artificial sweetner in shakes gives me bad side effects+

 LOL - it's funny that you mentioned Designer Whey, it is one of one two protein powders that I can tolerate - that or Syntrax Nectar - without having gas!     I am able to drink things like Crystal Light or Diet Coke with no problems, but baked goods with Splenda or Mallitol give me a ton of problems.

You might also want to look into Truvia - it is a stevia/erithrytol blend and is tolerated well by people who cannot tolerate other of the "itols," because it is a natural sweetener.

This might be a bit off the subject but ... I can't do any kind of gum at all .... Most chewing gums make me blow ass like crazy!  So Ive stayed away from them since....  I do use splenda for most coffees but using reg granulated sugar doesn't affect me too much in hot drinks.