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Thanks to all who answered my email!  I needed a pep talk! There were  over 
30 responses.  I appreciate the support and stories from all of  you.  So many 
had similar stories making me feel like I am not alone. If  anyone would like 
a copy of all my responses, I put them into one word document,  and I would be 
happy to forward them to you.  Please email me  if you come up with any other 
suggestions.  
 
Many experienced the same initial rapid weight gain (anywhere from 12-50  
pounds) with difficulty losing it.  Women, especially after menopause,  found it 
difficult to lose.
 
Only 2 people said they lost  weight after going gf.
 
Many suggested seeing a dietician and doctor.  A list of dieticians by  state 
is available at _www.glutenfreedietitian.com_ 
(http://www.glutenfreedietitian.com) 
 
Reasons- some people gave explanations for why this was happening-
-because your body is new to the gf diet, it takes time to adjust to the  
absorption of nutrients, metabolism will adjust in time.
-before being diagnosed with Celiac, the body exchanged muscle for fat to  
survive starvation, it may take 5 years before the brain realizes that it is not 
 starving and begins to change fat to muscle.
 
 
Suggestions were as follows:
- eat smaller portions
-exercise more
-drink lots of water
-eat plenty of protein
-count calories- gf food is typically higher in calories
-keep a food journal- that way you can see how much you are eating- helpful  
to bring to a dietician
-cut back on sugar
- stay away from  gf baked goods- they are high in calories
-try a low carb diet
-try the Atkins diet
-Weight Watchers was a successful plan for a few people
-Arbonne- a weight loss system that is gf 
 
Suggested web sites
- _www.glutenfreedietitian.com_ (http://www.glutenfreedietitian.com) 
- _www.sparkpeople.com_ (http://www.sparkpeople.com) - calorie  counting web 
site and help setting goals for weight loss
- _www.fityummytummy.com_ (http://www.fityummytummy.com)  - eating  and 
exercise advice
- _http://www.sprouts-digital.com/sprouts/20090102/_ 
(http://www.sprouts-digital.com/sprouts/20090102/)  an  article on metabolism
 
Suggested books
-"Why Stomach Acid is Good for You" by Dr. Wright- if stomach acid is too  
low, you do not absorb nutrients.  Herbal bitters and Betaine HCL  supplements  
have helped.
-"Thyroid Power-10 Steps to Total Health" by Richard and Karilee Shames-  
check for hypothyroidism if thyroid tests come back normal.  Hypothyroidism  is 
hard to diagnose and treat.
 
 
The bottom line is being gf means being on the road to a healthier  life. The 
weight problem will be resolved with time and effort.
 
Thank you!
Carol 
**************You can't always choose whom you love, but you can choose how 
to find them. Start with AOL Personals. 
(http://personals.aol.com/?ncid=emlcntuslove00000002)

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