I am 3 weeks post op. I am supposed to walk for exercise now. I am afraid to go out of the house because I have gas, some diarrhea, and watery stools. Is this common? Also my doctor says I have to drink bariatric shakes for life. I am about sick of them now. Does anybody else's doctor tell them the same thing?

I had the same problem as you and the doctor said I was probably lactose intolerant as a result of the surgery. He told me I could stop the shakes but I had to be sure to get the Protein from food sources. At three weeks out, that would be really hard to do - I was further out and eating more. There are some lactose free Protein drinks like Syntrax. Muscle milk light says it's lactose free, but based on my reaction, I don't believe it.

You still don't need to drink the shakes for life. The goal should be to eventually get your protein from real food. You do need to take your Vitamins for life tho.

Edited April 14, 201412 yr by J-Cal8

Try buying Leslie Sansone or Denise Austin walking videos. You may even be able to bring them up on YouTube. Leslie Sansone specializes in walking exercise videos and has numerous ones out there. They vary in music, speed, target areas etc. I think it's a great alternative if you aren't able to get out and depending on the video you get I think it's a great transition back into getting active. There are some people that push to hard to fast. While their eagerness is awesome sometimes they cause internal damage, additional scar tissue, hernias or aggravation of the incisions because they didn't allow their bodies enough time to heal. Walking is ideal for starting off...best of luck to you!!

you should walk in the house. That is also possible. I started weights at two and a half months. but there was swelling on my stomach. Now I am taking it easy.

I do not want complications when every thing is ok right now.

all the best. we have to take shakes for some months. Their Protein content is good. so many people continue to take 1 shake even after few months.

Edited April 14, 201412 yr by hopeful2 be slim

I have several exercise videos (well, 33), but Leslie Sansone's Walk Your Belly Flat is my favorite. It can be done in house, in place if you lack space. Each segment lasts about 12 minutes.

As for the shakes, I was told at my 2 1/2 month visit to keep the shakes to one a day.

I became lactose intolerant after surgery. Now Milk and I are no longer bff's. I use Tera's whey with almond milk, and my stomach doesn't hate me.. Good luck though. I started with the walking cd's, and now am using the elliptical and bike at the gym.