I am just starting this process. I expect surgery around February. Had a group meeting/class, and one of the suggestions was to start trying the protein drinks. That seemed odd, I thought how bad can they be? Well, now I know!!!! I have never been able to stand the taste of artificial sweeteners. My questions are: Is there a protein drink that does not have artificial sweeteners? I've ordered some with Stevia, from Amazon, they will get here tomorrow, but in the past I found Stevia unappealing as well. (The ones I have tried with aspartame made me very ill; perhaps it was the combination of the sweetener and the Whey). Secondly, assuming I cannot find one I can tolerate, has anyone made their own with plain protein? If so what did you use to sweeten? Can you use a little honey or sugar if you are keeping the calories below 200 per 8 ounces? Finally, has anyone had luck with the savory options, like the protein "chicken soup" or what have you? Can you have that during the pre-op diet and the post surgery liquid stage?

Sorry for all the questions. I would hate to be unable to do the surgery because of my inability to tolerate these protein drinks.

3 hours ago, lisafrommassachusetts said:

I am just starting this process. I expect surgery around February. Had a group meeting/class, and one of the suggestions was to start trying the Protein Drinks. That seemed odd, I thought how bad can they be? Well, now I know!!!! I have never been able to stand the taste of artificial sweeteners. My questions are: Is there a Protein Drink that does not have artificial sweeteners? I've ordered some with Stevia, from Amazon, they will get here tomorrow, but in the past I found Stevia unappealing as well. (The ones I have tried with aspartame made me very ill; perhaps it was the combination of the sweetener and the Whey). Secondly, assuming I cannot find one I can tolerate, has anyone made their own with plain Protein? If so what did you use to sweeten? Can you use a little honey or sugar if you are keeping the calories below 200 per 8 ounces? Finally, has anyone had luck with the savory options, like the protein "chicken soup" or what have you? Can you have that during the pre-op diet and the post surgery liquid stage?

Sorry for all the questions. I would hate to be unable to do the surgery because of my inability to tolerate these protein drinks.

Pea protein is not sweetened and is good with soups and broths. You can find unsweetened whey protein at Spouts. I can't remember the name, however. It does have some natural vanilla flavoring, but nothing artificial. It goes well in smoothies and yogurt. Bone broth is the highest in protein as far as broths go. I think the chicken/beef/turkey combo flavor is the best. It has 10 gm protein per serving.

Integrated supplements is sold at Target. It doesn't contain artificial sweeteners. I bought it online in sample sizes. It comes in vanilla, chocolate and strawberry. It tasted decent, however after surgery I could not tolerate whey at all. I drank fairlie milk and high protein yogurt instead. Also, I think optimum nutrition sells a lightly sweetened protein without artificial sweeteners. Good luck!

I am just starting this process. I expect surgery around February. Had a group meeting/class, and one of the suggestions was to start trying the Protein Drinks. That seemed odd, I thought how bad can they be? Well, now I know!!!! I have never been able to stand the taste of artificial sweeteners. My questions are: Is there a Protein Drink that does not have artificial sweeteners? I've ordered some with Stevia, from Amazon, they will get here tomorrow, but in the past I found Stevia unappealing as well. (The ones I have tried with aspartame made me very ill; perhaps it was the combination of the sweetener and the Whey). Secondly, assuming I cannot find one I can tolerate, has anyone made their own with plain Protein? If so what did you use to sweeten? Can you use a little honey or sugar if you are keeping the calories below 200 per 8 ounces? Finally, has anyone had luck with the savory options, like the protein "chicken soup" or what have you? Can you have that during the pre-op diet and the post surgery liquid stage?
Sorry for all the questions. I would hate to be unable to do the surgery because of my inability to tolerate these protein drinks.

If you are getting violently ill talk with your surgeon for options.

None of the protien product are fablous tasting. Good news is you won't be on them long term.

Pea protein is not sweetened and is good with soups and broths. You can find unsweetened whey protein at Spouts. I can't remember the name, however. It does have some natural vanilla flavoring, but nothing artificial. It goes well in smoothies and yogurt. Bone broth is the highest in protein as far as broths go. I think the chicken/beef/turkey combo flavor is the best. It has 10 gm protein per serving.

Thank you for all of your suggestions!

Integrated supplements is sold at Target. It doesn't contain artificial sweeteners. I bought it online in sample sizes. It comes in vanilla, chocolate and strawberry. It tasted decent, however after surgery I could not tolerate whey at all. I drank fairlie milk and high protein yogurt instead. Also, I think optimum nutrition sells a lightly sweetened protein without artificial sweeteners. Good luck!

Thank you for your help. It's a bit daunting!

If you are getting violently ill talk with your surgeon for options.

None of the protien product are fablous tasting. Good news is you won't be on them long term.

Thank you. I would not say violently ill, but way too much GI distress to be able to go to my office. It's good to remember it's a short term problem.

3 hours ago, lisafrommassachusetts said:

Thank you. I would not say violently ill, but way too much GI distress to be able to go to my office. It's good to remember it's a short term problem.

Your Gi distress is causing you to miss work, call your Dr. for suggestions.

Thank you again, everyone. I got some Iconic Protein brand; sweetened with Stevia and it is not Whey, 130 calories; 20 G protein and I seem to be able to drink it without any distress. I got it from Amazon (4 sample size chocolate truffle.) I'll try a couple of other flavors, but I am so far quite relieved!