stomach pain? bloating!? help

[Lunar*Fey]

Every time after I have eaten I get stomach pain and bloating. I can't even wear fitted shirts because they are so uncomfortable. I already gained 10-15 pounds so my clothes fit more tightly to begin with and now I am bloated to top it off. It's extremely uncomfortable and makes it really hard for me to gauge my hunger and listen to my body....and thats a big thing for me because I lost like 2 pounds since I have been home and I'm hearing a lot of blab for it...understandably I suppose. So any way....any ideas what I can do about this or why it is happening? I don't remember it being this bad when I first went raw before and it makes eating extremely uncomfortable. So then I feel guilty when I shove it down any way....you know what I mean? bleh. I am talking in circles...sorry! but I would really like some help/feedback.

thanks!

[konmai]

i've had that uncomfortable feeling & fullness before. it was bad. I posted on here about it, too. what i did was be more careful about food combining. that seemed to work for me. if food combining may make you go off course, I'd say it's better to be a little bloated once in a while than to fall off the raw wagon.

that's me. it might be something else for ya. hope you feel better soon!

[luckitri]

Probiotics? Fermented foods? I really don't know. I DO know that most of us have that problem when we start raw and you are restarting - correct? If that is the case maybe it is just a matter of waiting out the discomfort. I wish you all support on your journey. So glad you are back.

[mershwista]

Yeah, the transition can be tough, especially if you're coming from a SAD. My transition was non-existant as far as what I could detect...but then again, I was a health freak vegan before, eating no refined carbs and counting my servings of veggies. But....from what I've heard, once your body is done clearing things out of the way, you'll be able to enjoy raw! And I know you will...don't know anyone who doesn't like it. But it can be hard to stick to...I guess that's what this board is for. There is strength in numbers!

[Lunar*Fey]

Thanks for the encouragement. I actually find it the most enjoyable way to eat for me. Before I originally went raw I was a health freak vegan as well. But I was at a place to gain weight and was forced to consume dairy, white breads and other refined grains (white pastas, rice, etc.), salad dressings, butter once, completely processed peanut butter (like the smuckers and jiffy kind of stuff), Ensure, etc etc etc. A ton of crap. So I guess that might be why this time is more painful. It's just that it makes it so I can only eat like 2000 calories and even that is forcing it down. I need more than that as my body loses weight on that much and I cannot afford to....I would get in SO much trouble and be sent away again and then raw would be out of the question for the next couple years.

[mdm4888]

Hey, I can totally understand what you are going through. I too have a huge problem with bloat, and stomach cramps. I went raw mostly because of my digestion. I don't want to jump to conclusions, but it seems like you are being forced not to lose weight because of an eating disorder. If I can just tell you that I was anorexic for 7 years and went into treatment twice. I put my body into an extreme state of starvation and confusion. Unfortunately, I am now seriously paying for it... and have been for the past 3 years I have been in "recovery". It really still affects my thoughts, so I have to do a lot of fighting. But what helps me is to logically understand that this is what is happenening, and give my body the time and patience it needs. Now, if you read my other posts, you will learn that I too come on the forum crying with frustration from the lack of results I am seeing after 16 weeks (today!). But, like everyone tells me, patience is the key. Just thinking of the unatural, cruel, unhealthy things I have put my body through makes me understand why I am the way I am right now. Give your body love and patience. If my speculation is true, like me, there are healthy and unhealthy reasons why you are on raw... but the healthy ones are totally legit, it is just your E.D. voice trying to steer you in the wrong direction. Stay strong, and really try to listen to your body. It is the biggest challenge for me since I have gove over 7 years of listening to my mind control my body. I think that once you are connected to what your body is saying, you will feed it properly, and nurish it. Good luck, and stay strong. Trust me, the quicker you get better, the better for your recovery and your body. Good luck.

[mershwista]

Sounds like you just have a super high metabolism! If it becomes a problem, I'd get that looked at...but the best things to keep from losing weight are going to be your high density foods, like nuts and seeds. But as you said that you were losing weight still, it may just be your metabolism. One last thing I'd suggest, though, is going to thegardendiet.com and purhasing Storm's ebook about building muscle mass/gaining weight.

[veganman]

Hey LunarFey!

A couple thoughts I have for you - digestive enzymes and mono eating at meals. You might then be able to discern a pattern of the problem. Also, how long after you eat does the pain and bloating come? Is it lower or upper stomach? Any particular foods or times of the day?

Good job on gaining some weight back!

[luckitri]

LunarFey, this is a tough problem because you are still growing. I was still growing even in my 20.s. I could not keep weight on either - although I did not lose it. I was the bottomless pit with the hollow leg. I ate more than my Dad at the dinner table at age 9 and he did physical work! Meanwhile I was never very energetic and was still called "small" names in school because I was the littlest. 'Course I wasn't raw either.

Since some people with ED's do die eventually of complications I suppose your family has every right to worry. Often you can't see the damage right away but .....well I am sure you have heard all about it.

I really hate the idea that we have to learn so much about nutrition and food combining and on and on and on. I would much rather follow my cravings and eat whatever I want whenever I want and just enjoy my food - instead of it being an intellectual exercise. In your case I guess you have to defend your choices as well as ensure that you maintain a weight that is acceptable to others and ensure proper nutrition. I wish I had a simple answer for you.

Eventually I know that if I am to get my family on raw I will have to buy the equipment and learn recipes to entice them and transition them. Honestly I have not been well enough to entertain that yet. Would your family be open to your raw additions to family meals? Maybe a little simple raw soup at the beginning of a meal - slightly warmed? Stuff like that? I remember that you had entertained this idea and was wondering if you had tried it yet?

I was just reviewing some of the suggestions given to you on the other thread and then I remembered that you don't have your own kitchen and so in a way you have to keep it simple - I can't imagine the repercussions of filling up the kitchen with raw equipment and projects when it belongs to someone who is hostile to your preferred style of eating - blessings to you - I hope you find the best way!

[cissy]

Lunar Fey, check out this product for your bloating symptoms, http://www.ibistrol.com/ibistrolsite_ClinicalStudy.html. It has stopped my constipation and it is used for bloating too.

I started raw a couple of months ago at 5 foot 3 and 102 pounds. IÂ’m 85 pounds.Â…So, like you, IÂ’m looking for ways to gain weight. No eating disorder here, but at this point I canÂ’t convince many people. I know what youÂ’re going through. How old are you? My first recommendation would be to gain some independence, if possible.

Second, read up a bit on water weight and salt. You might find a fast way to put on a few pounds so that you are not immediately put back in that program. Get on the scale while others are absent. If this works and you see a difference, then parade around your results in front of the family and go right back to stuffing your face in front of them. Try to eat in front of them.

Whole foods carries organic, raw, hemp protein. You can research how much of this you would need to see a change. I have no idea how effective it can be and what amounts are needed, so hopefully someone will offer that information for free. Protein is my physicianÂ’s recommendation, although from a raw standpoint IÂ’m not sure itÂ’s the best option. Try it, though. If that doesnÂ’t work quickly maybe you can re-think your choices and sacrifice according to your current situation.

I think the alternative to not gaining weight in your case (having dairy and preservatives forced down your throat) is much worse than including some non raw foods on a temporary basis if they prevent you from losing more weight. Your bodyÂ’s reaction to raw indicates the level of damage that these products have produced. When you are 18, employed, and independent, you can move to 100%. But, for now, adding something that will keep you from being sent away from home would be my next recommendation. Sorry, honey.

Try using the banana search for the following
Water weight, salt
1000 calories 20% fat

My current strategy is to do the opposite. Whatever people say not to do on raw, I will try. My goal is not the same. Again, not the “optimal” choice , but if gaining back 3lbs in a weeks time means putting on some water weight to avoid worse circumstances…well, you know where I’m going with this.

If my personal search leads to more info, I will get in touch with you. Maybe, after all is fixed we can co-write something together and make boat loads of money ;) , “fast metabolism and raw” “raw and bootiFULL,” lol….smile….Stress can be your worst enemy at this point. If I were you, I’d put on the weight. Whether salt, protein, or cooked. I would put it on, now. From there I’d use my time to research healthy alternatives. Perhaps, muscle training as someone else suggested. Just keep in mind you want to try something with the word “immediate” in mind before investing in long term solutions. You probably know better than anyone what is at risk if you don’t somehow compromise.