When will GI upset stop?

[gpmed 623]

I'm 8 days post-op and would be feeling great if I didn't have constant GI upset, including continuous diarrhea since yesterday morning.

My pain is well-controlled (only need Tylenol) and I can move around pretty well. I'd be golden if not for this!

Did anyone else have constant GI distress? How long did it take to go away?

Edited September 29, 2015 by gpmed

[James Marusek 5,244]

After surgery I became lactose intolerant. Anytime I drank milk there was immediate pain in my stomach and then diarrhea. This condition lasted for around 2 months and then disappeared. Caution some Protein shakes contain lactose.

[Djmohr 6,965]

I also had GI upset that we figured out was a lactose issue. As soon as I switched to premier Protein ready made shakes and adding lactaid fat free milk to thin them out a little it went away completely.

Not sure if you are already on Protein yet but it definately helped me. I know the first week I did not have this issue as I was on a clear liquid diet. It started for me as soon as they put me on Protein Shakes at the start of week 2.

[gpmed 623]

Thanks for the advice, guys! I think you're right that lactose is the likely culprit. I'm trying a little almond milk tonight to see how I tolerate it. Maybe I can add Protein tomorrow and see how that goes.

@@Djmohr why premier? Are they lactose free? Thanks!

[Djmohr 6,965]

@@gpmed

Yes, they are lactose free. The biggest reason why premier Protein is because my nut suggested it. It has one of the highest Protein counts (30grams) with only 1 gram of sugar. They taste great, there is no dealing with powders and blenders at all.

It was a very easy transition for me,

[LoreLu 79]

Almond milk does not have any additional Protein - you might try soy milk. And double check whatever Protein Powder you use is NOT derived from milk (no lactase, lactose, etc.).

[red37 116]

I had the same issue for weeks following my surgery, however it got better once I was allowed to introduce more solids in my diet. It was not lactose related for me but did end me up a bit dehydrated!

[toasty 371]

@@Djmohr I have been drinking Premier Protein for over a year now, long before my surgery, because I like the taste and it filled me up as a Meal Replacement before surgery. However, I find now that almost immediately after drinking them I become nauseous and have to lay down for about an hour to get over it. I have been trying to get past it because I really like the 30g of Protein, but it is continuing to be a problem. Are you certain it is lactose free? What would be causing such stomach upset if it is lactose free?

BTW, I still really like the taste, it is just that it upsets my stomach.

[gpmed 623]

Ended up visiting my doctor yesterday. They are testing me for c. diff just to rule it out. They said if that's all clear, I can try some Imodium.

He also said I could try lactose free milk and such, but didn't seem convinced that was the culprit. I think maybe some of us just go through this as we are adjusting to our new digestive systems?

Thank you for the support everyone! I'm hoping I can get this under control so I can meet my Protein goals.

[ange117 93]

Almond milk does not have any additional Protein - you might try soy milk. And double check whatever protein powder you use is NOT derived from milk (no lactase, lactose, etc.).

Just to clarify, a Protein Shake that contains lactase is excellent for someone who is lactose intolerant. Lactase is the enzyme that breaks down lactose sugar--so if you see a product with lactase, you can be assured that it's lactose free!

[Djmohr 6,965]

@@toasty

Hi there, the first 8 weeks following surgery I had to actually thin them out with lactose free milk. They can be heavy for a brand new pouch but I was told by my nut that they are in fact lactose free.

Try using a little fair life milk. I started with 1/3 premier Protein 2/3 milk and then within another week or two I was able to do half and half. By week 8 I was able to drink one slowly over 30 minutes and did not have a problem.