Sleeved last week and after brief pre op diet am already sick of protein shakes! We just bought a vitamix today for about $400- and I am certain that this blender is gonna be the key to this diet being doable. My wife has already used it twice today to make two of the best soups I have ever tasted, and they are high protein and low fat! I can not believe I dropped that much $$$ on a blender, but it is likely the best money I have ever spent. So buy one, even if you have to scrounge the cash- it will be worth it- especially during liquid and smooth phases. If you read reviews you will notice that I am not alone in my wonder- and I am not normally easily impressed- especially with expensive stuff.