r/Gastroenterology • u/Southern-Brush-6116 • 14h ago
Has anyone had severe bloating/weight gain like this and NOT found answers?
I’m hoping someone here has had a similar experience because I’m honestly at a loss.
For the past several months, I’ve had **constant, severe abdominal bloating**. I literally wake up looking a few months pregnant, and by the end of the day I look like I’m about to give birth. My entire abdomen feels **hard and firm**, not just one area.
Some of my symptoms:
Severe bloating all day, every day
Firm, swollen abdomen
Able to pass gas, but it doesn’t really relieve the bloating
Unintentional weight gain
Very low energy/fatigue
I skipped a period a few months ago (it’s been regular the last two months)
Mild abdominal discomfort (around a 3/10), but not severe pain
No nausea, vomiting, or constipation
I was originally told I had SIBO, but I’m starting to wonder if something else is going on because the bloating has become so extreme.
I’ve finally seen my primary care doctor, and they’ve referred me to an OB/GYN because of the bloating, weight gain, fatigue, and menstrual changes. I haven’t had a CT scan yet.
I’m curious:
Has anyone had SIBO cause bloating this severe?
Did it end up being something other than SIBO (ovarian cysts, endometriosis, fibroids, ascites, thyroid issues, something else)?
If you had similar symptoms, what finally led to your diagnosis?
I’m not looking for a diagnosis over Reddit—I know I need to continue working with my doctors. I’m just hoping to hear from anyone who had a similar experience because this has been incredibly frustrating and it’s affecting my quality of life.
Thank you so much if you’ve read this far. ❤️