I did give up ALL dairy, with the exception of butter to get to goal. I kicked and screamed about doing it, but I dropped FIVE POUNDS the first week I gave it up (and this was very near to goal). That was a HUGE eye-opener for me that it was causing problems for me. I can't remember how long I stayed dairy free....maybe 6 months? Could have been longer or shorter. Anyway, I've added it back in now in fairly limited quantities and have started experimenting with raw cheeses and goat cheese. I may need to rethink dairy again, though.

I did want to add it back in, for sure. But after going without it for so long it became normal and now I know I <can> go without dairy.

For the record, I never did well with cottage cheese or yogurt - even full fat Greek plain yogurt. <sigh>