to have done this. Some people have problems digesting things after their gallbladder is removed.
@GardenGerty (160708)
• United States
19 Jul 09
I still have my gall bladder, but lots of my family members and friends, over the years have had theirs out. My nieces both ended up with regular problems like Gabs, but not so severe.They eat lots of carbs, and pasta forever.Others, including my first friend who experienced this, became sensitive to certain fruits and veggies, specifically, grapes is one I remember. Even a spoonful of grape jelly would set her off. I did read through, and see that some of us misinterpreted what you said, which is why I added another answer as well. Would your doctor make some suggestions over the phone without seeing you, since he has seen you recently when you started this diet?
2 people like this
@ElicBxn (63595)
• United States
19 Jul 09
actually, if you read the discussion, those are things I'm either NOT eating (corn, peppers) or just eat a little of (legumes.) The thing is, that they say the gall bladder is more for meats, and I'm barely eating any! Not that I ate a LOT before the diet because I rotated them, but I'm eating much less now. I don't understand why the hurting - maybe because I used to eat lots of carbs and I'm not getting many of those now?
2 people like this
@salam1 (1474)
• Malaysia
19 Jul 09
i hope there are herbalists or doctors around here that can help you. hope you get well soon.
@ElicBxn (63595)
• United States
19 Jul 09
thanks, I am getting some good advice
1 person likes this
@BarBaraPrz (47343)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
19 Jul 09
Well, if you're increasing your fibre intake (more veggies) it could just be gas. Try taking an antacid until your body adjusts.
1 person likes this
@ElicBxn (63595)
• United States
19 Jul 09
are you aware of how many antacids have corn starch in them, one that used to be safe isn't any more makes it hard to fine any to take
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@ElicBxn (63595)
• United States
19 Jul 09
I've actually been drinking mint tea (iced) but it seems that a diet soda is actually helping more - probably the carbonation.
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@BarBaraPrz (47343)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
19 Jul 09
Mint tea, then?
1 person likes this
@ANTIQUELADY (36440)
• United States
19 Jul 09
U better go to the dr. if it keeps up. I'm such a good one to talk, need to go myself. Been having stomach problems but i think alot of mine is nerves. NOT MUCH U CAN DO ABOUT THAT. tHEY WOULD JUST GIVE ME ANOTHER PILL & I TAKE TOO MANY PILLS NOW. hOPE YOURS GETS BETTER.
2 people like this
@ElicBxn (63595)
• United States
19 Jul 09
I'm really not taking a lot of pills, probably ought to take more than I do, but if it keeps up or gets worse, the doc will be getting a call from me.
2 people like this
@ANTIQUELADY (36440)
• United States
19 Jul 09
I hope u get to feeling better,elic.
1 person likes this
@jwfarrimond (4473)
25 Jul 09
Hi Elic. Having a cast iron stomach that takes everything that I throw at it without complaint, (well, not much anyway). I'm not really qualified to comment here, but I did note that you are eating a lot of raw veggies. That might be what caused the problem as the veg is high in fibre which in the raw state is hard for the body to break down and you did say that you had relief after you got some movement so that suggests that you were simply constipated. How about steaming the veg lightly? That will improve the digestibility and it preserves a lot of the vitamin content of the veg as well. Steaming is a good way of cooking fish as well.
1 person likes this
@ElicBxn (63595)
• United States
25 Jul 09
the problem is that I'm not always where I can steam the raw veggies - and I like some changes and eating them raw is one way to change things up a bit I'm feeling much better BTW - with no doctor visit
25 Jul 09
That's good, but how about pickled veggies? cabbage coleslaw and suchlike or as someone suggested, adding vinegar - a vinegar based salad dressing? The vinegar will act as a digestive and make it easier for the raw veg to be digested. It does sound though like you just got constipated and that's now sorted itself out.
1 person likes this
• United States
20 Jul 09
Oops - Your colon could be acting up because of all the fiber your taking in. You most definitely need to see the doctor as you could be dealing with irritable bowel syndrome or IBS.
Your colon could be acting up because of all the fiber your taking in. You most definitely need to see the doctor as you could be dealing with irritable bowel syndrome or IBS. Here is a Wikki on the subject, and as you have had gall bladder issues in the past, there is no reason for you to court big trouble in the future that could cost BIG money. * http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irritable_bowel_syndrome
• United States
21 Jul 09
Didn't mean to gall ya... But that's what friends are for...oh and to make terrible puns!
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@ElicBxn (63595)
• United States
21 Jul 09
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@ElicBxn (63595)
• United States
20 Jul 09
I'm not going to have any gall bladder issues any more - that puppy's GONE! Yeah, that was interesting reading - no, really - and I will call the doc - soon - and see what can be done if the problem comes back...
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
20 Jul 09
I was reading one of your responses that you're eating a lot of the cabbages, broccoli..yikes no wonder you might be gassy! I love veggies like that but it has a tendency to go right through me--try that fennel seed tea I mentioned under BarbaraPrz..anyway if you're eating more fruits and veggies in general yes that just might be the culprit.
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@ElicBxn (63595)
• United States
20 Jul 09
but you see, that's just it, I'm not gassy, I don't know what's causing it
@ElicBxn (63595)
• United States
20 Jul 09
licorice, I love licorice, but as I've said, I'm not really gassy
• Australia
23 Jul 09
Your digestive system and metaboslism require time to adjust. If you have cut down the amount you eat too quickly, then tummy ache is to be expected as your stomach is saying it isn't full enough. Going on a diet is all good, if you have the back up support of a team who knows the right way to diet. The most common factor that determines how well a person's diet goes, is having the right information and the right support behind them. If your problem is caused by your stomach being empty, then fill it with foods that have a high water content, which will mostly be raw vegetables and fruits. Your body processes these very quickly, as they are high in water, and these foods are low in calories so wouldn't be compromising your dieting goals. Good luck with it. I have the opposite problem, and have to reach 55kgs before I have my doctor off my back!
1 person likes this
@ElicBxn (63595)
• United States
23 Jul 09
actually, the nutritionist doesn't want us to be hungry, and I'm actually very seldom am hungry, and when I was having the problem (its currently better) it was right after I ate! and it could've been breakfast even, that is less in bulk than the other meals. I'm feeling better now
1 person likes this
• Australia
25 Jul 09
Glad you are feeling better. Can't be nice having a tummy that is grumpy! LOL. So the problem wasn't hunger, then it could have been caused by you eating more at that time than usual, which is what happens to me sometimes (i don't have a solid breakfast, but a liquid cereal and milk drink). Having a nutritionist on your side helps, even if you feel like swatting them from time to time! LOL. You sound like you have it all in hand, and i wouldn't expect any thing different from you, I just like problem solving!
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (180870)
• United States
25 Jul 09
I would try to eliminate whatever food you think might be the culprit in your diet and see if it gets any better. You could by process of elimination (no pun intended) eliminate whatever you think could be causing the food problems. I dont know what else to tell you. YOur stomach probably isnt used to all the roughage that you are eating.
1 person likes this
@ElicBxn (63595)
• United States
25 Jul 09
ya know, if it had been the first couple of weeks I would've thought so, but at week 7? and its better now, I drank some soda and that, for some reason, seemed to help - I had been sticking to tea for a while before that - still drinking mostly tea, but a soda every few days seems to be the ticket! Yes, diet sodas
@zed_k4 (17589)
• Singapore
20 Jul 09
I think that you cannot take acidic food. Check your food itinerary; whether there are any acidic consumes. Maybe you can try to avoid taking too much peppery stuffs for the time being. Check it out over a week. If the pain goes away, then you will have the answer. If not, then something else is acting up, so you have to go for a check up after that..
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@ElicBxn (63595)
• United States
20 Jul 09
hun, peppery foods are NOT on my plate, I really can not eat or handle them! I also haven't been eating lots of acidic foods, maybe an orange a day
@zed_k4 (17589)
• Singapore
21 Jul 09
That sounds good enough..
@commanderxo (1494)
• Canada
26 Jul 09
I am NO doctor by any means, and certainly would not advise anyone to take my advice. But it sounds to me like you should listen to your friend, and go visit with your doctor. Stomach problems are nothing to fool with....and can be caused by any number from one to several other different things. If I "were" to guess, I'd say you have an ulcer of some kind, and THAT my friend, NEEDS medication, that only a doctor can prescribe. Trust me, I know. I have a peptic ulcer, and take prescribed medication for it every morning. Without it, I'd be in terrible pain. Go see your doctor. At least find out for sure what it is. Then you can at least ease your mind as well. cdrxo
@ElicBxn (63595)
• United States
26 Jul 09
I've been borderline ulcer a few times and this felt differently, and now it feels better - felt more like I did before I had the gall badder out - not its gone.
1 person likes this
@ElicBxn (63595)
• United States
31 Jul 09
I'll tell ya, everyone said how much better I was in no time FLAT after the surgery - I honestly felt better than I had in MONTHS! I haven't missed it because I really don't eat a lot of greasy foods - about the only things I like fried are onion rings, potatoes and oysters...
• Canada
26 Jul 09
Too bad you couldn't get a gal bladder transplant. Then you'd really feel better! cdrxo
1 person likes this
@Canellita (12029)
• United States
31 Jul 09
Sounds like you may not be getting enough water. Try garlic, lemon juice and peppermint or ginger tea to help you digest. If pineapple or papaya are in your meal plan they will help also.
1 person likes this
@ElicBxn (63595)
• United States
31 Jul 09
I've been putting away the liquids,and honestly, I hate pineapple and haven't had papaya either, I'm not much into those "tropical" fruits.
@stephcjh (38473)
• United States
20 Jul 09
I sure wish I knew what to tell you about this. I go through the same thing when trying to diet too. My stomach also hurts when I eat the regular foods daily too. Onions and eggs really tear my stomach up. I am not sure what it is.
1 person likes this
@ElicBxn (63595)
• United States
20 Jul 09
I have trouble with eggs if I eat them too often, they sit like a lump in my stomach for hours. I really try to not eat them much.
• India
20 Jul 09
Why Are you Speaking with Mylotters ... You MUST be Seeing a Doctor Right Now .. Please Don't waste Time .. Prevention Is Better Than Cure .. You cant treat a Problem After it Gets Serious .. You May End Up Paying 100$ .. Take Decision Now .. Thank You ..
1 person likes this
@ElicBxn (63595)
• United States
20 Jul 09
well, ya know, it was Sunday, and this was the first day I woke up with this problem, and I wasn't going to the hospital for a $100 co-pay that I didn't have... It does seem to be feeling a bit better, nothing this morning after breakfast - will wait and see...
20 Jul 09
Hi dear Elic, Your roomie is right, you should go to see your doctor as your health is more important the the £20, you have to find out for sure what is wron with yuou, you cannot go on doing guess work and siffering, the Docs know best, listen to your roomie please??? Tamara
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@ElicBxn (63595)
• United States
20 Jul 09
I'm feeling a bit better this morning, but if this continues, I'll go. Actually a soda seemed to settle it, will probably drink some more tomorrow morning, don't want the caffiene now.
@scififan43 (2434)
• United States
21 Jul 09
I think it is best to go to the doctor, you should not take a chance with your health. also maybe you should try to eat some differnt foods.
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@ElicBxn (63595)
• United States
21 Jul 09
I've actually been feeling better since I wrote that, and today I had ... how to put this politely... a relieving experience so I think I might've been a trifle blocked.
@cobra1368 (702)
• United States
19 Jul 09
Well, as it turns out, around 80% of the world's population has an intolerance on some level to wheat and dairy. As a start, you may want to do an elimination diet and only eat lean meats, fruits and vegetables. No processed foods, nothing containing wheat (nothing with gluten!) and no milk, cheese, or any other dairy products. No pasta, no bread, no cereal, no grains, no legumes (I know you said you eat that one, but try avoiding it for a couple of weeks and see how you feel). Also, of course, no sugar or sugar substitutes. Use a little raw honey or agave nectar for sweetness if you need to. Switch out your iodized salt (VERY bad for you!) for sea salt, and you'll be good to go! Then, if you feel good but feel like you're depriving yourself of something you love, try introducing an item, one week at a time, into your diet, and monitor how you feel. For instance, you love cheese. So, try eating some cheese on Day 1 and see if you feel any differently. If not, try eating a slice or two on Day 2. It is important to do this slowly, so your body can adjust to the change. I would also not introduce anything else for at least a week. That way, if you start to feel bad again before the week is out, then you have figured out what your body doesn't want you to have! Make sure you drink plenty of water every day to flush your system of toxins as well. I have been reading up on dietary requirements for the human species for quite some time now, and I'm starting to be more strict with myself here lately. I have been on a strict meat, veggie, fruit regimen (along with exercise) for about 3 days, and my stomach is already flatter than it was on Thursday! It is amazing what the proper diet can do for you! I have also found that my mind is a lot clearer and I'm a lot more focused without all that sugar in my system. Good luck, and let us know how it's going!
@ElicBxn (63595)
• United States
19 Jul 09
actually, I did the elimination diet twice for the allergists and the second time I did it, the first thing I eliminated was the DIET. I have a pretty good idea what I'm allergic to, I figure I'm probably eating too many "cabbages" (broccoli, cauliflower, etc) but I don't like a lot of the other stuff, or am more allergic to them.
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• Reunion
20 Jul 09
Maybe you should cheat you stomach? try to drink more instesd of eating more. Buy natural juices, eat soups. Maybe it will help =)
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@ElicBxn (63595)
• United States
20 Jul 09
well, I'm eating on the diet, so I'm trying to be good - and I've upped the intake of fluids as well - since the diet says that sometimes dehydration is mistaken for hunger - I'm just trying to do what's called for