Question:
Told to Avoid Milk!

In reviewing the food info from my surgeon for post-op eating I noticed that it says to avoid milk, among other things, because I should think of milk as a liquid form a sugar. Anyone else been told this? Funny thing is I havn't been drinking much milk that last years but now I see it as a good way to get protein and I also will be at risk for bone problems once I lose tons of weight. Fat does protect us against osteoporosis - but that's the only thing good about it. Any thoughts? Chris D.    — zoedogcbr (posted on December 21, 2002)


December 21, 2002
Hi; You might want to ask why, but my guess is that its due to the fact that many people develop lactose intolerance. I havent had any problem with it at all. I dont drink much milk per say, but do add it to coffee, etc. Also I eat tons of cottage cheese for the protein (low fat) and I havent had problems their either. So if you must...just go slow, and remember some folks develop lactose intolerance and you could be one of them...good luck
   — Keniki B.

December 21, 2002
Yes! Even pre-op, no milk, no sugar--they go together for my docs. There is only a dash of protein & calcium in milk (it's the lowest food source), and that is not well broken down by an INTACT adult. For us, since the milk does not pass through whatever enzymes we have left, we pretty much get just the sugar from it. What do yougive babies to fatten them up? Protein comes from meat (the non-meat sources are very low), calcium comes from green leafies & nuts. IF we have access to the enzymes. The safe way to be sure of both is to supplement the food. You're right that osteoporosis is a given. The weight loss is trigger #1, THEN the malabsorption kicks in. We have to work at it to avoid brittle bones. Some wt bearing exercise (this one is easy with cans or household items) and calcium citrate supplements.
   — vitalady

December 21, 2002
My surgeon tells us that many people become lactose intollerant after surgery. But if it doesn't bother you drink it. Just drink low fat or skim milk. I have always been a big milk drinker and still am. Actually in the beginning I had trouble drinking water so I used to drink a lot of milk instead to get all of my fluids in.
   — Linda A.

December 21, 2002
I was told to drink milk, esp on days when I might be short on protein. Skim milk is low in calories.
   — barbara A.

December 21, 2002
My doc said I could drink skim milk, but since surgery I would have to drink it sitting on the toilet. Milk products do a number on me. :0)
   — Sassy M.

December 21, 2002
My surgeon who is one of the best in California says milk is a great source of protein, I drink fat free milk and it does nothing bad to me.
   — kelly M.

December 22, 2002
I have become lactose intolerant post-op and I did like milk pre-op. Maybe he said to due to this possibility as well as for all the great reasons Michelle Curran listed. Good Luck to you!
   — Molly S.

December 24, 2002
my surgeon never said not to drink skim milk and said it would be good for the protien. I am one of the lucky ones not lactose intolerant. As far as what Michelle Curran puts down, my surgeon didn't agree, she stated some of this on other milk questions, so i inquired. I would go by what your dietitian or doc tells ya. Everyone's doc seems to be different.
   — stacey1273

December 24, 2002
This is one of those relatively easy questions where we don't have to rely on surgeons for answers. Look at the nutritional information on a carton of milk. My particular carton (basic grocery-store brand of skim milk) says each 1/2 cup serving has 9 grams of protein and 12 grams of sugar. If that's a typical brand, you are getting more sugar than you are protein every time you use milk. I still use it, in cereal, but I'm always surprised when people regard milk as a good protein source. Nine grams of protein per serving is really unremarkable, as protein sources go. And it really gives me pause when the price of admission for those 9 unimpressive grams of protein is 12 grams of sugar.
   — Suzy C.

December 24, 2002
Ooops. The nutrional info I posted was for 8 ounces (a cup) of skim milk, not half a cup! And a post-script: Calcium citrate supplements are the best way to get your calcium in as a post-op. :)
   — Suzy C.




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