Question:
Does lactose intolerance last forever?

Pre-op I was not lactose intolerant. Now, if I eat or drink anything with milk I get hot flashes, light-headed and nauseas. It is a horrible feeling. Will it ever go away or am I stuck with it forever?    — June S. (posted on December 16, 2002)

December 16, 2002
When I was post-op I also developed lactose intolerance and it only lasted about 2 months -- thankfully! However the extent of my suffering was severe gas pain, bloating -- "tummy issues." You might be one of those unfortunate ones (or lucky ones, depending on how you look at it) who is not just lactose intolerant but is also highly sensitive to sugar. I can tolerate small amounts of sugar, as well as the milk now. Hopefully you'll get more feedback from others with experiences like your own. Either way, hang in there, it does get better! - Anna
   — Anna L.

December 16, 2002
I'm also lactose intolerant. I'm not unhappy with it, as lactose containing stuff can just make me regain. I've done nicely without milk (not dairy, just milk & ice cream) for 8+ yrs and life goes along just fine without it. I've never tried to " make it work" or get around it. I substitute milk in my recipes. All I gave up was drinking it by the glass. I've lost and kept off 150#, so I really do not mind.
   — vitalady

December 16, 2002
My daughter had her proximal RNY nearly 3 years ago, and developed severe lactose intolerance at 3 weeks post-op. She became accustomed to drinking and cooking with lactose-free milk, and carried Lactaid tablets with her all the time. Strangely, cheeses and yogurt never bothered her, but all other dairy caused immediate severe abdominal cramping, nausea and vomiting. Our surgeon told her that about half of RNY patients who become lactose intolerant (approximately 30% of all RNY patients develop this negative side-effect of the surgery) will eventually "outgrow" it. Periodically, she would try some dairy-containing foods and discovered about one year ago that she could tolerate dairy in limited quantities. Today, she can eat almost anything, but thankfully still "dumps" with sugar, so that keeps her away from the Starbucks ice cream :-) She has lost 220 lbs. and has always thought that a little lactose intolerance is a small trade-off for her brand-new life! Best wishes.
   — Diana T.

December 17, 2002
just a comment now an answer, sounds almost like you are dumping when you ingest dairy
   — Michelle M.

December 17, 2002
I meant not
   — Michelle M.