I had my surgery in June 07, I asked the same question. As of today I have lost 75lbs. I know they say no protein drinks but I drink one for breakfast, eat lunch, another protein drink as a snack on the way home from work, and then eat dinner. Doing this has made me feel better, and I have had less struggles trying to eat in the morning (could never keep the food down), and I'm not so hungery when I get home so I am able to eat slower in the evening and again am having less problems with PBing.
Hope this helps:
Angie