HATE artificial sweeteners

 I'm worried.  Everything I read about the protein shakes and the liquid stage includes artificial sweeteners (in sugar-free popsicles, whey shakes, crystal light, etc.).  Is there a way I can get around these nasty sweeteners?  I really don't want to get healthier by putting more poisons in my body.

 Easy.  You just eat real food.  Start learning what has the best protein punch for you and focus on that.  Ricotta cheese, for instance, has 7g in just a quarter cup and it goes down nice and easy.  You can make it savory with some sauce and cheese, or make it a dessert with a pinch of sugar and vanilla.  There are others, but you can do it.

 
I would love to eat real food as soon as I can.  I guess I'll have to live with the protein shakes during the liquid phase (pre and post op) having artificial sweeteners, but I'm removing them from my diet as soon as possible.  

I meet with the nutritionist next week.  Maybe she'll have more suggestions I can go with to avoid them.

The Syntrax Nectar Naturals line whey protein is sweetened with stevia and I believe the MIO drops(water flavoring) is also.
GL

Keep in mind that you have a VSG and shouldn't dump on sugar.  That said, sugar is carbs and thats something we want to avoid now.  I'm with you on avoiding these artiicial sweeteners, they just can't be good for you, IMHO.

Good point.  I'm not really after sugar.  I'd be happier eating ice after surgery than a sugar-free popsicle to be honest.  I just don't want those poisons in my body anymore.  I'm glad there are stevia options for some of those things.  Though really I'd just rather have completely unsweetened.  I've always drank tea that way (lemon, nothing else).

The only thing I ever tolerated nutrasweet in was diet Cokes.  I was very firmly addicted to those from my teens up until the last year or so.  For me, it's an addictive substance.  I don't want nutrasweet to ever control my life again.  I gave those up in preparation for wls. 

I think Jay Robb protein has no artificial sweeteners. You can get samples and full sizes at Vitamin Shoppe.

There is absolutely no scientific evidence from studies that artifiial sweetners are harmful to humans. There have been extensive studies on every available non-nutritive sweetner and there is no evidence whatsoever of harm. Some individuals may be sensitive to particular ones. For example, I find that aspartame can irritate my IBS so I avoid it, but asulfame-k and sucralose are fine. This comes up every once in a while and I post a bunch of studies, so please feel free to search this here on OH. What you ought to regard as 'poison' while you're trying to lose weight is carbs. Splenda in a protein drink isn't going to hurt you.

Artificial sweeteners and Stevia can and do create migraines in many people. Best to avoid altogether.  I'm still looking for the protein powder that has nothing in it as far as sweeteners go. 

I agree completely. I don't use artificial sweeteners. I use Jay Robb protein
for my shakes. They use stevia. Also no GMO's. You can find things just
dig deeper. Don't give up.

As far as no evidence that they cause harm to your body, well look at
our before bodies. Yeah we were a real healthy bunch of people.
What with our diet drinks and our diet foods all containing artificial
sweeteners. We didn't have any aches, pains, swelling or anything, did we?

So you decide how far YOU need to be away from the artificial things and
when. It is hard but you can do it. Be creative with your food. I bought a
magic bullet machine and you wouldn't believe what it can puree!

Best of luck to you,
Dani