After having stomach surgery is it possible to become lactose intolerant?

Question

My grandmother had part of her stomach removed a few months back because of cancer and she went into the hospital with abdominal cramps. They found nothing but admitted her anyways. My family thinks it could be lactose intolerance.

Answer 1

Your grandmother needs to talk with her doctor and have him get her in to talk with a dietitian. If you or another family member can go with her, it would be good so more people will know what is going on with her and how she can eat now.

When you have some of your stomach removed, you can not continue to eat the way you always have. Most of the time you have to really lower foods that are sweet because you end up with something called a "dumping" syndrome (stomach cramps and diarrhea). They can be quite severe too.

Milk is full of sugars. My niece had the gastric by-pass and had to give up milk totally. She also has to watch how much cheese she eats.

Grandma will have to probably be eating much smaller amounts of food at one sitting; however, eat more often with smaller amounts of food. Most of the time they also tell you not to drink before or while you are eating. You should wait about an hour after to have something to drink.

Again, before changing or doing anything, Grandma needs to check with her doctor to see what he/she recommends. Never be afraid to call your doctor and ask anything! That is what they are there for and what you are paying them for.

Good luck and you're great for looking into this for your Grandma!

Answer 2

Your grandmother had part of her gut removed. You get lactose intolerance when you are a child. Not likely.
Grandma may have some type of dumping symdrome. Your grandma has had the equivalent to gastric bypass surgery if she has had part of her stomach removed. This creates all kinds of problems for the recipient. Grandma needs to speak with the dietician and the doctor at the hospital to find out how to eat now since a big portion of her stomach is missing.