I have recently begun to suspect that I have a problem with wheat/gluten. I have weighed the same since I was 16; I am now 22. I have a BMI of about 15. I don't feel too bad, but I don't look healthy. I have tried to gain weight with no sucess. Food goes right through me. Other symptoms I have had throughout my life that sound typical are frequent, soft poops; bloating and sleepiness after eating; CRAZY gas and burping; and migraines and skin afflictions. I was always severely underweight as a child, and didn't grow at all for 3 years. I have always eaten a great deal of wheat/gluten products.

Has anyone else had a similar experience? And did going off gluten help to solve the problem?

Those are all common symptoms. You should probably be tested for it.

Except for the skin problems, that sounds about like how I was, especially the "CRAZY gas" you speak of. Kinda embarrassing when you can't help the gas and you're in a car with 4 relatives and the realtor! (really embarrassing, actually) I'm 20, and was diagnosed when I was 12. I haven't grown much in my middle and highschool years; I went from a small 4'7" (and 75lbs) in 7th grade to a subaverage 5'3" (and ~105lbs) around 10th grade and probably stand a good 5'3.5" right now. For me, regardless of how I eat, I usually don't gain much. I have noticed that school affects my weight; during the summer I average 105lbs and during the school year I average between 110 and 115lbs. I guess it's the regular eating that puts weight on me. i suggest eating three meals a day, including a hearty breakfast. Vitamins and things like Carnation Instant Breakfast help me. Personally, I strongly suggest taking a multivitamin daily, preferably the 100% and not the supplements; the amount of nutrients you lose while not being gluten-free are great and can lead to malnutrition. I myself looked a little malnourished before going gluten-free.

Good luck! Eating gluten-free today is much easier than it was when I was first diagnosed, so staying gluten-free shouldn't be a problem!

(p.s.- I was a bread fiend also :-P I loved most everything baked, so going gluten-free was a little hard for me, especially since I couldn't have my favorite, French Toast from Perkins)

That is me on the weight too. I am 53 now and weigh 106. I have been married 33 years and weighed 99 pounds when I got married. I was always the smallest, skinniest,shortest child until high school. Iwas also a late bloomer. I had all sorts of itchy rashes growing up. I have a little sister that is celiac. I can't believe it took so long for me to find out. I have been gluten free since January 1, 2007.

This is me as well. My BMI was also 15 for long time and I looked like an emaciated freak for most of college. I managed to gain about 10-15 lbs by force feeding massive amounts last year, but haven't been able to pack on any more. Plus, i spend such a large chunk of my life between eating and goign to the bathroom that something must not be right! I feel like the bulemic who doesn't want to be.

I am also hoping that gluten might be to blame, but I don't know yet--it's only day 2 of gluten free.