Question:
Has anybody been told they can not have milk ever again?
I have been told by Dr. Oh and his staff to stay completely away from milk. He stated I would not be able to drink milk again for the rest of my life. — Randy Childers (posted on February 11, 2001)
February 11, 2001
check the label on your milk - the sugar grams are higher than the protein
grams so it is not a good food source for most of us. lactose intolerance
is also common for some post ops. a calcium supplement will do more for you
than a glass of milk.
— Sue R.
February 11, 2001
Hello! I had open VGB with RNY and gallbladder removal about
5 months ago. I have no problem drinking milk. Take care.
— Sharon M.
February 11, 2001
A small percentage of RNY patients develop lactose intolerance post-op
(sudden onset of nausea, abdominal cramping, diarrhea, etc...after intake
of dairy products, particularly milk). If it's going to be a problem at
all, patients usually notice the onset a few weeks post-op. Some patients
will "outgrow" it; others will not ever be able to tolerate milk
and other milk products again; some patients have to give up milk, but do
fine with cheeses. Patients who develop lactose intolerance generally do
well by drinking lactose-free milk, and taking over-the-counter Lactaid
tablets before meals containing dairy products. Some patients just avoid
the hassle and avoid dairy altogether; patients receive adequate calcium
from their vitamin and calcium supplements. Lactose intolerance is the
only reason I can think of to avoid milk post-op; it's a great source of
protein. Ask your doctor to be specific about his reasons. Good luck!
— Diana T.
February 12, 2001
I had an open RNY 12/4/00. I cannot tolerate milk, but am ok with most
other dairy. The exception is "rich" dairy like ice cream, sour
cream, etc. Cheese is not a problem. I don't miss milk, but do miss having
a bowl of cereal from time to time. As others have said, milk is not a
particularly beneficial source of protein and you can acquire your calcium
needs through supplements or other sources of dairy.
— Susan S.
February 12, 2001
There are good reasons besides lactose intolerance to avoid milk. The
calcium and protein in milk are not well-utilized by RNY patients because
the part of the small intestine where they are usually absorbed -- the
duodenum -- has been bypassed. Lactose, on the other hand, is a simple
sugar which is completely absorbed. That means that milk gives little more
in the way of nutrition than, say, a regular Pepsi. Drinking high calorie
liquids of any kind, milk included, can defeat the surgery. Because of the
impaired calcium absorption after RNY, you will need calcium citrate
supplements (not carbonate, oyster shell, or Viactiv chews) with vitamin D
and magnesium to keep your bones healthy -- whether or not you use milk
and/or other dairy products.
— Linda B.
February 12, 2001
OK LOOK I HAD MY WLS ON 10-06-00 AND HAVE LOST 92 LBS SINCE I FEEL GREAT
AND HAVE HARDLY ANY PROBLEMS WITH ANY FOOD AND I HAD NO NUTRITIONAL
COUNSELING OR DR TELL ME WHAT I COULDNT EAT SHE JUST SAID BE CAREFUL AND
TRY TO FIGURE IT OUT ON MY OWN. TRY EVERYTHING AND YOULL KNOW IF YOU CAN
HAVE IT OR NOT . AND I HAD MY BLOOD WORK DONE AND SO FAR IT SAYS IM DOING
GREAT AND THAT MY CHOLESTEROL IS DOWN 140 POINTS. I HAD OPEN RNY
— Heather K.
February 12, 2001
I was never told that i could not have milk again. My nutritionist
recommends milk for those who tolerate it. At around 8 grams per serving,
it helps meet the daily quota. I'm post op (9/11/00) and am down 80
pounds. Milk is a part of my daily diet whether it be in a protein shake,
a cup of tea or just a nice big glass at the end of the day. I hope
everything works out for you. Good luck.
— Mary A.
August 9, 2003
I haven't had the surgery yet but my doctor tell me no caloric beverages of
any kind, mainly because they will fill you up too fast and add calories
without the benefits of solid food. I LOVE an ice cold glass of milk! I
don't drink milk a lot these days because it rarely last in our house of
milk lovers. But, honestly, no milk is what makes me think twice about the
surgery. I've been telling myself, "We'll see a few months after the
surgery", since others seem to do well on far less strict diets. At
the seminar my surgeon gave he handed out books with all the info you could
possibly want, including the diets for different stages.His rules are
strict;three meals a day and no snacking, ever! I think it may partly be a
cultural thing on his part as he is German and probably doesn't have
patience for the typical American eating lifestyle. I plan to try to follow
his rules as best I can but also use my own judgement or honestly, I don't
think I can go through with it. My husband'smain concern for me having this
surgery is that I will have to give up so many pleasurable foods. I hope it
will be worth it!
— melismatica
August 9, 2003
Some people experience lactose intolerance after surgery. I used Lactaid
for about 4 months before returning to skim and lowfat milk. I eat cereal
almost every morning with no side effects. If I was lactose intolerant, I
would drink the Lactaid.
— susanje
August 9, 2003
I haven't had the surgery yet but my doctor tell me no caloric beverages of
any kind, mainly because they will fill you up too fast and add calories
without the benefits of solid food. I LOVE an ice cold glass of milk! I
don't drink milk a lot these days because it rarely last in our house of
milk lovers. But, honestly, no milk is what makes me think twice about the
surgery. I've been telling myself, "We'll see a few months after the
surgery", since others seem to do well on far less strict diets. At
the seminar my surgeon gave he handed out books with all the info you could
possibly want, including the diets for different stages.His rules are
strict;three meals a day and no snacking, ever! I think it may partly be a
cultural thing on his part as he is German and probably doesn't have
patience for the typical American eating lifestyle. I plan to try to follow
his rules as best I can but also use my own judgement or honestly, I don't
think I can go through with it. My husband'smain concern for me having this
surgery is that I will have to give up so many pleasurable foods. I hope it
will be worth it!
— melismatica
Click Here to Return