Is there anyway to avoid all of the sugar substitutes, especially in the beginning? It has been shown that they are not good for you and I have ALWAYS hated them. As of today I feel like they are making me feel yucky and affecting my bathroom visits.

Yes! The sugar alcohol in the artificial sweeteners makes me so sick! I get a hot flash and cold sweat and super nauseous! Stevia doesn't do that to me just the ones with sugar alcohol. I think stevia is natural so that's probably why it doesn't make me sick. Good luck! It is awful!
I can add a little sugar to coffee with no effect. I think that's better than artificial especially since I only only 2 packets and don't usually drink the whole cup


Mich W
Hw 223, SW 217 CW 191 GW 135

I've been having such bathroom issues post surgery and I think it's from all of the artificial sweeteners in these protein water/zero calorie/zero carb drinks. When I was on my diet roller coaster I always hated how weight watchers pushed diet sodas and sugar free stuff. I purchased some granulated monk fruit sweetener for post op to add to my plain Greek yogurt and I seem to tolerate it well. Someone in my bariatric support group told me that she totally tollerates maple syrup and honey-never had a dumping episode with either. I cannot wait to be healed enough to get rid of the artificial stuff in these protein waters. For now I need the liquid and protein so I'm going to hang on for a little longer, but like you, I've avoided them for so long and definitely feel they're sending me into bathroom fits.

I never used shakes or bars or fake sweeteners. In the early stages I used unsweetened protein powders in soups, and as soon as possible I transitioned to real food. Super happy with my choice and I'm now right in the center of the normal abMI chart. For liquids, drink water. No need to use any sweeteners if you don't wish to.

I have started to move to real food and thankfully I am leaving the artificial sweeteners behind. I'm working hard to move towards a much cleaner way of eating to get in the habit.

I drink water or unsweetened herbal tea for my hydration.

I didn't want them. Everything seemed so sweet after I started introducing more foods into my diet. I don't think you will want or need sweeteners or sugars. Taste buds changed drastically for me.
Sleeved 9/6/16
SW 267 CW 150

I try to avoid artificial sweeteners as much as possible. I do still drink one protein shake a day but other wise I only drink water and unsweetened Iced Tea.