I bought pure protein whey powder and on the back it says to drink with your meals. I am fixing to be on my pre surgery liquid diet. I thought these shakes were the meal replacement. Am I drinking the protein powder and a meal replacement shake?

I was instructed to use as a meal replacement. You aren't supposed to drink with your meals.

There is a difference between a meal replacement and a supplement. I found this on a website where you can buy actual replacements. "There is a very distinct difference between protein shakes and meal replacement shakes. A protein shake is just a concentrated protein powder that can be mixed into liquid like water or milk. A meal replacement shake contains multiple vitamins and minerals to help with all of the nutritional needs that you would normally receive if you were eating a healthy meal. Protein shakes still exist but they are really only a supplement for body builders. Meal replacement shakes are far more versatile when it comes to having all of the nutritional needs a meal needs to provide. Meal replacement shakes are designed to REPLACE one or two of your daily meals. Meal replacement shakes are specially formulated for weight loss and weight maintenance. These shakes are designed to give you a wide range of essential nutrients in a low calorie meal substitute, rich in proteins and low in carbohydrates." I hope this helps you.

Well, my dietician said you can use a protein shake as a meal replacement. She specializes in WLS patients. She has given me good advice so far.

Okay--I am trying to be helpful. Meal replacements have tons of vitamins and minerals added--regular protein shakes do not and are typically used by body builders, not weight loss folks (well at least NOT to replace meals). My nutritionist and staff went over this with us during our classes before surgery. I have protein supplement drinks I use on my liquid days--these are flavored and taste like Kool-Aid, but are not to be used to replace a meal--only to help me get in enough protein on such days when I cannot. To each his own-do what works best for you. :-)