I work grave yard and commute 80 miles to work. Before the surgery I would drink an energy drink for my drive home and now I don't.  Does anyone know of an RNY friendly energy drink or something to keep me awake for my commute home?

I think ROCK STAR  makes a noncarbonated sugar free one . I too work the late shift ( swing shift ) 3:30 pm -3:00 am ; makes for a long work day . But I wouldent have it any other way , toooo much BS on day shift . All I want to do is come to work do my JOB  and go home without all the other BS . ( I work for the gov. )  Best wishes  Nick

Well its not a drink but a 3oz shot. Those five hour energy drinks (small red bottle). You can get them a Wal-Mart. No Caffeine, No Sugar, just Vitamins. I took them pre-op and brought one to my NUT. She checked it out and tried it said it was good to go. No jitters, smooth fruity taste and when you're ready to sleep no problem. C'ya Bob

"5 hour energy" contains caffeine.  It wouldn't be nearly as popular if it didn't, because it wouldn't work worth a damn without the caffeine.  It also contains a form of vitamin B3, niacin, which causes a topical skin flush and pins-n-needles tingling, to help make the person think that this stuff is worth the $$$ spent on it. Drug-store-brand generic No-Doz caffeine tablets are a lot cheaper, if you don't care for coffee, and it's blush-free. /Steve

5-Hour Energy Ingredients & Safety

Vitamins

Vitamin B6 Vitamin B12 Niacin (Vitamin B3) Folic Acid (Vitamin B9)

Energy Blend

Citicoline (as of October 2007) Tyrosine Phenylalanine Taurine Malic Acid Glucuronolactone Caffeine

Have you considered switching over to hot tea?  The are lots of black or green teas that will last well in a thermos and give you a kick.

and now, ....The Worst WLS-Post-Op advice Ever...... Kicks Azz!!! Also "Rockstar Roasted" ---   Light Vanilla. And "Monster" makes a coffee one too- I think it's called "Low-Ball" Low sugar, low calorie, great coffee drink... (the safe advice is- get more sleep to accomidate....) But SFRockstars taste great and give me the energy to keep going after I've already gone for 16+hours.... Best Wishes- Dx

If you went the route of something brewed, try Yerba Maté. You can get it at nearly any supermarket where I live...but it IS California. Health food store, for sure.

It's an herbal tea from South America. I was turned on to it by my friend who lived in Bolivia. It's got COPIOUS amounts of caffeine...which means drink sparingly. blah blah blah caffeine is a no-no for WSL but SOMETIMES we just need that kick.

That being said, I used to do a 260 mile pharmacutical delivery route every night ending at about 3:30 am. I've never been a fan of often caffeine but what I found to be great was exercise. I would run around the parking lot a few times before I set out on another leg of the trip. I'd stop if I got sleepy and do push-ups. It worked really well as a natural way to excite the body.

If you want to go this route, and can safely drive one-handed, I just got a dyna-flex powerball for my birthday. HOLY CRAP this thing is awesome. It's a gyroscopic powered ball for working out your arms. I do it in the car during my 35 min commute to and from work now.

On a healthier note....forget the Rock Star, ditch the commute

I would like to ditch the commute and get more sleep, but right now it pays the bills.  So the alternatives will have to do.

They do make a decalf 5 hour shot.  I use both, and they help me when I am having a boring day, or on a long drive.  I also use Zip Fiz.  A little gentler, but effective. Paul