I ended up avoiding dairy for a bit sure to finances at the time and then spending a year in Iraq where I wouldn't trust the dairy. After a decent time avoiding dairy when I ate a bowl of cereal with milk and thwn developed some serious gas. My interactions with dairy consistently involves gas or a knot in the stomach for a bit.

Once I stopped I couldn't go back full force. Small amounts is fine, but I avoid bowls of cereal now.