7carol3

I don't think many of us in here have had any trouble LOSING weight. We've done it over and over. It's KEEPING IT OFF where we have the problem.
My husband, who is my biggest supporter and cheerleader, also swore I could "just do it myself," and begged me to reconsider my choice, stick to a program and work out. I patiently (ok, well not so patiently) told him that I HAD reconsidered several times and it's not up for discussion. I have made my decision and I am doing this for me because I deserve to enjoy the second half of my life. I deserve to enjoy and savor food again, and to be able to enjoy exercise again without pain.
I commend the OP for letting her co-worker know that her opinion wasn't asked for and therefore had no value to her.

The good news is I haven't had a shake in ages! You may get bored for a bit but it is totally worth it. Just remind yourself of that. I don't think most of us ever get over the thoughts of having our old favorites. Once you are post-op you will find that some of them don't tickle your fancy nearly as much as they used to. I used to eat dill pickles by the jar. I barely eat them at all now and I don't crave them. When I go out to eat with my hubby he orders French fries and I eat 3 of his and then start on my grilled chicken salad with no dressing. (only because I am picky about my dressing...not that you can't have it) Once you have learned what your new stomach can and can't handle you will be amazed how things change. We can all eventually eat the things we love, in moderation. We have to remember to eat to live not live to eat.