Expert: Loren - 6/13/2007

Question
dear loren,
   hello, i was only eating maybe 800 calories a day for about 2 months and was obsessed with my weight.  i realized my problem and i started to eat 1000 calories a day for a week then upped that to 1200 calories a day and sometimes even a little more.. i gained 5 pounds but thats not even what im worried about its just this bloating! my stomach feels as if the food just sits there forever ! i always feel bloated and im just wondering how long you think this feeling will last? could it possibly go away after a week or so?

Answer
Hello Alexis

I'm glad to hear you've upped your calorie intake - 800 is an unhealthy amount.

The bloating is just a side effect to due an increased food intake. This is absolutely normal after a period of restriction. It will eventually subside, although I cannot say exactly when - it varies from a matter of weeks to perhaps a month or two.

Just be patient, and I assure you it will pass. Perhaps in the meantime, if you are in any abdominal pain, I would recommend taking some digestive aids such as milk of magnesia. That, too, will help with constipation as well as indigestion and/or heartburn.

Take care,
Loren