Has anyone had trouble with gluten? I feel like a big ball of crap!!! I'm 3 years post op and these issues are troubling me. My weight has went up 15lbs in no time, constipation is a daily feat, hip and joint pain are awful, and I cannot stay awake for very long during the day, I forget stuff....like things I have known for years....easily! My tummy bloats up and I look pregnant and I just feel bad. I've had tests ran and am getting ready for more, but until that point I was told to stay away from lactose which I already know causes problems and to stay away from gluten. I can do that, however it's a struggle. There's so many things with the dreaded G word! I've basically stopped eating out cause I don't know what they put in our foods really and I'm researching and doing my best to experiment. I guess I was wondering if anyone here has has a problem with wheat or gluten and if so do you have any pointers and is there a particular protein brand that you use for shakes. I've put a call into my nutritionist, but she is out for a week. I know they will help me when they're back....they're wonderful about steering me in the right direction. I just need help before that. I feel overwhelmed as I'm typing this and just feel bad overall. Thank you to whoever reads this and I appreciate your time. :'( I just want to feel better again!

Have you had your thyroid levels checked?

Are you taking a good probiotic with live enzymes? You may have an overgrowth of yeast in your gut.

whey natural is good and through my Dr office I get Medi Pro meal essentials. You may need to switch to an egg or soy Protein.

If eggs I would just buy pasteurized ones and add them to soy milk, almond milk or juice with vanilla or carob and fruit.

Also watch your ingredients on soy milk they add a lot. The only one I have found with not sugar and not a lot of additives is Westsoy organic unsweetened. Only ingredients are soy Beans and Water. It is found at Randall's/Safeway in the coffee aisle.

I stay away from all prepackaged foods, breads or Pasta. By making yourself you know what is in it. If you like bread or pasta make your own using non wheat flours.

If you have kids get them to make it they think it is fun.

I am gluten "intolerant", and found this out over a year ago. I'm a label hawk, and a majority of restaurants will accommodate GF diners - just ask for the GF or allergen menu. There are some that aren't just there yet...like the Cheesecake Factory.

It's certainly a challenge at first, but you do get used to it. Gluten is used in the stupidest things...things you'd never suspect.

But as mentioned above, rule out other issues before assuming it's a gluten issue. Intolerance is hard to actually test for, unlike celiacs. I didn't test positive for celiacs, even though it's in my family. But after I removed gluten from my diet I felt 1000% better - that's how I know. If I have gluten now, I get sick, blotted, etc. Don't need a PhD for that!

Best of luck to you!

Thank you both so much!!! I appreciate your input and help!!

I am a Celiac and had been feeling just as you described for years!!!! As soon as I was diagnosed, I went gluten free and I kid you not within two weeks I felt 80% better with less pain and had 70% more energy. I also lost 17 lbs in 4 weeks (I have not had my surgery yet), and the puffiness in my stomach and face decreased significantly. You just have to educate yourself and be a label freak-- we are lucky that many places carry gluten free options. It has definitively been a life style change but it has been worth it. Try it for two weeks and see if you feel a difference. To keep it simple I would say eat any fruit or veggie you choose and most meats are ok--really watch out for cold cuts and sausages though. Again it does suck at first but the benefits out weight the downsides.