Question:
I can't find anything I like to drink!! Nothing taste the same, is this normal.

   — Michelle B. (posted on April 8, 2010)

April 8, 2010
Hi Michelle....can you give us a list of what you've tried? Lots of us have got some real favorites... many of mine are from the Bariatric Eating website, and they are yummy beyong compare. But, they're also pretty pricey, and I tend to save them for "treats". One of my favorites is her Peanut Butter Cookie protein powder, and another is her Caramel Latte. She's just come out with a German Chocolate Cake, and I haven't tried that. Then there are the Lean Desserts that you can get at either The Vitamin Shoppe or GNC....they have chocolate coconut candy bar protein powder, and fresh cinnamon bun. But unfortunately, these are too high in calories and carbs for me now. In the beginning, when we couldn't drink very much, they were great. But now, when I need and can drink a whole serving, it's like a meal replacement instead of a supplement. One brand that I like is Syntrax Nectars - they have one called Syntrax Nectar Sweets - Chocolate Truffle, and one called Syntrax Nectar Fuzzy Navel. Both are very LOW in calories, NO fat, and 1 carb for the chocolate, and zero carbs for the Fuzzy Navel. But I can taste the protein taste in the Fuzzy Navel, so I usually add either some crystal light or some True Lemon or something to it to hide the taste.
   — Erica Alikchihoo

April 8, 2010
Thanks Erica for the advice on protein, I guess I should have been a little clearer, I can't find anything I like to drink for fluids. I was always a big coffee drinker and hate the taste of plain water. I have been drinking low cal fruit flavored waters and crystal light drinks but none of them taste good and I am having a hard time getting in enough fluids.
   — Michelle B.

April 8, 2010
Michelle, you aren't alone. Most of us find things taste "different" immediately after surgery. I found most Crystal Lite type beverages too sweet for about a month or two after surgery. I did like water with a squeeze of lemon, Knorr' vegetable broth, and hot tea with milk and splenda. You could try unsweetened Kool Aid and add your own splenda (or whatever sweetener you use) to make it a level of sweetness that appeals to you. Frozen, sugar free ice pops were a life saver for times I was so frustrated by my "new" tastebuds. Iced teas with different flavorings is another possibility. Just keep trying different things. You'll find a few you like! I also found that I would like something and drink it a lot. Then, suddenly, I didn't like it anymore. Just keep sipping. You aren't alone, we all go through this and we're all here to support each other. Good luck! Let everyone know when you find something that works for you - it may be just the inspiration someone else needs!
   — Peggie

April 8, 2010
I have found that drinks that are tart sit better with me. I love lemonade from Chick-Fil-A. The Diet one of course. Also Special K protein powder mix-in lemonade flavor is great, not too sweet either. Target also has a brand of crystal light like powders that are good and seem to be less sweet than CL. You just have to try a few different things to find what works for you. Good Luck!
   — Brandi0223

April 9, 2010
Hi Michelle, Thank you for posting your question. I am 4 weeks post-op and I am totally new to "oh". I feel totally the same way as you do about the fluids dilemma. I though my taste buds were a little funky cause I've been on Antibiotics for a post-op pneumonia. I took the last abx this morning and I'm hoping that it will all come back to normal. But now that you posted your question, I am realizing that more post-op are going through the same thing. I use to love water, a big glass of iced water, and I would chug it down. But now I can't do anything else but small sips and it taste nasty. I can't do anything like G2 (low calorie gatorade) like mention before, it just taste to sweet. I am craving alot of fruits, and tart fluids, so I was planning to get some Diet Ocean Spray, or I would love to find some low sugar Apple Juice. The sugar free popsicles were too sweet for me. I can only take half of one.I don't drink tea or coffee. I'll give you a list that my clinic gave me, maybe some new ideas will pop up... Fruit2O, G2, Crystal Light, Fat free, low sodium broth, sugar free jello, Power Aid Zero, 4C's, Diet ocean Spray, flat caffeine free diet soda, sugar free Popsicles, decaffeinated tea or coffee...I hope we both find what we need. Good Luck to you! Annica
   — Piwell

April 9, 2010
Hi Michelle, It's good (but not really) to hear some of my main complaints. I'm 3+ mos post op frm rny gastric & was thinking I was going crazy with my taste buds.....they changed my stomache....nothing in my mouth. I absolutely hate water & it's been a struggle from the beginning. I've tried CL, wylers, hawaiin punch, propel & lately Ocean Spray which isn't too bad. Sugar free popsicles taste great to me, cream of wheat, 50% less sugar oatmeal. I use to drink at least 44 oz of diet soda a day b4 bypass & it doesn't taste good at all. I tried a bite of pizza & yuck....very seldom does anything I liked before taste good. I love 1/2 pnut butter & jelly on wheat & don't it just doesn't taste the same. I went to So Oregon for 2.5 wks to visit my grandson, son & mom & ddnt have my coffee so tried the herbal tea (both lemon & berry zinger) which someone mentioned on the website & to my surprise actually liked it. Guess your just going to have to taste.....taste .....& taste until you find more things that you like :-) Best of luck to you!!
   — 3decks

April 9, 2010
I like the Sobe Life Waters berry pomegranete is great,I like others as well. I also like grape flavor, so the welches diet grape packets s/f is also great!! I was told not to drink flat soda, because it was still not healthy for you, they told me don't even go there. I stay away from sodas and dont miss them that bad, I had the lap band to help improve my health, so blessed with this tool to help me, I dont want to go bk to my bad eating habits, I try to eat healthy w/the best foods possible. God Bless you on your Journey of a healthy new life.
   — T R.