<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>> Prior to elmination of gluten from my diet I had gross ascites for four years which began immediately after open-heart surgery. Within six months after I went on a gluten-free diet the ascites situation ended. I searched the archives at STJOHNS but there were no messages from others on the list who had this experience. I would like to know if this is a rare symptom of celiac disease. I will summarize replies back to the list. Joe Clemens Port Angeles, Washington