O I hope that darn scale starts to co operate soon.

Its great news that you have been able to cut out the meds and keep your blood sugars down. That alone will make you so much healthier.

I think if you were on a restricted calorie diet right before this your body is now taking the protein you are taking in and rebuilding good muscle tone. When you are in a fat burning mode things will turn around.

IMHO the shakes are not a big problem (unless you try to live off them alone). Keep up the good work you are doing and you will see results.