[Lynn B]

I need help as I had Graves disease that was diagnosed 15 years ago and treated at that time and put on on hormone replacements ever since. I was quite ill for the past six years and troubled by digestive difficulties (to put it mildly). The final diagnosis of celiac was determined in May 2007 and dietary adjustments have been made accordingly and I feel much like a normal person again. The problem is I have gained close to 30 pounds! Is this a normal part of the healing process? I am also always hungry - at this rate I could be huge in a year! I would love to hear from anyone who has experienced this and any suggestions. Weight Watchers moderator wa clueless.

Lynn B.

[MegGFBoston]

I had the same problem - gained 20lbs in a matter of a months. It was depressing since I had been at a "normal" weight for my heigt/frame etc - for 10years.

My advice would be to make sure you have a nutrionist who really understands Celiac. My first one did not - and that was part of the problem. I would also try to cut out white rice and limit potatoes - especially rice - that caused a lot of my weight gain. Also as I'm sure you have realized all the gluten-free "treats" are loaded with calories - I never really ate those anyway (too much $$ and they didn't taste that good.....)

I didn't do anything for a year until I felt ready - and then I increased exercise and did WW (I modified it a bit to fit my gluten-free diet) and that worked.

I don't know if this note helped you at all - but I did find reassurance when I was in the same place as you that initial significant weight gain is a common problem experienced by many new celiac patients.

Lynn B, on Jan 1 2008, 01:07 PM, said:

I need help as I had Graves disease that was diagnosed 15 years ago and treated at that time and put on on hormone replacements ever since. I was quite ill for the past six years and troubled by digestive difficulties (to put it mildly). The final diagnosis of celiac was determined in May 2007 and dietary adjustments have been made accordingly and I feel much like a normal person again. The problem is I have gained close to 30 pounds! Is this a normal part of the healing process? I am also always hungry - at this rate I could be huge in a year! I would love to hear from anyone who has experienced this and any suggestions. Weight Watchers moderator wa clueless.

Lynn B.

[cmom]

I, too, gained 30 lbs after going gluten-free. As of yet, I have found nothing to help, not diet, exercise, etc. I just don't get it.