Anyone have Celiac Disease or a Gluten Intolerance?

In 2007 I was diagnosed with Celiac's and now am gluten free. It's a struggle in of itself with shopping and eating out, and now I'll be adding a new set of rules to my lifestyle.

Is anyone GF? Can you tell me how it's affected this process both pre and post-op?

Thanks!

I have been gluten free for over two years. Since I was used to living gluten free getting sleeved didn't prove a problem. The GNC Total Lean 25 protein shakes are gluten free. The Quest protein bars I buy are gluten free. Because I usually only eat fish, chicken, shrimp, or beef it's been pretty easy to eat even when at a restaurant. Everything with gluten is also packed with carbs so staying away now has two good reasons.

I have tested negative for Celiac, but last year I went gluten free just to see how it made me feel. It resolved the majority of my stomach problems as well as some others, so I've been GF every since.

It was a huge adjustment for me learning to eat GF, but I've faithfully stuck to it. When I started seriously researching WLS earlier this year, knowing that I've been able to make the switch to a GF diet actually convinced that I'd be able to follow the post-VSG diet. I mean, I had never in my life managed to stick to a diet before, and here I was avoiding bread, cookies, pasta, etc. Going GF actually prepared me for my VSG diet change.

You're looking at this as a new set of rules, but really, a lot of the rules overlap. After surgery you won't be eating a lot of carbs. Most foods that contain gluten are full of carbs. Most protein shakes are GF (though you do have to look). Quest bars are even GF.

Now I am not very far out from surgery and am just getting into solid foods, but with my reduction in hunger and restriction, it is easier than ever for me to stay GF.

Thank you both for these awesome responses. This definitely makes me feel more at ease in terms of managing my auto-immune disease post surgery.

Thanks again!

I'm happy to help :) However, I'm sure you are a GF PRO at this point and will be just fine!

Hi,

Yes, yes, yes!  But not just gluten, soy, lactose and artificial sweeteners.  I don't know what I am going to do after surgery for the first month, it's kind of been stressing me out a little bit.  I too was tested for celiac but was negative, but any time I eat anything with whole grain I get really sick.  Not sure it is gluten but a pretty good chance.  I hope you get lots more responses, I am interested in what others are eating and drinking........I know you will do fine, hang in there!

Smiles,

Lisa

I went gluten free as soon as I knew I was approved for surgery, so the January before I had surgery in March of 2012.  I have Crohn's Disease and it has done a world of good.  I tested negative for Celiac, but my gastroenterologist said that a negative biopsy for Celiac does not mean I do not have a wheat intolerance and I know he was right now.  So gluten free over a year and half now.  Going great.

Best thing that helped me was a plant based protein called PlantFusion.  I get it on Amazon.  It is sweetened with stevia and is dairy free, gluten free and soy free.  Love it.  Have had one every day but a couple for the past year and half.  Love the simplicity of breakfast now.  Now I just do eggs for dinner when I want them.

I know I would not have lost as much weight so far if I was not gluten free, my health would still be a mess and I would have major snacking and fast food issues still.  So it was the best thing I could have done for myself.

I am not saying it is not hard when people are eating sub sandwiches or pizza or pasta, but it is doable and since gluten is basically poison to my body, I have finally learned it is totally worth it.

It does force you to eat more natural, lean meats, veggies, fruit, etc...  It takes a bit to plan out meals, but I now just carry a larger lunch cooler with me every day and have enough food with me each day so I do not freak out trying to find something gluten free for lunch or dinner.  Eat out way less, so save money too.  Eating out is possible and I still do it once or twice a month.  An unwich at Jimmy John's, basically a lettuce wrap, or steak and salad at a sit down place.  After surgery, I become way less focused on the food aspect of having dinner with someone and more on enjoying their company.

Best wishes on your gluten free journey!