Gluten sensitivity after BPDDS

I had Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch in 2002. Have gained back about 30 lbs recently, so I started a "diet" to lose the weight. The first 2 weeks no carbs were allowed at all. It was all meat and veggies. I noticed after 2 days of this, all of the horrible digestive issues I have had since surgery resolved, and I was "normal" for the first time in years. Since the surgery I had been enduring terrible diarrhea, bloating, cramps, extremely stinky gas and bowel movements. I was so embarrassed if I had to use the bathroom away from home, and some days I was simply unable to leave the house in the mornings because I would keep going to the bathroom for a couple of hours off and on. This all resolved when I removed breads and pasta. Basically, wheat products. So I started checking into Gluten Sensitivity. Had blood work showing no Celiac Disease, but as soon as I ate bread, the symptoms came back. After looking into gluten intolerance, I found that it results from the small intestine being unable to process/absorb all required nutrients. Huh. I have 4 feet of small intestine that absorbs. That simply has been a terrible problem. Not only do I not absorb nutrients and vitamins, but I don't absorb my prescription medications the way I should. And now it looks like I have to add gluten sensitivity as well. Never had it before surgery. Lactose intolerance as well. I have to take nearly 50 medications a day to get the proper amount into my bloodstream. Has anyone had these problems? I swear it has been so bad I just don't know that I would have had this surgery if I knew it would be like this...

I'm sorry that I don't have any answers, but your gluten problems sounded horrible. I just wanted to say, thank heavens you found out it and were able to stop it!

Angie in Missouri, US

I had a gluten sensitivity BEFORE I was even considering surgery, so I know how you feel! What I learned was incredibly helpful and I hope it can help you too. I started seeing a naturopath (not saying you have to, just what I did because I knew one I could trust) and they did a bunch of allergy tests on me. Gluten came up as "intolerant", but not necessarily allergic like a Celiac. So for 3 months they took me completely off gluten. And all of my symptoms went away! Luckily there is a gluten free grocery store and bakery near me, and it's becoming more main stream to have gluten free options on menus. Some of the gluten free options actually taste amazing and I crave them instead of gluten! Sorry, I got off of my point for a second. After 3 months of no gluten, they said I could start introducing it back into my system again, since I'm not "allergic", I'm just "intolerant". After a slow reintroduction, I started eating it again and have had no problems since then. This was about 3 years ago and I haven't thought about it since. Perhaps a gluten "cleanse" will work for you too? Where are you located, I could have my doctor recommend someone in your area, if you're interested? Oh and there are tons of websites with gluten free recipes or where you can order your gluten free meals. I hope this helps! Good luck to you!

Actually I did see a homeopathic physician about 8 months ago and at that time got the same results as you - intolerant but not celiac. That result as well as the fact of how all the horrible symptoms resolved when i stopped ingesting gluten made me a believer. So i started reading everything i could get my hands on. And after learning of how gluten is processed through a normal small intestine, and that "the small intestine of gluten intolerant individuals is unable to absorb nutrients properly", a light bulb went off! I've not absorbed nutrients properly since 20 feet of my small intestine was bypassed! But I digress. Sometimes it is harder than others today push that bread away or afford that gluten free pasta but it has become a necessary chore if I wish to feel well. There is not a lot on the international regarding gluten intolerance after bpdds, and I wanted to find out more so I thought this might be a good place. ALSO, FYI, MY HUBBY HAD RNY IN 2005 WITH NO GLUTEN ISSUES SINCE... Hmmmm...

I am gluten intolerant as well and noticed you live in Western Wa. Who is your naturepath and what store are you using to buy your gluten free products? I know Marlenes deli is up in Federal Way. just curious as I am always looking for a good NP and a good helath food store.

Thanks

Sharon

Dr. Bruce Lantelme with Robinhood Integrative Health, on Robinhood Rd, Winston Salem, NC. He is excellent, very knowledgeable about alternative medicine. (I was a non-believer until I saw him). Robinhoodintegrativehealth.com. Also, there is a Freshmarket store across from his office, a Whole Foods market on Miller Street in Winston Salem, and a Trader Joe's in Thruway shopping center just opened (also Winston Salem). We have a very large farmers market in Greensboro, NC, and I am lucky that even though I live in a tiny little town, we have a great farmers market here as well. I could never give up my meat, but I certainly do like fresh veggies of all kinds!

Sorry, in my newbie status to the site I think I may have gotten confused and posted my doc and grocery info in error...

That's exactly what a lot of us are finding. We have surgical short gut. Meds have to be adjust away from extended release, we have to take a boatload of vitamins and we still malabsorb protein and fat years post-op. You were one of the pioneers of this surgery and probably weren't told all the ramifications because the surgeons just didn't know. I'm glad you've figured things out but sorry you've had to learn so much on your own without the benefit of other DS vets.

--gina

Wow, Gina, I can't thank you enough for your post. It is so great to have someone else confirm what I have said for years. In 2002, there were very few patients who had been over 10 years post-op. And even with supplemental vitamins, minerals, iron, protein, my bloodwork is always low. Borderline anemia, vitamin D deficiency, low vitamin B(especially B12). And yep, every dr needs to be reminded not to prescribe extended release meds. I was told that ingesting large quantities of fatty foods would cause stomach upset but not to the degree that I have experienced on a daily basis since I recovered from surgery. And I am truly happy to have realized how this small (4 feet) small intestine has caused gluten intolerance and that changing my diet can make me "normal" again. And yes, like most people, I lost a tremendous amount of weight, had several health issues resolve, I just think that in some ways I traded one set of issues for others. My husband had an RNY in 2005 and has had to deal with dumping syndrome and sometimes still overeats causing him to feel sick, but that's about it. I appreciate so much anyone who can take the time to listen to my ramblings with an open mind. I wish the best for anyone who has a large amount of weight to lose. But I needed to find someplace where anyone else might have dealt with these same issues. I have felt so alone at times.

Count me in (at almost seven years out) to the gluten intolerant camp.   I do not just have gastrointestinal issues, but severe joint pain, brain fog and edema as well.    I am just coming off a bender that left me in the emergency room with joint pain so severe that I could not move my shoulders, and had to be given IV steroids.    The culprit?   bagels.   It seems to be worse when I eat highly refined white flour/low fat items, such as bagels, pita bread and crackers.    I happened to have not one, but two bagels the other day, knowing full well that it was a stupid move, and woke up the next morning a hot mess.   The issue seems to worsen the farther out I am.    

I now have to make a serious commitment (instead of a halfway one, as I was) to avoiding gluten.     It's gotta go.    Did I trade in one set of issues for another?  Sure, but truly?   I'd take this set of issues ANY DAY over the ones I had before - pre-diabetes, hypertension, humiliation, impaired immobility, discomfort, lack of career advancement based on prejudicial attitudes about obesity, poor self-esteem, etc., etc.