Persistent GI Issues: Bloating, Discomfort & Belching - Seeking Answers

Question
Thank you for your service. I've got some GI issues that are driving me mad. I'm a 39 y/o male, otherwise healthy, in good shape with a history of reflux that is controlled by using an OTC 2x daily. About 6 months ago I experienced an unusual onset of of bloating, fullness, upper abdominal discomfort and belching. Over the past 6 months the symptoms have decreased somewhat but I do have nearly daily issues of some type. The upper GI discomfort/pain was very mild and only lasted seconds but could be anywhere in or around the upper abdomen and around navel. Although the bloating has decreased, I still get periods of fullness after eating. At times, during this period, I would have tender areas around abdomen. These areas were small and only lasted for a short period of time. My appetite has decreased ( although I have become anxious over this period#, however, I eat without problems. There is never any pain after eating. I have noticed my bowel movements are usually normal, however, I notice white specks # like rice) in the stool on a consistent basis and wonder if these could be parasites. I saw a GI at onset 6 months ago. Bloodowrk including CBC, CMP and pancreatic enzymes have been taken twice during this period and normal. I have no weight loss, jaundice, vomiting nor do I feel "unwell" with the exception of the GI issues. I was wondering if you have any advice since, my GI doesn't seem to feel it's anything serious.

Answer
this could be gall bladder disease; another problem could be food intolerances.... some people lose the ability to digest certain foods..... milk products are a common one.  A trial off milk/cheese/butter might give you some info.  With the rice stuff, I would have a stool sample evaluated for parasites just in case.

Good luck with it.