5. Bloating: The Invisible Bulge
Ah, bloating, that invisible bulge that makes your pants a little too tight and your self-esteem a little too low. You may feel like you’ve ingested a balloon that’s slowly inflating inside you, and it’s an uncomfortable feeling that persists for hours, sometimes even days.
But what’s really going on inside when you experience bloating due to gastroparesis? It’s actually a combination of trapped gas and delayed emptying of the stomach. Imagine a room slowly filling with smoke, but the windows and doors are jammed shut. That’s your stomach with bloating—no exit strategies available.
Curiously enough, this isn’t just about feeling full or heavy. Bloating can manifest in different ways for different people. Some might actually see their abdomen distend, while others could feel the pressure internally without any visible signs. The variations make it even more elusive as a symptom.
Then there’s the lifestyle impact. You find yourself opting for loose clothing, avoiding certain foods, and even altering your social engagements. Bloating can create a domino effect that starts to influence your choices and lifestyle. While you may not see it, you certainly feel its pervasive presence in your life. (5)
