Hiya Susan and welcome
It is hard when there are people who don't understand what it's like to be 'our size' and the problems it brings. You need incredibly strong resolve at times to stick to what you know is right for YOU. I've always been a worrier about what others think, but this time, no way- I'm doing this for me because I know what a difference it will make to MY life. I'm am lucky that I do have a supportive network- I've found it easier to tell people- they have noticed a really positive change in me and because of that they are supporting me.
Where do work? I work in a school, so I have access to microwave, fridge, boiler etc in staffroom. I've been eating soups- I spose you could treat it just like a cuppa soup really. There is also a freezer compartment in the fridge so I can store ice. I have also bought a cheap hand-blender to take into work

I think part of support from my colleagues sees me eat something different all the time- I even had some porridge in there for break the other day (had half left over from breakfast!). I've also bought the CD shaker so I can dilute a tetra and have a nice big 'smoothie' as the kids believe hehe.
Speaking of tetras, just bung them in the freezer- I cut mine in half when frozen and store the other in a tub- be careful though the strawberry one has been in there since yesterday and was rather hard today- coulda done with a bit of time to warm a bit. Prolly best, if you can to put it in about 3 hours before I think
Is there a reason you're not doing the other shakes? Or are you sticking to tetras for convenience? I get bored easily so I'm always playing with mine- girls make sure you try a mix of banana and choc- scrummy- had a quarter of each, lots of ice!
Hayley- I think it's down to people not understanding the diet. Are they also a similar size to you, or struggle with your weight? The guys at work had LOADS of questions (and worries at first) when I started. I took in the 'inspiration' magazine from my CDC and lots of info that she gave me for them to read- it seemed to help them see where I was coming from- the before and after photos were a real help!
When you go to the bbq, make sure you take a shake/bar/something with you, and something that you really like- choc mint maybe hehe, will be easier to resist, but I'm sure you won't have a problem!
I know this journey that we're on is HUGE, but we WILL get there- we have the support of each other for a start. We're doing this for us, not anyone else. If you get a bit unsure, check other people's signatures and the wonderful inspirational slideshow of pics- I showed it to my OH it's great motivation.
Also, I have downloaded a spreadsheet from another post which allows you to enter your weekly weight loss and predicts goal date as well as giving you lots of other funky details- that's a real motivator too!!!
http://www.minimins.com/cambridge-diet-forum/22861-graph-spreadsheet-2.html
Should take you to the right page- it's the one on page 2, which has something extra. Not sure if it's been updated since, but works for me- I like a visual boost!
Anyway, hope that helps a bit- this is all new to me too, but hey, what an adventure!!!!