Stomach Cramps After Protein Shake?

I am going to have surgery in about a month.  My nutritionist suggested starting protein shakes for one meal replacement to begin getting ready for the the liquid diet. I purchased two big containers of ON 100% Whey Gold Standard, made some high protein bread with one flavor (which was good), and today I tried the other one in 8 oz of skim milk.  I am not, and never have been, lactose intolerant, but I got bad stomach cramps for hours - 6 at least.  Is this something I will adjust to, or did I just spend a lot of money on something I won't be able to use??

I had to switch to Lactose free milk, and the cramping, diareah stopped. I also use Unjury prot powder, others make me sick.

I had more success with Syntrax whey protein ice tea flavor. If I use they chocolate or vanilla flavored of whey, I have to use a lactaid. I am loving Almond milk, but my nut said to use lactaid as it is higher in protein

I would try mixing it with unsweetened almond milk or unsweetened almond-coconut milk, or water. I never had lactose intolerance, but milk doesn't set right with me in protein drinks. Also avoid sugar alcohols. I don't know if your powder has them, but they cause gas. I also mix my drink in the blender with ice to make it like soft serve ice cream, and that consistency seems to feel better in my stomach than straight liquid.

Thank you!  I am now buying lactose-free milk for them, using ice (as you suggest) and actually changed my protein brands to Isopure (a very pure isolate) and Matrix (which isn't all whey - it has egg albumin and wheat gluten protein).  My surgery is in about a month...I am nervous but excited!

 

I am drinking Zeal for Life protein shakes.  They are all natural & can be mixed with water or any milk.  I don't tolerate most milks well but mix mine with the 30 calorie Almond Milk.  The shakes were formulated by Blue Bell and are delicious!!! I loved them so much that I decided to become a consultant for them.  You can check it out at www.rexcates.zealforlife.com .  Let me know if you have any questions.  I can also send you a few free samples if you'd likfe to try them 

 

I should also say that I am 7 yrs post op & thank God everyday for giving me this tool to healthier living!!!

 

Try using whey protein isolate.  most of the lactose is removed from it. 

Not sure if you are having the DS or another surgery, but I'm a DSer, and I went in LI, and came out even moreso. My surgeon says lactose intolerance is common with the DS, but if you weren't LI going into surgery, your gut will eventually normalize.  Straight whey has a lot more lactose than whey protein isolate.  Over the almost 5 years I've been switched, I have become less LI, and can even use whole milk, but I still use WPI.

Try unflavored, and use extracts and sugar-free syrups (like the syrups they use to flavor coffees) to get the flavors you want.  The variety is endless, and in the long run, much cheaper.

If you're a chocolate lover, let me suggest using Hershey's Special Dark Cocoa in your shakes, along with your sweetener of choice.  Scrumptious, and also full of antioxidants!

 

 

Thanks to all for the suggestions.  I am actually 10 weeks out from RNY surgery today, and doing great.  The lactose in the shakes does not seem to be bothering me as much - I did buy Isopure products.  Maybe my new pouch is handling them better!  I still use them for breakfasts to get my protein in and cut calories.  So happy I made the choice to have surgery!