>>>That sounds like Slimfast or the like. I'm going to a bariatrics specialist who said those are 'bad for you.' He put me on bioidentical hormones and told me to avoid artificial sweetners and carbs. >>>
What are bioidentical hormones?
The protein shakes aren't slimfast, just plain ole protein shakes.
He said Prempro and other Rx hormones have additives that are not in bioidenticals. I've noticed that I have more energy and sleep better at night.
As for the protein shakes, I've been told [most recently at Curves] that you have to take in enough for your body to have something to burn regularly or it will actually store more fat when you drastically cut your intake. Or, maybe you just don't have much to lose. The last few pounds are the hardest most of the time.