Cara G. Chapel

My surgery date is 12/15 and I'm starting to panic about what to eat right before and after surgery, LOL! I have one huge worry: I really loathe the taste all kinds of artificial sweeteners (sucralose, aspartame, acesulfame potassium, neotame, you name it-- even natural Stevia). Sometimes the flavor of aspartame or saccharine even makes me throw up. Bleah. Am I going to be able to make it on unsweetened protein drinks, or am I going to be up the proverbial creek? How nasty ARE unsweetened protein drinks and supplements? Especially during the liquids only diet pre- and post-surgery, is this going to be a serious problem? Do I have any natural protein options that would be salty instead of sweet? I am such a salt-aholic. Finally, if I'm stuck with artificially sweetened shakes, which ones that do have artificial sweeteners have the least fake-sweet taste? Any recommendations? Thanks. :-) Cara