Lactose intolerance?

[pianogal7733 33]

Hello everyone! I'm 2 years post op and I was wondering if any bypass veterans out there developed an intolerance to dairy this far out after surgery. I've never had a problem before, but now it seems like anytime I eat dairy, especially milk or heavy milk based foods, that I have terrible gas and my tummy rumbles like crazy. Sorry for the info!! I'm blushing as I share this, but I need advice. I bought fat free Lactaid and it was too sweet! Yuck!! I've noticed some weight gain too and Constipation issues. Today I got some light unsweetened soy milk and it was pretty good. I'm going to try it in a shake tomorrow. If it is lactose intolerance, I'll be bummed. Yogurt, string cheese, and skim milk are some of my faves. However the gas part is embarrassing and uncomfortable at times. Thanks in advance for any input!!!

[terry1118 1,274]

The possibility was discussed in my pre-op education classes. They said it wasn't uncommon.

[revision in TX 38]

My surgery was Nov 2012...I have not had SPECIFIC lactose intolerance, but I have noticed there are TIMES when lactose-containing foods produce cramping or just don't "sit right" with my gut.

As Terry1118 said, the MD told me it was VERY common,due to (as I understand it) loss of some of the mucosa that secretes lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose).

I would imagine most of us will have "issues" at some time...either due to "overload" of lactose-containing products, consuming certain products, or (for the unfortunate few) consuming ANY lactose product. I seem to be more on the "overload/certain products" list...I can have milk (usually) with no problem. I eat quite a lot of cheese and it rarely, if ever, bothers me. The main time I have "issues" of cramping, etc. is if I have "other" fat/fried/sweetened products at/near the same time.

As with sweets, I do best if I have dairy (mainly to drink) relatively on its own...like a latte, etc. Milk in Cereal sometimes is fine, other times produces those "unwelcome" effects!! I eat cheese regularly in meals and have no problems. If I am having something with milk, cheese (any dairy product), I try to be VERY AWARE of sweets and/or fats that might be lurking in other products I eat at the same time...that way I USUALLY avoid any of the abdominal issues.

That's just my experience...and I'm sure it could change at any time...it was known to me at the time of surgery to be a fairly likely outcome.

Good luck...I hope you can find a "happy medium" so that you don't have to completely give up the things you love!!!

[SugarFreeMe 293]

My nut said lactose intolerance tends to develope over time in gastric patients. She suggested lactaid, it has the nutrients milk has, just no lactose to upset the tummy.