I know what you mean Denise.  I thought the same thing as I looked in the mirror...not sure my stomach as EVER been flat.  You are going to be so happy!!! 

I used ready mixed protein drinks for a while post-op.  Don't fret over your protein intake.  Your body will burn fat for fuel.  Now, as for the water-- you MUST drink!  I found at first that I needed to drink from a clear container so I had a visual reminde of how much more I needed to drink to stay out of trouble.  I also used crystal light to flavor the water.  I found/ find that I drink more if it is flavored.  I also discovered that decaf coffee was a miracle. The warm liquid went down really easily and made my tummy happy.  I was able to get down lots of liquids with decaf without any issues.

It will all get easier over time.  Promise!  Hang in there and drink, drink, drink.

You rock, Amy!  I am so glad to have you as a pioneer to lead the way!  Now, I am anxiously and impatiently awaiting my turn in December!

Flat tummy--- I can't even imagine looking down and seeing that on my own body.  It will be an out-of-body experience!  I don't think my tummy has ever been flat in my whole life,not even when I was a little kid.

 I know that you said Weight Wise isn't really an option for you anymore due to insurance, but I'll go ahead and add my .02.

I live about 10 minutes away from Weight Wise...and chose to go almost 4 hours and out of state to Denton for surgery. I didn't feel like I fit in at Weight Wise. I also felt like going to Dr. Stewart would be helpful and honest because he performs DS, VSG, RNY, and lap band--so he had no agenda in promoting one type of surgery over the other. He was also a few thousand dollars cheaper (I was self pay).
In the end I should have probably had surgery at Weight Wise. Terrible events surrounded my surgery, including my grandfather suddenly passing away within 48 hours of waking up from surgery. We actually left the hospital in Denton about 7 hours before we were scheduled for release. It was a terrible hassle driving back to OKC. Scheduling postop check-ups have been terrible as well. They tried to refuse to work long distance, even when we agreed BEFORE surgery there would be no post-op visits in Denton (phone, email, etc. would have to be used). 
The people at Weight Wise couldn't be any nicer. I just felt like they were trying to shove the Atkins diet down my throat. I know I can lose weight on a low carb diet....however, if I could have stayed with low carb diets, I would have not have needed surgery at all. I knew that I would find myself in the same dieting world post-surgery if I went with Weight Wise and their protein-protein-protein scheme. That was something I did not want. Plus I am a firm believer in all things being good in moderation. 

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The only thing that I needed and did not bring was chapstick. I used the hospitals gowns the whole time and my flip flops to roam the halls.

Also hand lotion is a necessity if you are like me and have dry skin =0)