Tools

Here's my thoughts on special tools for weight loss.  If you buy them specifically for weight loss, then you're on a diet.  And diets are temporary.

I do use salad plates instead of regular plates most of the time now, but that's just a convenience thing.  Protein shakes are temporary, so I didn't invest in a special blender to make them (but I already had one anyway).  I already had a food scale - used it once and then eyeballed it from then out.  Your NUT can show you how to easily eyeball portion sizes.  I also have a Tervis tumbler (24 oz) that I use for my water, but again, had it before my surgery.

So don't invest a lot in tools that you won't continue to use after a couple of months - it's not worth it.

I'd strongly encourage you to try to get protein powder samples you can try before you start you pre-op.  It's less expensive to get samples while you can and find something you like.  I've foun a couple that I love, that others really hate, and vice versa.  You don't want to barf after surgery because of a gross shake. 

That said, consider that when you detox from carbs you'll probably prefer less sweet things.  Seriously- I tried the cookies and cream protein shake from GNC- my wife loved it, I thought it tasted like frosting and couldn't drink it.