Just curious if I will be able to count my protein shakes as a liquid?

Yes!

I never really did because I know that there is no such thing as getting too much water. I just try to do the best I can each and every day with my liquids. Even at over a year out. Compared to pre-surgery, I still don't come anywhere near what I used drink, liquid wise.

Am I really going to stop and assess at 6:00 PM ... "Well, I had a Gatorade (20 oz), 3 glasses of water (30 oz) and a protein shake (10 oz). There's my 60 oz of liquid for the day so, I don't have to drink anymore."

No ... I'm going to keep going and pushing myself to drink more liquids. If I am assessing my intake and I discover I am short, do I beat myself up?

No ... I am going to keep drinking and try to do better the next day. Come up with some new tricks to get it in.

And if I am meeting my goals each day, should I pat myself on the back?

Yes ... but you should continue to push yourself as you get more time in because one of the things you should be adding is exercise, and that is going to take some liquids to maintain.

Bottom line, never get complacent on your liquid intake.

Yes...they do count. PDXMan is right, though...you can never get too much liquids!!