This month, I’m blogging about Celiac disease. Because you will inevitably know someone with this autoimmune disease in your lifetime, my hope is to help you understand what it’s all about so that you can be a better friend, father, sister, chef, etc. to that person. If you have celiac disease, or think you might, I hope this information helps you personally. If you don’t, I hope that you will still read along throughout the month to get a better understanding of what I and 3 million others in the United States experience.
You can't tell from this angle because of the pleats, but I looked almost as pregnant as the mom we were having the baby shower for! Photo taken in March 2011, 5 months before my diagnosis.
My body has been through a lot in the past few years. Before my celiac diagnosis, I was incredibly bloated most of the time, looking almost pregnant. I went through a phase of only being able to wear dresses or elastic waist skirts because my pants didn’t fit. When I cut out gluten, the bloating went away almost instantly, and clothes that I hadn’t been able to wear in a long time actually fit again.
As I pulled out my summer clothes a few weeks ago, many of my shorts were too tight. I stepped on the scale and hadn’t gained any weight, but then I measured my waist and realized that I’ve gained a good inch. I assume that the fact that my body is finally able to absorb nutrients properly has also caused my waist to fill out a bit, and I am perfectly ok with that. I am not ok with wearing too tight clothes that are uncomfortable and unflattering though. Not to mention, I am still figuring out my food intolerances aside from gluten which makes for some decent bloating after many meals. A bloated tummy does not look great in a form fitted tank top. I needed something more forgiving.
Thankfully I have a personal stylist as a mom, so last week we went shopping for new clothes. I can’t tell you how good it felt to try on things that fit around the waist. It made me realize just how much I had been putting my poor abdomen through by squeezing into my old clothes. Because my mom is so good at what she does, we were finished shopping in an hour and a half. I bought some shorts, a few dresses, and some looser tops. Now I can eat a meal and still have room to wiggle if I need it. Much better!
you are beautiful inside and out! It’s fun to buy new clothes because you are healthier!
I hear you! I was constantly bloated before my diagnosis and since going 100% gluten free the change in me is huge. I feel so much healthier and clothes look much better on me too 🙂
You look beautiful. Enjoy your shopping with your mum!