Question:
I am wondering if these foods are OK or if they will hurt me...

I have been eating a lot of chinese food (hot and sour soup) and am hoping it is OK. Also, I have had such a craving for milk but understand it will probably make me sick. Will lactaid have the same effect or is there another alternative for cereal or mixing? I am 18 days post-op.    — Amy E. (posted on November 10, 2003)

November 10, 2003
You sound just like me. I am 20 days post-op. Strained hot and sour soup has been my salvation. I have terrible lactose intolerance, so I have tried Lactaid milk and it is wonderful!!! It taste much better than soy milk and I have had no problems with it.
   — Buffaroo B.

November 10, 2003
Not everyone gets lactose-intolerant after surgery. I tolerate milk fine. If you're nervous about trying it, though, there are definitely alternatives out there. I can't vouch for taste, I've never had them. As for the soup-I don't see anything wrong with it. It's a fluid and if you're very early post-op you need to get those in any way you can. As you get further post-op, I wouldn't replace a much-needed meal with them, but I do have soup for a snack sometimes. I unfortunately don't know much abouthot and sour soup, either. Is it a broth based or cream based soup? Does it have a lot of oil or anything in it? These will make a difference. If they do, I would taste them occassionally but not chug it down. If not, then it's really no different than chicken broth! (Except it may taste better.) In the end, only you and your surgeon can determine if you should eat something or not. Good luck to you, girl! :) Jennifer S. 278/229/140
   — jenn_jenn

November 10, 2003
For now I would say it is okay with the milk, since you are probably having a hard time getting in calories... but as time progresses you may not want to drink your calories that way. <br>I too ate a lot of soup since I was prone to vomitting a lot, and for a long time out. A soy milk with less sugar than cow milk (like "Soy Slender") might me a good choice. Some of my friends and I love it. <br> Good Luck to you!
   — kultgirl