Home of Gluten-Free Society › Forums › All Gluten Free All The Time › Excessive weight loss after going off wheat

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  • December 22, 2011 at 2:28 pm #8180
    Teresa ReinhardTeresa
    Member

    I went gluten free (no wheat, barley, or rye) in May 2011 on the advice of my nurse who I saw for my annual well-woman exam.  I no longer experience gut pain which I have had for the past 20 years and my blood pressure is normal (it was consistently borderline high for years.) I am on no medications, except for topical bio-identical hormones and vitamins. Tested negative for celiac, however tested positive for gluten sensitivity using the check swab method. Genetic test indicated both alleles inherited from my parents are positive for gluten sensitivity (DQ3 and DQ1).

    Last January I also saw a gastroenterologist (due to the gut pain) who did a colonoscopy, endoscopy, etc and diagnosed IBS and GERD. He did test for celiac disease, but never mentioned gluten intolerance. He prescribed Prilosec for the GERD and a muscle relaxant for the gut pain…I stopped taking these after I saw the nurse who suggested gluten may be the problem.

    However, I am concerned I lost 20 pounds. I am 5' 9'' and weighed about 145 before going off of wheat, barley and rye. I would like to gain back 10 pounds. I was very deficient in vitamins D and A, so am supplementing with both as well as some other vitamins. Perhaps just cutting many carbs resulted in the weight loss and/or perhaps I am experiencing malabsorption of nutrients?

    Based on what I have been reading from this site, I will also cut corn and rice too to see how that affects my health. However, I am concerned I will lose even more weight. My appetite is good and I eat meat, fowl, fish, diary, fresh organic vegetables, and occasional fruits. On the positive side, I feel great, have good energy, sleep well, etc. Just getting too skinny!

    Any thoughts on the weight loss and how to put some weight back on. Is this a normal reaction and will the weight come back after awhile?

    Laugh

    December 22, 2011 at 5:07 pm #9554
    Jacqueline ScarbroughJackie Scarbrough
    Participant

    I had the same type of situation you are describing with weight loss, although I don't consider it “normal”….for me it turned out to be leaky gut with severe malabsorption.  You can order tests for malabsorption yourself through enterolab.  As far as the weight coming back: I lost over twenty pounds, most of that since going grain free.  I have been grain free (also dairy, soy, and refined sugar free) for over a year and a half.  I did not gain any weight after going grain free, but I know it's better for me in the long run.  My doctor ran some tests and I ended up needing digestive enzymes, l-glutamine which is an amino acid to help heal leaky gut, and high dose probiotics.  I also have many other food intolerances which contribute to inflammation and leaky gut.  Since starting all this I've gained about five pounds, which I am delighted for, but I'd still like to gain at least five more to be at a healthy BMI. 

    I would recommend that you find a good functional medicince doctor in your area.

    December 23, 2011 at 1:56 pm #9556
    Rita BrayRita Bray
    Participant

    How many calories are you eating each day?

     

    Do you know how many you need for your size and activity level?

     

    Cool

    December 24, 2011 at 10:41 pm #9564
    Peter OsbornePeter Osborne
    Keymaster

    Normal.  If you are feeling that good, don't worry about the weight.  It will stabilize.  Merry Christmas!

    December 26, 2011 at 8:57 pm #9568
    Teresa ReinhardTeresa
    Member

    I don't count calories…I eat at least three times a day, Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. I frequently have a mid morning snack too and something about 4 pm.  I run occasionally, and practice yoga about 3 to 4 times a week. I have always been slender even when I ate gluten, but have dropped about 18-20 pounds since eliminating gluten. My nurse thinks my BMI is okay, it's about 18.  I just am worried if I stop all grains, including corn and rice, I will drop even more weight.  I increased my fat intake, raw unsalted nuts, avocados, eggs, coconut oil, olive oil, cheese, etc, along with meat daily.

    May sound like a desireable thing to most people, but I do not want to be too thin.

    December 26, 2011 at 8:57 pm #9569
    Teresa ReinhardTeresa
    Member
    December 26, 2011 at 10:36 pm #9570
    Rita BrayRita Bray
    Participant

    I understand completely.  I lost weight after I stopped eating ALL grains and some other things.  I weigh 99 lbs and I am 5'1 1/2 “.   Dr. Osborne advises eating a 1/3 protein, 1/3 carbohydrates and 1/3 fats.   (Click on Glutenology link and watch tutorial #13.)  As long as you are feeling good, I would not be to concerned.

    Cool

    December 27, 2011 at 10:53 am #9571
    Teresa ReinhardTeresa
    Member

    Thanks for all the feedback. I will take a look at video 13. 

    Reviewing my diet, I have also inadvertently reduced a lot of sugar that goes with all the flour products, i.e. cake, cookies, crackers, donuts, etc. 

    I appreciate the support this site offers.

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