I feel your pain. I've been trying to lose weight pre-op for 4 months to no avail. They started me on a pre-op diet which I have stuck to to a T and I began working out. I did that for two months. and nothing. I stopped working out because all it was causing me was severe hip pain. So I started having a protein shake (the recommended ones - 1g sugar blah blah blah) for breakfast, and a light lunch and dinner. Still nothing. So within the past month I have switched to a protein shake for breakfast and lunch and a light dinner and all I've lost is time. In fact since I saw the doctor I've gained 11lbs. I go for my last nutrition visit today and I know she is going to tell me I'm lying and there is no way that I could have not lost weight by eating that way. But the thing is, that is the reason I decided to have the surgery, because no matter what I tried I could not lose weight. I do not know what the answer is, but I wish you luck on your journey.