Lightweight To Begin With

[Goof]

Hi gang,

So one of the things that tipped me off to my gluten intolerance was that I lost about 15 lbs in about 6 months. I'm not a big guy to begin with - 5'6", normally 115-120 lbs.

To those of you that lost weight - how long did it take to get it back? I'm not the most patient person in the world, so I'm just trying to keep from getting frustrated.

Thanks guys!!!!

[MNMAC]

I lost about 40 pounds in only 3 months, going from 200 to 160. I was very concerned with my weight loss and in a hurry to put the pounds back on after going gluten-free, becoming obsessed with how many calories I was eating during the day, writing it down and trying to get myself to eat more day after day. Nothing changed and I was frustrated and still not feeling all that good. Then I read on here about how important it was to focus on my proteins and not calories. Since then I have put away the notebook and try not to worry about my weight. In the matter of days I felt alot better, had more energy and started to see things in a more positive way. I am more happy now then I was at 200 lbs. and can build my body up in a much more healthier way, I see it almost like a second chance. So don't stress about the pounds you lost, focus on what kinds of things are good for your body and make you feel good, The rest will take care of itself. I am up 5 pounds since my new approach and have this forum to thank for it. I am no expert but things will get better.

[GlutenGladi8or]

Then I read on here about how important it was to focus on my proteins and not calories.

Pure and simple the above is the answer. If you have can, opt for all natural/organic proteins. And, by all means, the leaner the better:

- Low fat/Non Fat Yogurt

- Lean turkey breast

- Fish

- Low fat chicken sausages

- Pork tenderloin

- LF cottage cheese

- Egg whites

You'll get back up there!

[jelina]

I also lost a great deal of weight after getting sick, going down to a bmi of 14. I didn't gain weight (after trying everything else) until I went on an elimination diet (which included eliminating gluten.) Beware of the possible "hypermetabolic mode" that some of us go through. Basically, your metabolism rate might shoot up such that no matter how much it seems like you're eating, you won't gain weight right away.

So, I was eating 3000-4000 calories a day for a while and didn't start gaining for 2-3 weeks. Don't get discouraged! Oh, and keep in mind that you need some extra protein to rebuild your tissue; however, your body prefers burning calories from fats and carbs. I never could gain weight on a low-carb diet; I never would make it passed the hypermetabolic mode.

[Goof]

Thanks guys!! I'm just getting tired of answering "Have you lost weight?" when I go to church every week. "Yes, I know, I look skinny. No, it's nothing I can't treat or deal with. Yes, I'm going in the right direction." Got the answer down pat! I think I'm going to get a T-Shirt made up that says "I've lost both weight and gluten, and never felt better!"

I've definitely been focusing on protein, trying to get it in each of my 3 meals everyday. Lean chicken (love the meat from Whole Foods!), nuts, etc.

jelina - Thanks for mentioning the "hypermetabolic mode." Never really thought about that. I've always had a high metabolism to begin with (not sure if there was a relation to gluten), so it probably just kicked into a higher gear than it was already in. That's a big encourangement!

[jelina]

Sure thing! And don't worry, hypermetabolic mode has an end and your appetite will adjust accordingly.

[GlutenGladi8or]

Unless you have an egg allergy, you can include eggs into your diet for some killer protein. Egg white omelets or even a hard boiled egg before bed or as a snack.

I may also recommend a protein shake for those "fill in" snacks.

Keep eating LEAN protein and you'll pack on LEAN pounds.

Keep us posted.

[Goof]

Well, I did stop counting calories and focusing big time on the protein. I've been trying to make sure that I get some protein with each meal every day, even just something as simple as some nuts as a snack. While the scale hasn't moved a whole lot (maybe 1 or 2 lbs.), I do see a difference when I look in the mirror, particualarly in my arms and legs. And the pants I wore to work today are a bit snug right now (probably makes my backside look good! ). So it's coming back slowly, which I expected. Which, from what I understand, it's better that I put in on slowly and methodically, because it will be both healthier and will stick better.

Thanks for the encouragement guys!!

[Fire Fairy]

I think I'm going to get a T-Shirt made up that says "I've lost both weight and gluten, and never felt better!"

I'll take one of those tee shirts.

[Nireen]

I'll take one of those tee shirts.

Hi All, Thanks for the post it does give me some comfort. I recently (two weeks) went gluten free and I have dropped about 7 or 8 pounds in the last two weeks. I am so concerned of this. I am a petit person to start with at a height of 5 feet 7 inches and am weighing now 116 pounds. I have always been slim anyway but this is to slim now and seems to be continuing to drop. I am very sick right now since going gluten free. Actually I have been house bound for almost 20 years with Chronic Fatique, Multiple Chemical Sensitivities and recently realized the gluten issue. I have spent the last 4 years cleansing, my body and trying to build and this has helped me greatly! but! was still hitting a brick wall. I am amazed at the changes I do feel from elimating the gluten. I am HUNGRY! Have not felt that since I was a kid. But i am experiencing allot of suffering now.