I am 5 days post banded. I had my first protein shake and it gave me awful diarrhea. Is this normal? I am afraid to have another one tomorrow. My stomach got all bloated and sore. Advice?

If it has sweeteners in it you may check the label to see what kind they are...maltitol and sorbital (sp?) are well known for causing gastric distress. They certainly do for me!

You could buy unflavored Protein and make up your own shakes or smoothies with fruit, yogurt, apple juice, etc. You can also try DaVinci flavored syrups which I think are sweetened with Splenda as well.

Yes, it's pretty normal to have diarrhea early on. You're only taking in liquids, so most of what you eliminate will be liquid too.

Also, you've likely also had massive doses of strong antibiotics which wipes out the naturally occurring bacteria in your digestive system. Without those little bugs to help regulate things, your system will be torn up. Try mixing in some probiotic containing yogurt (activia or another brand). It helped me out.

Bryan

I can't have anything with splenda (sucralose) in it. It gives me gas & diarrhea. It took me months to figure out that's what was bothering me. I couldn't figure out why I always had the stomach flu and a friend knew someone that had the same problem with splenda. I stopped eating it & my stomach was fine. It sucks because it tastes soo good

& is in almost everything diet, but I'll just stick to regular sugar in small doses. :thumbup:

I had the same problem. I called my doctor and he said some people, after stomach surgery, develop a temporary lactose intolerance. He said to mix the protien powder with water or buy a protein drink that is lactose free. He said when I get to the stage of my diet when I can add back in some solid food to also add back in milk products in small amounts every day. Maybe this will help. Good luck!