Question:
What's wrong with MILK?

I have seen some post-ops talk about milk as if it were a big no-no...and my nutritionist encouraged us to drink skim milk (specifically skim-plus since it is fortified and has extra protein). I realize we're all different as are our nutritionists..but I'm curious to know why the reasoning that certain people are told to steer clear of milk....of course, I'm not including those lactose-intolerant folks, I understand why you guys don't include it in your diet--but what about the rest of us? Am I missing a real diet help?    — Karen K. (posted on November 18, 2002)

November 17, 2002
I drink mile with the approval of my surgeon. In fact he wants us to drink 2 glasses a day (16oz)of skim milk for protein. I don't always do this, as I get enough protein in, but if I find myself not getting all my protein in, I make sure to drink the milk. It must work, as I am 3 months out and not lost any hair.... good luck
   — barbara A.

November 17, 2002
The truth is that milk is an unremarkable source of protein. One cup of skim (fat-free) milk has 9 grams of protein, but it also has 13 grams of carbs and 12 grams of sugar. Having said that, I'm not in the "anti-milk" camp since I do have it with cereal. And once in awhile, a glass of milk is nice. But generally, I don't bother with just drinking it alone anymore. For me personally, there are better places to spend my daily carb and sugar allowances. And a *good* protein shake (mine has 30 grams of protein, 4 grams of carbs, and no sugar) can be a much better alternative than milk if you're searching for a liquid source of protein. Why some doctors would push milk for protein while simultaneously discouraging protein shakes is beyond me. Just my 2c! :)
   — Suzy C.

November 17, 2002
There is absolutely nothing wrong with drinking milk. Some people stay away from it because of being lactose intolerant, others because it has a tiny bit of sugar in it. I, personally, am so grateful that I am one who can tolerate milk with no problems. I mix my protein powder with milk every morning. I have tried mixing it with water and it is pretty yucky. With milk, it tastes JUST LIKE chocolate milk. As long as you can tolerate it, drink up. It's a great source of calcium and protein.
   — Kim B.

November 17, 2002
I drink a lot of milk. I hate skin but I drink 1%. It has the protein, calcium, and vitamin d that you need. I am below goal in 6 months so it must not be hurting.
   — Linda A.

November 17, 2002
While getting to goal weight, I avoided as many CARB calories as possible. Milk has CARBS. Also I made myself a promise to not "drink" any calories. You can drink a lot of calories, even in the beginning. Habits are hard to break....and drinking milk was a habit that had to go, along with a size 30 pair of pants....(Now size 4 and don't drink milk and happy)
   — lee J.

November 18, 2002
Karen-I miss MILK! Pre-op, I used to drink a Tall, Cold Glass of Skim Milk with every meal. I could go through a gallon in a few days. When I was thirsty, it always quenched my thirst. That being said, however, I don't drik it like I used to. I am 3mos out now and the Carbs in Milk are too high. I drank alot of it the first month post-op b/c I was drinking alot of protein shakes, however, I had my first glass this weekend in nearly 2 months.
   — heathercross

November 18, 2002
I put skim milk in my tea every morning. Yeah, I know, I know...not supposed to be having reg. tea, but I do. Occasionally I drink about 4 oz. or so of skim milk. I'm a real milk baby and did not want to give up milk unless it was making me sick. And it doesn't make me sick, so... I'm not sitting there downing a 10 oz. glass three times a day, so I don't think it's hurting me. Hugs, Joy
   — [Deactivated Member]

November 18, 2002
I'm 6 weeks post-op and can tolerate 4 oz of skim milk with no problem. You sometimes develop lactose intolerance after surgery.
   — Wanda R.

November 18, 2002
I know some folks say not to drink milk, but I am a big believer in anything in moderation. I use nonfat dry milk in my coffee to get a protein boost in the morning. 1/4 cup gives me 8 grams plus another 5 from my cheese I eat for breakfast. I don't eat carbs for breakfast. If I have this breakfast I tend to do fine all day. I don't think milk is an appetite stimulant, at least for me. Now, I rarely drink actual "milk" except for the occassional latte, but do eat lots of cheese, cottage cheese, and nonfat dry milk. Caloric liquids in general are not supposed to be a big part of your post op diet because you don't feel "satisfied" like you do with solid food. I am finding maintenance to be very easy for me so far (18 mos + out). I have seen several recent studies that show folks who have plenty of milk/milk products in their diet tend to keep weight off better than those who don't. I don't know if that is the reason I am having an easy time or not. I just know I love cheese! =) I would say anything in moderation as long as your protein is good and your total calories aren't getting away from you.
   — ctyst

November 19, 2002
Karen- I use 1 cup of skim milk almost every morning with my Protein mix. I have lost 74 lbs in 9 weeks. I also am a cheeseaholic. It doesn't seem to be hurting me at all. What's your doc say? Good luck!!
   — DeeDee B.

November 19, 2002
My surgeon recommends skilm milk and I use it in many recipes, etc. Also I use non-fat dry milk in just about everything and like a previous poster I'm also a cheese-a-holic! :) I would ask your surgeon as all are different. Good luck and God bless. Open RNY -50lbs in 8 weeks
   — Rebekah A.

November 19, 2002
I know alot of people avoid milk b/c of the carbs and sugars, but they are natural sugars, it isn't like we are eating candy (which i do unfortunately so eat sometimes-but I didn't have this surgery to DIET, i want to feel normal!) My surgeon encourages drinking skim milk everyday as well. some of those people who do not drink milk who aren't lactose intolerant, if you have noticed, have osteoporosis(sp?). I drink a glass of Skim Milk Plus (has 11 grams of protein per cup) a day, if not two, b/c I am still drinking carnation instant breakfast as a protein drink (it's all I can stand) I am over 5 months post-op and have lost 80 pounds from LAP RNY, and I am a light weight! I was 250 to start, and am now 170, fitting in a size 12 pants and M/L shirts. So far, it hasn't hurt me. If it does in the end, b/c I don't get to goal, so be it. I am 22 years old, and need calcium, I would rather be a few pounds overweight than have life long osteoporosis, just my personal opinion! Goodluck to you! :)
   — Lezlie Y.

November 19, 2002
Hey Karen--I'm all for milk! I was told that I am allowed milk, just not 2% and higher. Milk has sugar in it but its high in calcium and protein--plus it helps with the elasticity in your skin which many of need all the help we can get! So in my opinion ...have at it!!!!
   — Bambi C.

Click Here to Return