I'm on my 6th today with 4 protein shakes a day. It's very hard. But I'm reading a great book, The Emotional First Aid Kit: A practical guide to life after bariatric surgery, by Cynthia Alexander. The book is really awesome in that it focuses on the main weapon in your arsenal for weight loss - Your Mind. It was recommended by my Psychologist and has really been a great help in helping me shift to the most significant part of all of this, permenant lifestyle changes. My surgery is on Sept 4th and I want to be prepared mind, body and soul.