Question regarding rate of weight Loss

Every snack and meal should be protein consideration first. My surgeon's mantra was protein first then veggies and then IF you have any room fruits then carbs. I promise you in the beginning there is no extra room.

Honestly I know this sounds crazy because fruit is healthy, but I wouldn't eat fruit everyday. Berries are the best, but still not daily at least not while you are losing.

My surgeon's outline for protein drinks or smoothies was not more than 200 calories, 5g sugar, and at least 20-30g protein.

I too hated artificial sweeteners including stevia, wasn't crazy about protein powders...but I had to suck it up and figure it out. I bought so many brands and types to figure out what I could use and like, trial and error.

Using sugar or honey everyday will come back to bite you in the butt the further out you are. IMHO

At both Vitamin Shoppe and GNC you can return with receipt protein powders you try and don't like. GNC gives full refund, Vitamin shop gives you store credit. I think Vitamin Shop has a bigger selection.

At 2 months out I had lost 35lbs from surgery, I was also a lot bigger than you. Even in the beginning it is not a straight trajectory. Some months you lose more. This is life now not a diet, just keep pushing forward.

Try going without any carbs (or at least aim for under 20 grams a day) for two weeks. See what happens. You may want to get work on getting used to the artificial sweeteners. Sugar may taste better, but it's really, really going to hurt you in the end. I would also cut out fruit for a while and skip smoothies for a while as they are a slippery food and do not stay with you, so you are hungry again quick. Stick to solid proteins. Meat, cheese, eggs and a few green veggies once a day (like spinach and broccoli tops) for the fiber.

And be sure you are drinking loads of water in between your scheduled meals.

You can do a lot of things now and still lose some weight. But if you keep doing them, they will bite you on the ass down the line. 

No smoothies. No drinking calories at all. Dense protein. Anything you put in your mouth should gave at least 10 grams of protein for every 100 calories. Double that is better. No white carbs at all. No fruit until you are done losing weight.

Again, you can violate these things now and still lose. But they will catch up to you, halt your loss, and start you regaining.