Hello! Looking For Some Advice..

[Lola]

Hi everyone.. I did a quick search on the internet and this site/messageboard popped up. I'm a messageboard junkie myself so I was highly excited to see so many knowledgeable people on-line in regard to celiac disease. So for that I say THANKS!

My boyfriend was just recently diagnosed with Celiac Disease. He goes back to the doc on Friday. On top of that, they also believe he may have a hole in his intestines that will require surgery.

I've heard of the Gluten-Free diet (I work for a cruise line and from time to time, my passengers have faxed me information to forward on to the ship).. So I'm a little familiar with the idea that you can't eat wheat, etc... however after reading a few things on here, I've come to realize that it goes beyond food! I couldn't believe that you have to even watch your shampoos, lotions, etc. What a challenge! And eating out seems to be quite the task. I'm here to gain some knowledge about living gluten-free. I've told my boyfriend that its a total lifestyle change - and that it will take time. But we do plan a future together, so of course, i am going to have to learn how to cook and such for us to be able to dine together!

I'm sorry this is so long winded - i just have so much on my mind I guess. I was hoping you can suggest a book or two that i can pick up on the subject that you've found to be helpful? Easy for me to understand and to help him with this new lifestyle? Also, can you tell me off hand, the major things (breads, etc.) in which he should cut out of his diet NOW while we still learn what he can/cannot have?

For right now, our biggest challenge is dining out. I reside in Florida and he lives in Tennessee. We meet up in different cities to catch sporting events together, therefore we eat out quite frequently. Any tips on what we should look for is highly appreciated.

Thank you so much!

[Lola]

dahhhh i just saw the whole forum about books/publications.. sorry for asking that in my post. LOL

[Lisa]

Dining out will be your biggest challege, as it has been for me. I live in a small town and they welcome me into the kitchen to talk to the chef to see what can be prepared for me for that night.

We recently went to a pot-lock holloween dinner at a neighbors and I ate some ribs. I asked the chef what was in the merinade (who doesn't know about my affliction) and what he mentioned sounded ok. I ate one and wished that I didn't.

I feel your problem. I don't want to make this a public issue, so it holds me back for eating all the wonderful food at parties and receptions. The holidays are comming, and to be honest, I am not looking forward to them.

When I eat at home, I know it is safe. We seem to have more people, neighbors over for simple meals. Hot dogs, hamburgers, baked bean ....all that I know is safe.

Dining out is a real challenge. Always approach the manager and ask about any gluten free foods. If non available, bring your own salad dressing and order a salad. Restaurant managers are often very helpful if you explain your situation.

Hope that this will be helpful, not rewarding, but good heath is paramount.

Lisa B.

[Lola]

Thank you. This does help. For right now, the dining out part will be challenging until we have the knowledge to know exactly what to look for. Hopefully I can pick up some literature this weekend at Barnes & Nobles so I can have a clue on what to do. Its also tough being a few states away - I can't keep an eye on him to make sure he's paying attention to what he eats

[Lisa]

Thank you.  This does help.  For right now, the dining out part will be challenging until we have the knowledge to know exactly what to look for.  Hopefully I can pick up some literature this weekend at Barnes & Nobles so I can have a clue on what to do.  Its also tough being a few states away - I can't keep an eye on him to make sure he's paying attention to what he eats  

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Lola:

Search the web and go to the Delfi Forum, Go the the gluten-free Product List, sign on with a free password and you can down load lots!!!! of Gluten Free Products. It is about 80pages but it is essential to a new Celiac (or a person who has Celiac Disease). It will get you and your friend started on knowing what to buy and what is not safe.

Also run off the Celiac Safe and Forbiden List on this site. It will be confusing until you learn what to look for.

Good luck and if you have any further question you can post here or e-me on my personal site listed here.

Best of luck, keep that man straight.

[tarnalberry]

The things to cut out are the obvious and not obvious:

* most breads/pastries/bagels/muffins, etc.

* most hot and cold cereals

* most crackers and cookies

* most pastas/noodles

* most flour tortillas

* most soy sauce and asian sauces based on soy sauce

* most fried/breaded items

* most pies/cakes/tortes, etc.

The reason I say "most" on all of these things is because there are gluten free versions of all of them available. (In the case of flour tortillas, there are rice flour tortillas, but most of us just use corn tortillas.) It will take you time to find these items and figure out which ones are tasty, though.

In the mean time, there are a LOT of foods that are naturally gluten-free - any natural, whole, unprocessed food that isn't wheat, barley, rye, or oats. Anything fresh in the produce section is fine. gluten-free grains (white/brown/wild rice, corn, millet, quinoa, buckwheat, etc.) are all fine as are legumes (like beans and lentils). Fresh, unprocessed meats are also fine. Plain dairy and eggs are good as well. Be careful of anything that comes prepackaged or has multiple ingredient lists - you have to read EVERY ingredient label. (There's a helpful safe/un-safe listing on this celiac.com site.)

Congrats to you for being so supportive and understanding and SO willing to learn! Your SO is lucky to have you! :-)

[jenvan]

Lola-

An excellent book to read is "Wheat Free, Worry Free" by Danna Korn. Reliable and large-scope information...will educate you all about Celiac. I bought mine on amazon, but you should be able to order or purchase in a bookstore too.

[debbiewil]

If you're meeting for sporting events, consider packing a picnic lunch to eat at the event, or find a park and enjoy after. Outback, PF Changs and Carrabas have gluten free menus - you still have to be very careful, but it helps. Also Boston Market has a number of gluten free items. You can check their websites for more information. I'm sure there are some others, but those are the only ones I've been too since I started gluten-free a couple of months ago.

Debbie

[Lola]

Thanks so much everyone. I appreciate you being so friendly and for giving me helpful tips!

[happygirl]

Cross contamination is a big issue for Celiacs, both at home and especially eating out. I am extremely sensitive to gluten (no other allergies, etc.) and am always careful to eat "identified" gluten free items at restaurants (fast food places, or other places that have provided info)....but still, I frequently find that I get sick. I usually don't have trouble at places with official gluten free menus, but at other places, its hit or miss. Even though some fast food french fries are "safe," they can be contaminated by being cooked in oil that was used for frying something breaded. Its the little things like this that Celiacs have to think about.

I'm sure he appreciates your support!! He is lucky to have you. Many on this board have wonderfully supportive partners and it really does make a big difference!!

[kelliac]

.

I was hoping you can suggest a book or two that i can pick up on the subject that you've found to be helpful?  Easy for me to understand and to help him with this new lifestyle?

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A really great starter book is The Gluten Free Bible by Jax Peters Lowell. She has celiac disease and her experiences and advice are worthwhile reading. In fact, this book is a gift I give to all my newly diagnosed friends and family (along with a basket of my favorite gluten-free products). Just met her at a GIG Meeting and believe me, she has a great sense of humor.

[jenvan]

Lola-

Please visit this current link on book recommendations, below. I also recommend you read what other members have to say about the Gluten Free Bible on this thread. Quite a few people here feel it has misinformation in it and caution others on reading it. I have never heard compliants on Danna Korn's book.

Open Original Shared Link

[Lola]

Lola-

Please visit this current link on book recommendations, below.  I also recommend you read what other members have to say about the Gluten Free Bible on this thread.  Quite a few people here feel it has misinformation in it and caution others on reading it.  I have never heard compliants on Danna Korn's book.

Open Original Shared Link

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Ironically, I was reading that thread the other night Jen and decided on the Donna Korn book for us as well. I'm picking up two copies since we each live in in different states.

[Lola]

I have another question...

Are there different levels of intolerence for Gluten? Reason I ask - I read on here how certain people really really get sick if even a little Gluten is in the food. Like the stomach aches and of course, the bowel movement. My boyfriend has not complained to me about stomach aches. Moreso after he eats, we giggle about the mad dash to the mens room.

Can I assume that if he doesn't cut the Gluten from his diet, he can cause damage to his intestines, etc?? Will he become more sensitive to the Gluten as time goes on?