Question:
Will NON-FAT Milk make you gain weight????

I always hear people say Milk is a weight gain drink. Do they mean Non-Fat skim milk also.    — Heather K. (posted on December 31, 2000)

December 31, 2000
I love milk, so I'm hoping I won't have to give it up for the rest of my life. I know that after my open RNY (1.19.01 yea!) I probably won't be drinking it for a couple of years, until after my weight loss. Lots of post-ops can't drink milk because of the sugar. Remember milk contains lactose; that's sugar. And, Al was right when he said it contains calories.
   — Kristy J.

December 31, 2000
My surgeon thinks that immediately postop, we need to ingest as much skim milk as possible as our protein source (while on liquid or semi-liquid diet). After we are on real food, then we don't use much milk. So, bear that in mind as you make your decisions. Also, some will warn you totally away from milk and the natural sugars in it and others will give you an opposite opinion. Take it all with a 'grain of salt' and just monitor your intake of all food and drinks and strive to make good choices --- everything in moderation, I say. Best wishes.
   — Cindy H.

December 31, 2000
BTC says that lactose, the milk sugar, is one of the tolerable sugars - meaning that if you are not lactose intolerant, it is not likely to make you dump. I relied on skim milk early on during my full liquid stage, but my beverage of choice now remains water, in that it is always available, always fresh (at least in Michigan), cheap, and easily transported. But, I wouldn't worry about having a glass a day affecting your WLS...now if you drank your 64 oz. of fluids in milk, that could be trouble! I still drink milk with my protien shake about 3-4 times a week, and today had only my second bowl of cereal post-op! As Cindy said, moderation is the key.
   — Allie B.

December 31, 2000
After I saw some posts here, I asked my Dr if I should stay away from milk & he said, "No, milk is a good source of protein, as long as you tolerate it well." I have no problem tolerating it & don't dump (on anything). I don't really care for the taste of milk, so I don't "drink" it, but I do use it on fruit or cereal or to cook with. I also eat a fair amount of milk products like cottage cheese & yogurt. I use only 1% or 1/2% milk. My weight loss has been very good, at 81/2 months post op, I have lost over 140#.
   — Kathy W.

December 31, 2000
If you are doing RNY, then the fat will be largely malabsorbed anyway. The main risk with milk is the sugars in it. EVen nonfat has a lot of sugar in it. While many docs do OK it, the ones who know about the sugars can do will recommend against it. The little bit of protein & calcium in it are not well absorbed by anyone who cannot digest (no stomach) or absorb, so all you really get IS the sugars.
   — vitalady