Travel Lasvegas

[celiacfreeman]

I just found out I have this Celiac Sprue. How do I Travel. I always get

giant bread pretzel and beer and what ever. Any suggestion would be

appreciated. I havent been feeling bad, just an iron count 8-10.am 43

year old and Still can't believe it.

[seeking-wholeness]

Hi, celiacfreeman!

Welcome to the board! It sounds like you are still in shock, which is totally understandable. I'm sure that there are very few people out there who can just take this sort of news in stride. A diagnosis of celiac disease means an immediate and drastic lifestyle change, even if you have no obvious symptoms--and it sometimes comes out of left field with no warning at all!

I unfortunately don't have any particularly useful suggestions in the travel department; I haven't done much traveling in the three months since I found out I have celiac disease. I only know that it can be done--with planning and preparation. That's the catch, and my husband especially is still struggling to cope with that necessity: our days of carefree socializing with friends at whatever restaurant is most convenient are over! Now we will have to explore new ways of socializing that aren't so dependent on food, or start inviting our friends to visit us for dinner.

Don't be too hard on yourself right now; you'll get past the initial shock soon and be able to start exploring your new culinary options. A year from now, you'll be amazed at your progress! I wish you the best of luck!

[comaward]

Hello,

Your questions about travel and finding food is a very good one. I have learned to travel with some food and then depending on where and how long I am going to be away from home I have food shipped to the hotel that I am staying at and also search out stores (on the web) that carry gluten-free food so that I can buy food. I have traveled to England and across the USA since I was diagnosed with Celiac and have found that if I explain to the waiter/waitress what my needs are they try very hard to find out if an item on the menu is gluten free. I have had chefs come out and talk to me about my needs or bring out an item thats ingredient was in question. Learning to live with Celiac is not easy, however, it is getting easier as the public, airlines, stores buyers, and resturants are being educated in a Celiac's needs. Do travel, don't be afraid to explain what your food limitations are and what you can eat as most places want your business and they will try very hard to meet your needs.

My biggest challenged has been with family and friends who don't understand how a little of something (gluten) will make me so sick.

I still miss going out for pizza, a quick meal from a fast food chain or just being able to pick up a food item at the grocery store without looking at the label.

Good luck is your endeavers. You will make it once you resolve that eating gluten free food is what you have to do to survive. The alternative is not pretty. Virignia, fellow Celica

[seeking-wholeness]

Virginia, what a great idea, having food shipped to your destination if you're going to be staying long enough! I would never have thought of that. Thanks for the tip!

[noglutenallgood]

Celiacfreeman, I am going to Las Vegas at the end of the month. My husband and I are staying at The Excalibur. I emailed their dining department at dining@excalibur.com, the response was a little slow 3 or 4 days, but the chef from Sir Galahad's (one of Excaliburs restaurants) said of course they could accomodate a gluten-free diet. He gave me his number and said I could call him or page the chef on duty when I arrive. I'll let you know how it goes after my trip. Good luck!

[jen-schall]

I call restaurants ahead and talk to chefs, and I bring a lot of food with me. if I'm flying, I typically bring a carry-on that's practically all food! there are some really good gluten-free pretzels made by Glutino and by Ener-G. they're available online. then as you eat, your luggage gets lighter: bonus!

also, there are at least 2 breweries that make gluten-free beer. One is made by the Ramapo Brewing Company. what I miss is whiskey, but I guess that's just too bad for me!

[Kim]

I go to Vegas every year and have not had too many problems. I try to eat at nicer restaurants and they're very accommodating. The buffets are not a great thing for maintaining a gluten-free diet -- even the the "gluten-free" items can get cross contaminated. The only restaurant NOT willing to accommodate me was La Circe. I had a wonderful meal at Nine (at the Palms), in fact, it was so good that we went back a couple nights later. Also avoid the Mexican restaurant at the Palms (very little to eat that is gluten-free and not willing to accommodate). If you really want pretzels, then bring some gluten-free pretzels with you, otherwise, grab a bag of Fritos or potato chips instead. Or, of course, fruit, which you can also find in the casinos. I find that speaking with the manager or host/hostess before being seated about my food "allergy" (restauranteurs seem to understand that word) and usually they'll go over the menu with me and where something isn't usally made gluten-free, they will offer to alter the recipe. I love Vegas and I wouldn't let this dietary restriction keep me from having my fun. Good luck.

[Kim]

I forgot to mention that planning is very helpful. I have explained to my friends that I travel with that picking some place to eat at the last minute that's not an upscale place causes me too much stress and often those are the places where I get an accidental ingestion of gluten. So, we make reservations ahead of time for dinners and we choose restaurants that can accommodate me. Often tiems, I'll have called ahead to ask necessary questions. Questioning the chef is the best way to find this out. Also, I don't usually leave the questioning to someone else (i.e., the concierge) because they just don't understand and there's too much of a chance for error.

Also, if you are really hesitant, you can always bring protein bars with you.