Hi Scott & Jan,
I appreciate both of your replies! To answer some of the questions, the pain is usually higher up (surrounding belly button) and then sometimes towards the right. It is a dull achy pain/cramp, sometimes more severe, and I am getting it in spurts of a few days at a time. When it is bad, I don't feel like getting off the couch. Sometimes it even seems to worsen after a BM. I would say it might be gas, but if it is, it is mostly trapped, as it doesn't pass too often.
Jan - I agree regarding insurance; If anything, I will contact my surgeon and ask for other in-network options. The notion that this has nothing to do with my pouch is actually nice, as I would rather not have to worry about that. However, I would imagine any initial sleuthing would include a full scope, and I'd feel better if that was done by someone recommended by my surgeon. As for the other possibilities (gall bladder, pancreas, etc), would a GI still be the place to go?
I've also spoke to my chiropractor, also a nutritionist, who recommends a supplement called Atrantil (developed by a GI) for bloating and/or methane based SIBO. I'm thinking about that, as well as if fiber would benefit. My course of ABs is over in a week and I'd like to have a plan, as I don't think that is going to help.
Thanks!
Ken