Question:
My stomach cramps horribly when I take any protein.. What should I do?

I am 4 weeks post-op and can not get my protein in due to how sick it makes me. I ordered several samples from the internet and the first one I tried tasted okay but after maybe 2 oz., my stomach hurt so bad it made me throw up. Could I actually be allergic to protein? Does anyone else have this problem and how did you overcome it? Also, I know that I can eat cottage cheese and drink skim milk but it seems that bothers me too. Any info would be much appreciated. Thanks    — Mickie S. (posted on May 27, 2003)

May 27, 2003
Lactose intolerance maybe? Just b/c you could do cottage cheese and milk pre-op doesn't mean you can post-op. Many people become this way after WLS. So, my next question is are your protein drinks being made with milk? If yes, I'd def. thinking lactose is your problem. Goodluck to you
   — Lezlie Y.

May 27, 2003
in the beginning I had to experiment with a lot of foods to find the ones that didn't make me queasy. I found that I could stomach moz cheese sticks, canned corned beef, boiled dark meat (chicken and turkey), ground steak (cooked it first then ground it up in my food processor) but couldn't stomach burger. Weird! Cottage cheese made me ill, milk made me ill. I found carbs (potatoes and such) set well and just slowly worked myself up to a high protein diet. It usually does get better!
   — [Deactivated Member]

May 27, 2003
I agree that it sounds like lactose intolerance. Try avoiding milk for a few days and see what happens. Cheese, though, does not bother me, but milk watch out.
   — faybay

May 27, 2003
How are you making your shakes? If you're making them with milk, it could be lactose intolerance. Try making them with water and ice. If you're having one that has sugar in it (Boost and some others) it could be that. If you're taking calcium citrate in pill form around the same time, that could be it too. Those hurt my stomach unless I blend them in a shake. Good luck and God bless!
   — Kimberly L.

May 27, 2003
I too get ill from protein supps and I mix mine with water ONLY so I KNOW its not a lactose thing. My tummy burns then I have to make a run for the bathroom. I'm not sure why and would love to know the answer. My weight loss has slowed way down and I know part of it has to do with not getting in all my protein. Help!! ~SIdney~ Open RNY 10-23-02 down 90+
   — Siddy I.