Need your opinions...please

About two weeks ago, I noticed my stomach started to bulge a bit. OK, I hadn't been eating as good as I had been through the holidays and I just wrote it off to bad eating choices. I had gained a couple pounds. This week, my stomach continued to bulge until it's swollen and hard. I feel like I'm pregnant. (But I'm not). I've gained 10 pounds over the last two weeks, and trust me I haven't been that bad. I called my primary doctor just before Christmas, and she's out of town. I called my bariatric surgeon (who lives two hours away) and he and his partner are out of town. His nurse suggested I go into my primary care doctor to have some tests run. I went to the doc filling in for my primary today. They did blood tests today, and scheduled a cat scan for Friday. I called the bariatric nurse back to see if they'd do anything different. She said no, except we can't drink the barium so they're going to fax me different instructions. I also made an appointment with the bariatric doctor, but it's not until Jan. 6. I'm having no pain, but my belly is really swollen. I am having bowel movements. I am gassy, but hey, that's par for the course these days. My stomach feels swollen, like I've eaten a big meal, but I haven't. Even if I eat a little, it feels like there's no room inside. Has anyone experienced anything similar? The bariatric nurse said it could be a thousand different things, but since I'm not in pain, that I can wait to see the doctor. But if I do experience pain to go to the ER immediately. My husband is freaked out looking at my belly. All my saggy skin is gone because my belly is so swollen. Up to this point, I've had no problems with my surgery. Joni

Does your doc say no barium? I've done barium with no problem at all.... Darlene

The bariatric nurse said barium will just pass through. She's faxing new instructions to my work tomorrow. I'll let you know what it says.

Apparently we can have the barium, just not out two hours before the procedure that is standard procedure. I have to drink it an hour before. Too bad, I thought I might get out of it. Also, good news, I'm NOT pregnant so it's definitely something else. Joni

Joni, That's a puzzler. If stuff is passing on through, No fever, no pain Just the swelling? I haven't seen that one out here before. Great that you've got the Dr.'s Nurses on it at least. Maybe one of our nurses will have an answer. Nothing from me but my prayers that you are just fine soon! Best Wishes- Dx

Thanks for the kind wishes. I feel like I have a beer gut, with no beer. And of course, all this is going to transpire as the new year begins and my deductible starts over. It figures. Joni

Hey Joni, Wow, this is a puzzler, and I'll be really curious to see what the docs find out. I've experience bloating and swelling tummy, but nothing that last more than overnight.. and especially not with a constipation issue going on.. 10 pounds in 2 weeks would certainly scare the bejesus outta me. How is your fluid intake/output? Wendy

I'm trying to up my fluids. Last week I thought I was just retaining fluids because it was my time of the month last week. But my rings are spinning around, so it can't be that. I just keep getting this weird pressure on my stomach, like it's pushing out on my skin. I am real gassy, but I've had that on and off since the surgery. I'm just thinking cause I'm so bloated it's something to do with my stomach or bowels -- or maybe a hernia. I have had troubles with my gall bladder, but surely that wouldn't cause this. It is a puzzle. Joni

Hey Joni, I surely wouldn't rule out that pesky gallbladder.. I've heard weird stories about symptoms of an attack. I'm so glad you aren't in pain though. Regarding the hernia, I've had MANY.. they usually dont stay protruded.. but pop up when you are actually using the area, like when rising etc.. however my biggest one was always protruding. It really doesn't sounds like a hernia from what you've described, but every body is different.. With the feeling of bloating, I'd still say gas, and the extended tummy and gas combo still makes me think of the gallbladder.. but hey, I'm so far from a medical expert it isn't funny LOL. Please do let us know what they find, I'm very curious. Wendy

My moms friend went to the er with what they thought was a gallbladder attack it ended a 6 lb baby girl she had her period through the whole time..the little girl is about 8 now lives in sheboygasn WI..mamas little gallbladder attack... just had to tell that story....Sorry about your problems maybe they'll get it figured out soon Good luck. My prayers are with you..Wendy