Celiac Disease Before and After Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Tijuana Bariatrics attracts patients from across the border because of its record of safety and affordability. Our network of bariatric surgeons achieve excellent results, helping patients lose weight quickly and safely through gastric sleeve surgery and other bariatric procedures.
A number of patients interested in bariatric surgery have questions about gluten allergies and celiac disease. Let's cover these matters in brief right now.
Understanding Gluten
Before we discuss celiac disease and gluten intolerance, we should provide a quick word about gluten and examples foods that contain gluten.
Gluten is a type of protein that is found in wheat as well as grains such as barley and rye. Gluten is what gives bread its chewy texture and lends elasticity to dough.
About Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is a type of autoimmune disorder that affects the digestive tract. When a person with celiac disease eats foods with gluten in them, it results in damage to the lining of the small intestine. This can result in serious digestive problems, skin rashes, anemia, cramps and body pains, ulcers, and changes to your menstrual cycle.
It's estimated that 1 out of 100 people worldwide suffers from celiac disease.
People with celiac disease will want to avoid the following foods to prevent pain and discomfort:
- Wheat of all kinds
- Couscous
- Matzo
- Semolina
- Durum
- Farina
- Faro
- Spelt
Your doctor will be able to provide you with a more comprehensive list of foods to avoid.
Is celiac disease the same as gluten intolerance/allergies?
Celiac disease and gluten allergies are not the same thing. The former is an autoimmune disorder, while the latter refers to a heightened sensitivity to gluten products, which can cause a variety of mild to severe symptoms.
In fact, the whole notion of gluten intolerance remains up for debate, meaning that some people may not be suffering from an actual gluten intolerance but buying into a gluten-free food and marketing fad. Celiac disease, however, is a real condition and is scientifically proven to exist.
Can I undergo gastric sleeve surgery if I suffer from celiac disease?
Yes.
Many people who suffer from celiac and are morbidly obese do undergo gastric sleeve in order to lose weight and improve their health. It is safe and effective. The revised diet after undergoing bariatric surgery is typically gluten-free, meaning that patients with celiac disease will still be able to eat balanced diets.
Can bariatric surgery cause celiac disease or gluten intolerance?
In some cases, bariatric surgery patients have developed a gluten intolerance or even acquired celiac disease after the procedure. The exact mechanism for the condition has yet to be identified, though some suggest that it may be due to the shock to the system from undergoing surgery.
However, a procedure such as gastric sleeve surgery involves less revision to the digestive tract and intestine. In addition, should gluten intolerance develop, patients who've undergone bariatric surgery should not notice a severe impact on their post-surgery diet habits.
Is gastric sleeve right for me?
In order to get answers to this and other questions, it's important that you visit our practice for a consultation. This will allow you to ask questions and get the answers you need to make a confident decision about weight loss surgery.
Learn More About Weight Loss Surgery
For more information about the advantages of gastric sleeve and other surgical weight loss options, be sure to contact our bariatric surgery center today.