I'm new to protein powders/shakes/supplements, but decided to try them after reading the Body For Life book along with lifting again. It's been 13 years since I last seriously lifted weights(high school.)

Anyway, I have two challenges as to the protein supplements. First, is that Im extremely lactose/dairy intolerant. I haven't drank milk in over 15 years and the intolerance has gotten so bad over the years that I practially have cut out dairy completely. So the real concern is the idea that whey and caesin are dairy by-products and I'm guessing that will cause me a problem in using them. That leaves me with taking the soy option which seems to be frowned on in these groups. Second issue is that I'm allergic to artificial sweeteners, including Splenda/sucralose. EAS had a soy protein powder that used Stevia(herbal sweetener that I have no problems with) but seems to be discontinued. My current goal is to lose the fat I've gained over the last decade and build my muscles back up.

So my real questions is if there is anyone out there that is lactose intolerent that has found a good protein powder supplement that works? I'd have no problems using a whey isolate, for example, if that doesn't cause any problems with a dairy intolerant system. I'm just trying to avoid a nasty reaction and wasted money buying powders I won't be able to use. Thanks