celiac and me

Munkee39

Good morning (is it still morning?) I joined this site as a way to gain weight - sorry for all of you who would happily smack me right now. A year ago I was diagnosed with Celiac disease - I had been terribly ill - everything I ate went right through me with extreme pain - and I was losing weight at a rapid pace (weighed 78lbs at my lowest) and had no energy (go figure). Numerous doctors appointments and tests turned up nothing (other then all my minerals were low...surprise) when a friend suggested I see a Naturopath. God bless her - because she took one look at me, listened to my symptoms & said you had a wheat/gluten allergy - quick blood test an lo & behold - celiac! It has taken me almost 10 months to gain 22 lbs. I still need to gain about 5 more until I'm at a healthy weight.

Luckily on a gluten-free diet my symptoms have disappeared, but, on a gluten-free diet its also very difficult (or at least I am finding it so) to gain more weight. I have always eaten "healthy" - fruits, veggies, lean meat as I was a competitive athlete in my glory days, and those are habits of a lifetime -- but I'm wiling to try anything (as long as its gluten free!)

MaximumAngelus

I know a quick way is to eat something like a meal replacement bar or drink a slim-fast and eat a normal meal on top of that. that's just the first thing that comes to mind.

jennmoore3

Welcome! I know nothing about Celiac, but I commend you for getting on here!

2Live4Life

Oh goodness, good luck with everything! Because I have so many allergies (including to food), at one point in my life they thought that I also had celiac- due to opposite (I gained 35 pounds on two separate occasions between 1-3 mths each time). Going on a gluten-free diet for a month was extremely hard- it is amazing how many foods/products contain glutens! Nothing budged for me, and my blood tests came back clean- whew, so I happily went back to wheats, but I have to tell you that I can see why glutens are hard on our bodies... Although coming off of them produced no results, going back on them was painful... My body had difficulty processing them after a month "off"... Hopefully you have found some good resources and recipes for gluten-free. Hope that you're feeling better and gaining weight healthily as well.

readingmomma

Most of my family has celiac. So, I am familiar with it. I know all of them are skin and bone pretty much...but can ask what they can do to gain weight. If I find anything out, I'll get back to you.

readingmomma

Those items aren't gluten free

queenmary1

Good for you! My son is GF, has been for 10.5 years! I know it is sooooo hard, but it is soooooooo worth it! He was a sick, sick litlle baby, and now, nothing holds him back! he participates in everything, including scout camps, hunting, sports. And people really are so helpful! He is now 12 & I will admit it is hard to keep the kid full, but I have been buying Carnation Instant Breakfasts, He loves those & with a breakfast it seems to help him make it till lunch! GOOD LUCK TO YA! I HOPE YOU FEEL BETTER & GET HEALTHY!

pink59eldo

My best friend is in the same boat. At first she lost a great deal of weight, but now she is maintaining and looks perfectly healthy. She has it a bit worse though, she is allergic to dairy, eggs, and peanuts...basically everything lol. Luckily we live in an area that has grocery stores that have large gluten-free sections. Mainly she eats a lot of protein and veggies. I make her meals and cookies when I can find a mix that is appropriate for her dietary needs. I know it is very hard, but you will get there! It's all about finding the balance. When we go out for lunch she gets fresh spring rolls or rice with chicken/beef/pork...because she is allergic to wheat she uses different sauces. We have pizza places that have gluten-free dough and they will put on all toppings and no cheese on her pizzas. It's a learning process for sure. Good luck!