Going Dairy Free- questions

GoodToBeGeib

My midwife suggested I try dairy-free for a week or so to see if it helps my little guy who seems to have lots of tummy pain.  She said I'd probably notice I difference in a couple of days if that was the problem.  I have some questions...

1.  It's been a week and I'm not totally sure if it's made a difference or not.  What I've read says to try it for 10 days- 3 weeks so I'm going to keep trying, but if you did this how soon did you notice a difference and was it obvious?

2. I'm having trouble with all the "hidden dairy".  I'm trying to read labels etc but this is even harder than I thought it would be.  Did anyone find that simply elimating main dairy products (milk, cheese, etc) but  not worrying about hidden dairy helped?

3.  Any great suggestions for dairy-free foods/tips/recipes?  I'm having a very hard time shopping/cooking/eating trying to eliminate all traces of dairy. 

I'd appreciate any advice, etc.  I have read info on kelly's mom and such but I'm having trouble with this!