Anyone else get sick from the protein shakes for the pre-op diet?

[CNoelle89 0]

I’m having surgery in October but have been trying all different brands ahead of time to see which I like best. So far, I like the taste of Boost & Premier the best but shortly after drinking either of them, I get a bad stomach ache and have to run to the bathroom. I suspect that this is due a sensitivity I have to artificial sugars. The same thing happens if I try to eat sugar free Jello or anything like that. I’m getting very nervous because I don’t want to be sick for 2 weeks and my dietician doesn’t have much of a solution for me. She told me to keep trying brands until one doesn’t make me sick but I have the same issue with Ensure and Glucerna. Anyone have a similar experience?

Edited September 5, 2023 by CNoelle89

[NickelChip 1,211]

I haven't had this happen, but would you be able to try Syntrax Nectar Naturals? They are stevia and Monk Fruit sweetened and don't taste terrible. I've tried the orange flavor so far and the closest I can come to describing it is Tang. Just make sure you try the ones that are labeled specifically as "naturals" and not the other ones that are also called "Nectar" because those have artificial sweeteners.

[catwoman7 11,212]

yes - definitely sounds like a reaction to artificial sweeteners. Would they let you have Fairlife milk instead? (It would probably have to be the plain milk since I'm assuming the chocolate milk and the Fairlife shakes have artificial sweeteners, too). Although maybe there's a sweetener that you can tolerate (most people aren't intolerant of all of them - just some (sugar alcohols are a common culprit. They're the ones whose names end it "-itol", like xylitol)