Why might the left side of my stomach appear more bloated than the right?

The left side of your stomach might appear more bloated than the right for a couple of reasons. One possibility is a condition called a permanent flank bulge that can occur in patients after flank surgery, which is the side of your body between your ribs and hip. Sometimes, after such surgeries, the muscles don't heal perfectly, leading to a bulge that can make one side look bigger.

Another reason could be irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS is a common condition that affects the digestive system and can cause symptoms like bloating, especially on one side of the stomach. People with IBS might feel discomfort or see a difference in how their stomach looks because of gas or changes in bowel habits.

If you're noticing a change in your stomach's appearance, you should always talk to a healthcare provider who can help figure out what's going on and ensure there are no serious underlying conditions.