Congratulations on the band. I use skim milk only in my shakes from day one. I never used water. That thought is gross. I use a little decaf instant coffee, peppermint extract and tons of ice and make the best thick shake. I have one very morning, oh ya, I use 2 scoops of the protein to make sure I get in enough. I had the band in July and have been drinking the shakes for one year now. By having the shakes for breakfast I lost 28 pounds before the band.
Good luck and welcome to the best site for help, opinions and laughs and cries.