New Diagnosis.....Question On Eliminating

[madiva87]

I just got diagnosed last week and I'm devastated with the changes I'll have to make as I love my food! My question is, is it better to slowly back off on the gluten or should I do a "cold turkey"?

5 years ago I lost 60 lbs and had to change my way of eating, but that seems like a piece of cake next to this. Although this would explain my health "issues" over the years. My Anti thyroglubin level was off the charts several years ago and I had a positive ANA. How the diagnosis came out is that my bone density has decreased significally over the last test 18 mo ago. And I always thought I just had IBS for my odd bathroom habits. But still I'm devastated. I actually called the Doctor's office today and asked to have the results faxed to me so I could see it for myself. I know the lady answering the phone probably thought I was a nut! But she said she would give the message to the Doctor.

Any advice with dealing is greatly appreciated. Thanks!!!

[ciavyn]

I just got diagnosed last week and I'm devastated with the changes I'll have to make as I love my food! My question is, is it better to slowly back off on the gluten or should I do a "cold turkey"?

5 years ago I lost 60 lbs and had to change my way of eating, but that seems like a piece of cake next to this. Although this would explain my health "issues" over the years. My Anti thyroglubin level was off the charts several years ago and I had a positive ANA. How the diagnosis came out is that my bone density has decreased significally over the last test 18 mo ago. And I always thought I just had IBS for my odd bathroom habits. But still I'm devastated. I actually called the Doctor's office today and asked to have the results faxed to me so I could see it for myself. I know the lady answering the phone probably thought I was a nut! But she said she would give the message to the Doctor.

Any advice with dealing is greatly appreciated. Thanks!!!

Cold turkey. It's easier. Otherwise, it's like backing into cold water. Every step is painful, and your system will continue to be screwed up until you are finally off.

And just wait until you are! This is a wonderful world of healthy, whole foods! As someone who has done an awesome job already making him/herself healthier by shedding pounds, you will love all the healthy foods. And believe me - your tastebuds will adapt. I crave my gluten free breads, my healthy snacks, even my amazing dinners. Believe me, with the right attitude and a willingness to open up to a whole new world of cooking and baking, you will be making things that taste even better, simply because you started trying things you never would have bothered with before.

The adjustment is hard...but trust me, over time, it truly is rewarding, you will eat healthier and your family will think you've become a cooking genius (my MIL just called me today to tell me my gluten free dinner that I made them last night was the best meal they've ever had...even my FIL said so, which he NEVER says to anyone. ). And feel free to post all over this board about your questions, concerns, and curiosities. People on here have so much experience and are willing to help you every step of the way.

Welcome!!

[Reba32]

Cold turkey is the best way to go. The ONLY way to treat Celiac disease is by totally avoiding gluten products. If you continue to eat products with gluten in them, then you will never get healthy.

For every gluten containing product, there is a gluten free alternative. There's really nothing to miss!

[ravenwoodglass]

You need to go cold turkey. You want to stop the antibodies and even a little bit will keep that antibody reaction active. It is hard at first but you can do it. Ask any questions you need to, read as much as you can and feel free to vent if needed.

[sandsurfgirl]

I am new to this, only 2 weeks into the diet. I have definitely gone through the stages of grieving. You need to give yourself time to process all those emotions, because there will be many of them.

Feeling better and seeing the results of the diet on my health are big motivators. I have my sadness over some things, but I've found great gluten free versions. Pretty much anything I want to eat I can make at home.

Let yourself feel all those emotions and journal about them. Talk to friends, post here. Those things have been really helpful for me. This board has been great.

I'm Italian and the pasta and pizza thing has really been a hard one for me. I found a great brown rice pasta, but haven't tried a pizza yet because I'm dairy free during this healing time. But I think there will always be sadness when friends want to hit an Italian restaurant and I either can't eat there or have to have salad or whatever. But my health is so much more important than any restaurant.