Two years have passed since my celiac diagnosis, and although it sometimes feels like a lifetime, it has been exactly two years of living and learning with celiac disease. Here’s a clear update on where I am now—what’s improved, what’s still a challenge, and how life looks on a strict gluten-free diet.
Healing Takes Time.
Overall, I feel much better than I did before my celiac diagnosis. Symptoms that once dominated daily life have eased, and energy levels are noticeably improved. Still, recovery from celiac disease is a gradual process, and some medical markers and complications take longer to resolve than others. Two years in, there are wins and ongoing concerns, and I wanted to share both.
Celiac Antibodies and Upper Endoscopy
My blood work tracks several antibodies used to monitor celiac disease. The Deamidated Gliadin Peptide IgG (DGP IgG) has returned to normal, which was a very encouraging sign. However, my Tissue Transglutaminase IgA (tTG IgA) has decreased significantly but remains elevated. That stubborn elevation prompted my doctor to recommend a repeat upper endoscopy (EGD) and biopsy to confirm how the small intestine is healing.
The endoscopy results were reassuring: the biopsy showed normal villous architecture. In plain terms, the finger-like villi in my small intestine that were damaged by celiac disease have regenerated and are looking healthy. My specialist interpreted the biopsy as a positive response to the gluten-free diet, which was a huge relief. Even though I already felt better, seeing evidence that the gut lining was repairing helped quiet a lot of uncertainty.
I also wanted to mention the experience of the procedure itself. Both times I’ve had the EGD, I felt oddly half-awake, a bit gaggy, and I could hear voices and bits of conversation. When I think back on it, it feels dreamlike and disorienting. If you’ve had similar reactions to sedation during endoscopy, you’re not alone—that hazy aftereffect is strange but not unusual.
Low Bone Mass
Bone health remains an issue. My most recent bone scan still shows low bone mass, which is a recognized complication of celiac disease for some people. I’m working with my specialist and trying to prioritize calcium and vitamin D through diet and recommended supplements. I’m also trying to include more dairy and calcium-rich foods where I can, though I admit I could be more consistent. I’m scheduled for another bone scan and follow-up this summer to track any improvement.
Unwanted Side Effect of Healing: Weight Gain
One unexpected change since adopting a strict gluten-free diet has been gradual weight gain. It can be frustrating—especially when I eat mindfully and keep up a regular exercise routine. Part of what’s happening is likely improved nutrient absorption as the gut heals, which can lead to weight changes. That explanation doesn’t make it any less annoying, but it does help make sense of the shift. I’m continuing to focus on healthy habits and realistic expectations as my body adjusts.
Navigating Food and Social Situations
Dining out and attending social events feel a lot less intimidating now than in the early months after diagnosis. I intentionally choose restaurants with reliable gluten-free menus or established protocols. That reduces risk and makes the experience more enjoyable. At family gatherings and parties I’ve learned to tell people not to worry about preparing special dishes for me—bringing a snack or eating beforehand keeps things simple and spares others the stress.
There are still awkward moments, like attending a wedding where I knew there would be nothing safe to eat. I planned ahead, grabbed a bite between the ceremony and reception, and enjoyed the celebration anyway. Sometimes the small practical tricks—eating beforehand, bringing a safe treat, or scouting the venue for a quiet spot—make all the difference. And yes, those moments when everyone else is eating can be the perfect time to use the restroom without waiting in line.
So that’s my two-year update: improved symptoms, encouraging biopsy results, continued attention to bone health, and some adjustment to body changes along the way. Happy gluten-free anniversary to me. If you want to read more details about how this all started or what the first year was like, look for my diagnosis story and my one-year update on this site.