Alternatives to Premier Protien

I meet my surgeon next month and anticipate surgery in December/January. Since the surgery is happening soon, I've been testing out things I will need post surgery, especially in the first 4-6 weeks. I am looking for a pre-made protein shake that is at least 25g of protein and max 4 grams of carbs. I have allergy (reactions includes to blisters/sores all over my body) and/or intolerance (gastric issues) to most sweeteners except sucralose. I was excited to try premier protein as it's sucralose. However, when I had it, it was SUPER sweet. I can see this making me nauseous especially post surgery when I'm recovering. Is there anything that is similar to premier protein that is unflavoured/not as sweet? I'm aware that I can just use plain protein powder and mix in a blender, but I live in an apartment with paper thin walls and need an option in the early mornings. Plus, I like the convenience of a pre-made protein shake to toss in my bag. Oh, also, I tried the vanilla flavour.

You can add decaf coffee crystals to cut the sweetness. Pour it over ice and think of it as an iced coffee.

GNC Lean is not bad on carbs and comes in an RTD. They have flavours like banana, pumpkin spice seasonally, vanilla, chocolate. I drink ISO Gold from Popeye's Supplements. It can be sweet, but I buy the Double/Double and add a some decaf coffee crystals and it tastes like an Ice Capp. It is not RTD, but if you go into Popeye's now they will give you a sample pack that you can try. Avoid buying any large containers right now because after surgery your tastes will change.

Will you be having Optifast prior to surgery?

Ha ha great to see you outside of the Ontario forum!!! I bought a 4 pack since Shoppers had it on sale. I tried one vanilla. I tried one with my fake coffee chicory stuff, and I tried it with decaf. It does not cut the sweetness.

I will look out for the other brands. I really wish there was a RTD that was plain/unflavoured. I rather have no sweetness than try to mimic the taste of sugar with a sweetner, but I might in the minority.

My appointment is next month and they told me to bring a CC. I advised of my nurse/nutritionist of my sweetner issues and they said they had an alternative to Opti. I think it's slim cut or slim time or something. I'm not 100% sure. I'll find out at the appointment.

Congrats on your upcoming surgery.

First, I urge you not to stock up on drinks before surgery. I know you want to be prepared but often for a while after surgery, your tastes will change and what you liked before surgery may make you nauseated. If you get some ahead, get samples or small packs only.

Second, I know you said you wanted ready-to-drink (RTD) shakes but powder has alot more variety, is much cheaper and can be less sweet. I really like the Syntrax Nectar protein powder. It comes in 17 different flavors and they sell a sampler pack of all the flavors on Amazon and I think on this site. I love the Cappuccino, Lemonade, Grapefruit, Fuzzy Navel, Ice Tea.... They are still sweet but by adding a fit more water you can thin them down a bit. I have recently started using some of the Isopure Low/Zero Carb powder. They are definitely less sweet but only come in larger sizes (3 lbs, etc.) so it is hard to try them. Maybe find a source online or GNC where if you don't like it you can return it. I like the Cookies & Cream mixed with ice coffee and there is also an Apple Melon that is harder to find but very yummy.

One final tip from my experience, alot of the plain protein powders are not tasteless and don't really mix well with other flavors unless they are pretty strong. Also many of the vegetable and soy protein powders are absolutely AWFUL! For instance pea protein is really one of the most disgusting things I have ever tasted. Further unless you are lactose intolerant, use whey isolate powder, not casein or another protein source. Your body needs the protein and whey is more easily processed than the others.

All the best!

December will be here before you know it. I predict the summer of 2019 will be one of the best summers for you in a while. Some people in my WLS support group like to drink Isopure that they purchase at our local GNC store. I find www.unjury.com to have above-average customer service if you want to exchange an item or request samples. Right now, they have a BOGO deal on their RTD chocolate or vanilla.

I really liked the Unjury Chicken broth as a change from the sweetness of the other drinks. I found it mixed easily in WARM water.

How about going simple. Cut the sweetness to desired by mixing in with some plain cold water. Just pour RTD into a shaker with water - no real issue with mixing like powder. You should be carrying a water bottle at all times anyway. So pick one you can pour into and go to town. I do this all the time with protein. I mix it down to my taste and just drink more of it. Works fine. Take the easy way out of this situation.

I had a hard time with the premier shakes too. I could only drink them freezing cold and for a while I could only drink the caramel, half frozen. If you blend them with ice it helps dilute them a some. I got off of them as soon as I was able to eat enough protein. Everyone raves about synthrax non milky flavors flavors, but I never tried them.

I agree both with Syntrax and overdiluting to your likeness. I like Fuzzy navel with at least double the water, and a few drops of liquid Splenda. Tastes like orangeade.