Sensitive Stomach – A Byproduct Of IBS?

By Karina

3 min read

I’ve known for a while that I can’t stand having my belly constricted. That’s why I’ve always avoided tight waistbands, pants without stretch, and even sucking in – all of these just make me feel plain miserable. But I’ve never noticed just how sensitive my stomach was until my grandma decided to gift me pajamas for Christmas.

Now, I personally don’t consider pajamas to be investment pieces and have just been using hand-me-downs from my mom, who loves buying new PJs. I’m one or two sizes smaller than my mom, and I’ve always enjoyed how comfy and non-constricting those hand-me-downs were.

My grandma, however, bought my regular size, which fits me perfectly. Unfortunately, it also upsets my stomach within minutes.

My stomach is the weak link

I think that lots of people have "weak links" when it comes to their health. A friend of mine always gets migraines whenever she forgoes her routine. Another friend catches every cold there is within a 1-mile radius. For me, it’s always been my digestive system.

When I was younger, I was sick to my stomach every single morning. I regularly threw up before school or even in school. It got especially bad when I didn’t sleep enough or when I was nervous or stressed. Basically, it was just like my IBS-D now. Only the food came out the other way.

Now, I still catch every stomach flu. And no matter what sickness I get, it always affects my digestion. For example, I always throw up and get diarrhea when I have a fever. Or a migraine. I got mastitis while breastfeeding – which has nothing at all to do with digestion – and I was still throwing up.

But it’s not just that. My stomach is so incredibly sensitive that I apparently cannot bear to wear normal-sized clothing on it, either.

Going up multiple sizes

This pajama incident really got me thinking. It made me realize just how much IBS affects my life, even the way I dress. Most of my clothes (especially bottoms) are at least one size bigger than I would otherwise need, a lot of them even two or three sizes bigger. I buy jeans, shorts, and skirts in a medium or large when I could definitely fit into a small. I never use belts because what’s the point when my bloated belly does a perfectly fine job at keeping my pants in place?

My partner sometimes complains that I always buy my clothes too big. That I never emphasize my waist – which, on the very rare occasion when I’m not bloated, actually exists – without realizing that I physically cannot bear to wear clothes that are "my size." I recently even started wearing lower-rise pants again because it’s just more comfortable for my belly.

And it’s not like "normal"-sized clothing is all that tight on me. But as long as something presses on my belly, ever so lightly, it hurts after a while. The waistbands I wear basically just stand next to me, which is why I always tuck in my shirts, so they actually stay up. (Tucked-in shirts add a bit of cushion, too!)

Pressure on my stomach is unbearable

It’s not just clothes, either. I can’t have anything pressing on my belly. Whenever I babywear, my stomach starts complaining right away. After giving birth, I tried to use a belly band, but we can all imagine how long that lasted (like 3 minutes). As of now, I’m just glad that women nowadays aren’t required to wear a corset because I would have been doomed.

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It goes so far that whenever I’m bloated, I can’t even sleep on my stomach but have to turn to the side instead, which is very hard for me, being a notorious stomach sleeper!

I’m not sure if this is a byproduct of IBS, but I feel like it is. I know that I never used to size up before, even though my digestive system has always been very sensitive. I also don’t remember getting as terribly bloated when I was younger since I often wore tighter clothing, and it never bothered me.

The strange part is that my stomach is always sensitive, even when I do not have any symptoms. I could be feeling great, but put a tight waistband on me, and I’ll get uncomfortable in no time.

Does anyone else experience this? If yes, please let me know if you have any tips!

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Educ8r Member
Yes, the “unencumbered stomach” is also a strong preference for me. If the elastic or waistband is too tight, I’m miserable. Admittedly, because I’m an HSP (highly sensitive person), I don’t like to wear *any* clothes that feel binding. When friends tell me that I’ve lost weight and I need smaller clothes, I just tell them I like extra breathing room. I encourage you to be comfortable. Make choices which allow that. Life is too short to choose anything else. And my prayer is that your symptoms will become more manageable for you. As I’ve learned more about myself and my IBS by aging, inevitably, I’ve become more effective in my prevention of symptoms. Best regards to you!
1. Karina Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Educ8r" user-id="2286765"/> I completely agree, we have enough problems with IBS already, there really is no need to makes ourselves more uncomfortable by choice. Thank you so much for sharing your experience! I would love to know what some prevention techniques are that you learned over the years? Wishing you all the best, Karina (team member)
mskitty Member
Even as a child I could not wear underwear or pants that put any kind of pressure on my stomach. I always wore hip hugger underwear and pants from the time I was a teenager and could choose my own clothes
1. Karina Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="mskitty" user-id="2320971"/> I can't imagine having someone else choose my clothes, that must have been so difficult as a child! At what age did your IBS symptoms first start? Sending hugs, Karina (team member)
2. mskitty Member
 <inline-mention username="mskitty" user-id="2320971"/> As a child of 5,6,7 years old do not typically choose their own clothes especially in the 60's. I lived, I am also not in need of hugs, not helpful <inline-mention username="Karina" user-id="2303467"/> I posted a comment to let other people know they are not alone in this issue.
ChroniKat Member
<inline-mention username="Karina" user-id="2303467"/>, I'm the same way - always had a sensitive stomach, even before IBS. Lots of throwing up and car sickness as a child. I never was a "form-fitting" clothes wearer, but now I like those things even less! Sometimes waist bands feel so tight, but when I check my skin, they haven't even left a mark - still, I can't stand them! I've been known to cut off part or all of the waist bands of underwear - ahh, that feels better! I don't even wear bras anymore, even they feel too restrictive. Luckily I don't need much support, so I wear camisoles or cropped camis. Now I even loosen the tops on my socks, even they feel too tight! Have a comfy day!
1. Karina Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="KatsHead" user-id="4134856"/> Thank you so much for sharing, I'm glad I'm not the only one! I also used to cut the elastic in waistbands but that always made my clothes a bit too big. Now I just try to stretch them out after washing... totally feel you on the uncomfortable socks, too! Hugs, Karina (team member)
2. dklocey Member
 <inline-mention username="KatsHead" user-id="4134856"/> I understand about the bra & waistband on the panties! Bra comes off when I walk in the door!
MHibs Member
I can relate. I've taken to wearing dresses that aren't fitted (shifts), because then I don't have anything pressing on my tummy. 
1. Karina Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="MHibs" user-id="4262694"/> I do the same thing! However, I still struggle with the tight waistbands on the tights I have to wear under my dresses in the winter. Do you live somewhere warm enough to wear dresses by themselves all year round? Hugs, Karina (team member)
maureen1958 Member
Totally agree. I can't wear anything pushing on my tummy but years agos BEFORE IBS, I always wore tight jeans. They were great. You didn't need lots of clothes, you could glam up or just pull on a t shirt. But I haven't worn jeans in years. I feel robbed of being the me I wanted to be and still want to be.
1. maureen1958 Member
 <inline-mention username="Karina" user-id="2303467"/> No, that wouldn't work for me, but thanks for the thought, glad you can manage it though. 😀
2. Karina Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="maureen1958" user-id="2317769"/> I'm sorry about that. Comfort always comes first though! Wishing you all the best, Karina (team member)
Shrii Member
<inline-mention username="Karina" user-id="2303467"/> I can totally relate with this. I have IBS - C and just like you I can't wear anything around my stomach even on the days when I feel better. I wear only low waist loose fit pants that too a size bigger. Even tight waist bands of low waist pants give me discomfort and weird pain. Hope you find relief soon. Stay blessed! 
1. Karina Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Shrii" user-id="4243165"/> I'm the same, I also can't tolerate tight waistbands of low-rise pants! It's incredible how much pain that can cause. Wishing you all the best, Karina (team member)
Pedro Ferreira Member
Hi <inline-mention username="Karina" user-id="2303467"/> The same here since I was 27. My tip has been a omeoprozole 20mg every other day and plenty of water. Coffee has been replaced by decaffeinated. Helicobacter has been eradicated as well. Alcohol/spirit drinks rarely and fat food has been classified according to my "next day". Have I eliminated all symptoms, no. Have I improved my quality of life, yes. Hope it helps.
1. Karina Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Pedro Ferreira" user-id="4240951"/> Thank you so much for sharing! I'm glad that you were able to lessen your symptoms. Wishing you all the best, Karina (team member)
hateibs Member
 I don't get that as badly as you, but I always have to wear something with a wide elasticated waistband. Not a thin one or I can feel it cut in. My favourites are soft jogging bottoms, lounge pants, and even pyjama bottoms! (It's amazing how I can get away with wearing pyjama bottoms, and people must think they are "just pants".) But they are lighter and looser . Elasticated waists or no clothes at all I'm afraid! lol I often choose a size up from my actual measurements for comfort. Sometimes I get a strange effect like when I lie in bed (I am a back sleeper) I can't bear the duvet or blanket sensation on my navel area! I have to lift it into a tent shape so I can't feel it at all on my belly or I won't be able to get to sleep. It doesn't cause pain, it's just a strange almost nervous reaction. 
1. Karina Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="hateibs" user-id="4146293"/> That's so great that you can get away with wearing PJs as pants! Where I live it's not even socially acceptable to wear leggings out, so I'm still wearing jeans and lots of dresses. It's crazy how sensitive our bellies can get with IBS. Wishing you all the best, Karina (team member)
slww Member
I totally understand your pj problem. I wear pj's at least one size bigger than what really fits. I cannot stand to have elastic on my stomach. I didn't want to toss all of my old pj's that are smaller, so I have cut the elastic all around the waist. Sometimes that isn't enough. When I buy pj's, I buy them without elastic. I just get the ones with the ties. I don't buy sets because the size I need on the bottom is too big for my top. As far as regular clothes are concerned, I now buy underwear several sizes bigger that go way above my waist. (What I always called old lady panties.) They also don't have an elastic band. The style is designed to help with "muffin top", but it is the only underwear that I can stand more than a couple of minutes. I buy only low rise pants that are loose in the waist. My GI doctor told me to buy an ab binder. As much as things hurt sometimes only a few minutes after putting them on, the ab binder doesn't bother me. My husband thinks it works b/c it spreads out the pressure to a larger area than a waistband covers. Hope these suggestions help.
1. Karina Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="slww" user-id="2330720"/> Thank you so much for sharing! I'm going to try and find PJs without elastics, I didn't even know they existed! Does the ab binder help with your symptoms? That just sounds so uncomfortable to me, but I'm glad it works for you! Sending hugs, Karina (team member)
2. slww Member
 <inline-mention username="Karina" user-id="2303467"/> yes, I wear the ab binder any time I leave the house. At home I wear baggy stuff, so I don't need it. They aren't very expensive, & not only does it keep the pain away, it also helps hold up the pants without having to tuck my shirt inside. I can wear relatively snug low cut jeans as long as I wear the binder. I can't remember for sure where I bought mine, but this is the link to the kind that I bought. https://www.amazon.com/Dealmed-Abdominal-Binder-Compression-Support/dp/B089T6T33M/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=ab+binder&qid=1634269588&sr=8-5 I buy my non elastic pj bottoms at WalMart. WalMart is the the only place around here that I have found that sells the tops & bottoms separately. I can get pj short bottoms & long bottoms there. The underwear that I buy is Warner brand. They are stretchy without having elastic. They have a lot of different styles, so you have to look through them to find the ones that will work for you.
Joannegreen Member
Hi me too. I thought I was alone in this! Obviously not. I work as a gardener/cleaner so there's lots of bending involved which hurts my stomach. I changed my wardrobe from jeans to dungerees and pinafore dresses. 
1. Karina Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Joannegreen" user-id="2318294"/> I know, I didn't expect so many people to relate to this! I can imagine that your work isn't the easiest with IBS, how are you coping with it? Pinafore dresses are my favorite, too. Sending hugs, Karina (team member)
2. lukylady33 Member
 <inline-mention username="Karina" user-id="2303467"/> I have to wear jeans to work and it’s getting more and more difficult.
Joannegreen Member
Some days I don't cope very well to be honest, but most of the time not too bad. I get very tired though. Sending hugs back to you too. 
1. lukylady33 Member
 <inline-mention username="Joannegreen" user-id="2318294"/> I was just discussing this with my husband the other day. He told me to look for elastic waistband jeans. I’m not sure that would even help
2. Joannegreen Member
 <inline-mention username="lukylady33" user-id="2284228"/> try pinafore dresses or dungarees that's helped a lot
dklocey Member
<inline-mention username="Karina" user-id="2303467"/> Yes! & the older I get the worse it is! I just recently realized how tender my abdomen area is when I laid my hand on my belly & it felt bruised. Then I decided I can't wear jeans anymore & have to wear the loose fitting kind with a drawstring, which I don't tie tight enough to hold them up. My belly feels bruised all the time!
Mindy1971 Member
Yes, I know exactly how you feel. I suffer the same with IBS-D. I never wear anything with a tight or rubbing waistband if I can help it. My tummy is not even overly bloated these days, as I am following a low-FODMAP plan and it is helping, though I'm having a flare-up today, but I am putting that down to stress/emotions. I'm sure most people have heard that your gut is your second brain? My sister died tragically 3 years ago this week, and my tummy is in turmoil. A bereavement counsellor told me that our bodies have ways of remembering grief, especially through our gut (ever heard of phrases like "worried sick"?). My body is remembering!! (p.s. it's not Covid-19, I'm vaccinated and also been tested... just in case, result was negative)
1. Kelly Dabel, RD Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="Mindy1971" user-id="4258489"/> Thank you for sharing your story and experience. Sorry for the loss of your sister. Fascinating about our bodies holding onto and remembering grief. Wishing you a gentle week of the anniversary of your sister's passing and wishing you some relief ahead. Best, Kelly, <a href='http://Irritablebowelsyndrome.net' target='_blank'>Irritablebowelsyndrome.net</a> Team Member 
2. Mindy1971 Member
 <inline-mention username="Kelly Dabel, RD" user-id="2309967"/> Thank you Kelly, that's very kind of you. Keep up the good work xx
hateibs Member
 <inline-mention username="Mindy1971" user-id="4258489"/> My condolences to you for the loss of your dear sister. I can relate. I had a lot of bereavement for years, and though I had melt-downs sometimes (usually when I was tired in the middle of the night) I thought I was coping. I was physically well. Then the IBS started. Something about that deep grief has started getting me right in the gut. It started in a weird way. I would burst into tears after eating dinner! Only for a moment or two and it passed. But then a while later, the IBS-D. I'd been doing pretty well recently with no flares for a while. Then the other night I got a "near panic attack" thing and so sad after it. I was OK the next day and more optimistic. But tonight I suddenly got pain and lots of bloating in the evening/ I first blamed it on eating raw chives (low Fodmap!!) but I think it's an after effect of feeling emotionall upset. I do wish you well, and hope you too will get many flare-free times as things go on. Blessings to your sister's Soul. Hugs for you x
Mindy1971 Member
Oh thank you so much. That is exactly what happened to me at the weekend, memories of my sister came flooding back... but I was also feeling very sorry for myself and had a big dinner of spag bol, full of onions, mushrooms and garlic, with wheat pasta and wheat garlic bread; it was FODMAPS blown off the scale!! - so I didn't do my poor tummy any favours 😉 Our bodies do react to emotional stress, but as long as we know what's happening it's helpful, then we need to learn to be kind to ourselves. I love your comments above about wearing comfy PJ's out in public as "real" clothes. Here in Ireland that was a trend for a while, but people got ridiculed for it. However, Penney's (Primark) sell some wonderful leggings and comfy bottoms (drawstring and/or elasticated) and can be dressy at the same time. Thank you kindly for your blessings and hugs, much appreciated, I feel the love! Xxx
CommunityMemberfc4c85 Member
I have had a sensitive stomach for as long as I can remember. When I was young I always put my hand between my waistband and my tummy because it bothered me so. Control top pantyhose were never my friend. I also wear pants that are bigger on me. I may not be stylish, but I am comfortable.
1. Elizabeth Alvarez Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMemberfc4c85" user-id="8659351"/> I can relate. I am the same, especially lately. Anything high waisted after about 10 minutes I want to rip it off. It also even gives me a stomach ache sometimes. It's the worst. -Elizabeth (team member)
2. Karina Moderator & Contributor
 I always do this automatically to relieve pressure on my belly, too. And I also always but pants a size or two bigger and then resize them by adding an elastic inside the waistband. This works so well, especially for jeans. What types of clothes do you find the most comfortable to wear? Karina (team member)
SirIsaac Member
I totally relate to everything you described in the article. For sleep, I use my heating pad so I can lay on my tummy.
1. Elizabeth Alvarez Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="SirIsaac" user-id="4263153"/> Heating pads are the best. Glad it offers you relief. -Elizabeth (team member)
2. Karina Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="SirIsaac" user-id="4263153"/> That's a great tip, thank you so much for sharing! Heat helps so much. How have you been feeling lately? Karina (team member)
CommunityMember9d551a Member
Hi, <inline-mention username="Karina" user-id="2303467"/> I have the exact same issue. It was much worse when I was working and had to stand up all day and wear pantyhose. I have not conquered it but only can compensate. I have worn men's sweats for the last several years. It's quite a look. I can't wear anything with a wide flat band like you see on women's clothing. No jeans, no compression anything and underwear is an absolute nightmare. I have to go in and cut the elastic in anything I buy. I buy sizes that are bigger than I am. I have a short torso too so I often feel like a boob/belly blob. Not cool. In any case, it's always been uncomfortable like this. Even looking at clothing ads sets me off! I have IBS C and GERD. I wish you luck and comfort on your clothes wearing journey! Libby
1. Karina Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMember9d551a" user-id="8659444"/> Hi Libby, I can relate so much to your issues with pantyhose! That's the main reason why I only wear skirts and dresses in the summer. I have tried using my maternity tights, but they don't hold up unless they're help up by a skirt, and skirts are an issue in and of themselves. Men's sweats sound very comfortable! I also found that sweats or pants that have not one large, but multiple smaller elastics in the waistband are very comfortable. It's very specific and hard to find, but I have several like that and can wear them even in a flare. Do you find that low- or mid-rise pants are more comfortable for you? I also have a somewhat short torso and they often work better for me, as they don't come up to my ribs and they're usually not as tight in the waist either. How have you been feeling lately with your IBS-C and GERD? Wishing you all the best, Karina (team member)
explodingguts Member
Holosync, Centerpointe, Learning Strategies, Sedona Method would all help you identify what exactly made you so nauseous as a small child. Unpleasant work to call up memories you'd rather bury but it's the only way to stop the self-destructive pattern you acquired early before you had options and control of your circs. No doubt vomiting prompted assorted punishments but less severe than whatever it was that made you so sick. Happily, it's not that hard to let go of what doesn't serve you. Hale Dwoskin's Love Now strikes me as a worthy exercise as is Paul Scheele's Rewrite History. Deep Relaxation is another and the Five Elements Healing. I do that one every day. I still eat very carefully. Chocolate yoghurt is a no-go for me. Luckily I don't care much for chocs. I, too, like giant clothes for the same reason but this will change as the intervals btwn explosions grow. I've had such dramatic success so far that I have great faith in the cure. Lots of free trials. These guys really want to help. Strongly recommend letting them. The problem with therapy is that it keeps you in the problem, reliving it endlessly. Not helpful. What's needed IMO is focus on the now. I sense some pretty challenging trauma early on, and I can relate, but I would also bet that you could go of the old feelings and live your life happily. All of these recordings help us harness the resources of the unconscious. Our natural state is to be joyful, K. I believe you will find yours so that you can freely enjoy your kids and dressing your trim frame, the fun of being a girl. 
1. explodingguts Member
 Yes, getting better every day. Introducing more food - melon and carrot cake with roasted pecans. Expected trouble but Five Elements Healing and Sonic Health recordings saved me. They soothed that recurring sensation of a fish hook stuck somewhere in the guts and all was well. I have unused boxes of Immodium I keep as a soldier might keep his medals. Working out every second day adding new moves every few mths. Deep knee bends lately, which nearly killed me week one but better now. I, too, had to leave a bustling Vancouver neighborhood as a child for pop's $work oppty in Ottawa, where we languished in a lonely isolated suburb of multiunit junk housing an hour by bus from downtown. Hated the city until much older. Ran away often as a young teenager. Pop was pretty miserable, too, far from his parents and friends. He was generally pretty miserable as a rule - the nature of liberals being overwhelming negativity - but for model trains and beer, which he controlled somewhat. Mater had a wonderful old friend nearby but also dreadful French relatives. Ugh. Pop hated cars so we were stuck fast in the burb until mater bought a car. Then outings but always w/o pop, which felt weird. Not a happy time. Better than poverty but at a price. I let it go every day. Holosync prompts memory but then I let it go. Very liberating. 
2. Karina Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="explodingguts" user-id="2321200"/> It's sounds like you're doing so well! 😀 That's amazing and so encouraging to hear. I'm sorry that your childhood wasn't very happy, it's good that you're able to work through everything now. All the best, Karina (team member)
CommunityMember47b334 Member
I have the same problem with my stomach. I only buy tunic tops now so that no one can see how loose my waistband is. My mother always said it was because I belonged to my father’s family because none of them liked tight clothes, either. The IBS/sensitive stomach explains it.
1. Karina Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="explodingguts" user-id="2321200"/> I'm sorry that they were both dealing with this. Did it help you to not be the only one with IBS-type symptoms in your family? Karina (team member)
2. Karina Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMember47b334" user-id="7019120"/> I'm so, so sorry. I can't imagine how hard it must be to deal with the loss of your brothers. Do you have other people in your life who you can rely on and who are there to support you? Sending hugs, Karina (team member)
Bugs Member
Hi, I certainly know how you feel. I also have a very sensitive stomach and digestive system. As for pain around the stomach, I typically buy skirts and pants a size cup for comfort in the waist. I also keep a rubber hair tie with me. Pull it through the button hole slip one end through then wrap it around your button. Should give you more than enough room to accommodate bloat! 
1. Elizabeth Alvarez Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Bugs" user-id="2302641"/> That is a great tip with the hair tie. Thank you for sharing. I hope you are feeling okay today. Hugs to you, Elizabeth (team member)
2. Karina Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Bugs" user-id="2302641"/> That's a great tip, thank you! There are also detachable buttons that you can buy online for a more permanent solution on jeans, but they don't allow for as much space as the elastic hair tie would. I hope you're feeling well today. Karina (team member)
AllieBeaskie Member
Hi Karina! As much as I HATE that anyone else has to deal with this, I'm so glad there's others out there that knows what this is like. I have been buying my leggings 1-2 sizes too big. They look ridiculous on my legs. But, even leggings, super soft, thin, oversized leggins are so painful sometimes. God forbid I ever even dream of wearing shorts or fitted khakis. It might actually kill me. It's actually incredibly frustrating. And, idk who I can talk to about this. A question I was wondering about, if I were to lose weight (a significant amount, in my case), would that make the pain cease? I want to wear jeans or dress up again. And, it's just not even remotely possible as is.
1. Karina Moderator & Contributor
 Hi <inline-mention username="AllieBeaskie" user-id="8673199"/> and welcome to our community! I'm so glad that this discussion has made you feel less alone. Buying bottoms a couple of sizes too big helps a lot, but it's definitely a problem that they are then too big on the hips and legs. 🙁 I recently pulled out some low-rise jeans again because I was so fed up with the discomfort and they're SO much more comfortable for me. Does the rise make a difference for you? Otherwise you could try buying maternity jeans in your normal size. They might have to be new though, because I tried using my old maternity bottoms that I wore during pregnancy and they're too stretched out to hold up. I am not sure if losing weight would make a difference with how sensitive your belly is, but for me, it has helped me find pants because the more baggy style looks more intentional when I'm at a lower weight. I like to add (very soft) elastics into my waistbands so they don't fall down when I'm not bloated. As for dressing up, many community members seem to love flowy dresses for that! I also love sweater dresses with maternity tights in the winter. I hope this helps! Wishing you all the best, Karina (team member)
Libagrouchy Member
In my experience losing weight did not eliminate the painful sensitivity to waist constriction at all. The pants problem is real! After going on strict FODMAP regimen 6 months ago I have dropped 2 pant sizes and lost the painful bloat and drastically reduced symptoms. But all my old pants are now literally falling down, it’s a huge hassle especially as I had put stretch panels on khakis, etc. And Gap or Old Navy jeans are mostly hi-rise now, which is a no-go. I’ve had some luck finding low-rise jeans at Goodwill. I thought I could possibly belt my old pants but this immediately brings on extreme discomfort. As a style-conscious person it’s irksome. 
1. Elizabeth Alvarez Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Libagrouchy" user-id="8785620"/> I hear you. You are so right, everything seems to be high rise these days. I can understand that it can be irksome. Do leggings work for you? Sometimes you have luck at Marshalls or TJ Max finding low rise pants. -Elizabeth (inflammatoryboweldisease.net team member) 
2. Karina Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Libagrouchy" user-id="8785620"/> That's my experience, too, that losing weight doesn't solve this problem at all. And belts are an absolute no-go for me as well. I mostly buy all my jeans and pants second-hand on Vinted, this works especially well if you filter by brands you already own so you know their sizing. Have you ever tried adding elastics to your pants before? That's my favorite method of taking in the waist but still allowing room for when I get bloated. I basically just cut a slit in the inside of the waistband on each side and thread an elastic through (using a safety pin), try it on to adjust the length and then sew it in place. Karina (team member)

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