I just have two quick questions (and a brief discussion) about Protein drinks.

1. Do these count as a meal (I'm 3 weeks post-op) or simply as liquids?

2. Am I really getting all the protein in, or is this just washing through my stomach in the way other liquids do?

Since before surgery I have been having a Protein Drink (20-25g) with 1-1/2 scoops of added protein (36g - 40g) to start my morning. While I don't necessarily find them tasty any more, I am also not bothered by drinking them...they're fine. Now that I'm at the stage where I need to schedule 3 meals every day I'm wondering if I get 3 meals in addition to the shake or counting the shake.

The second question comes from a lot of discussion recently about why we don't drink Water with our meals. When I think of my drinks going down, however, I just don't see Protein Drinks as different than my water, tea, or juice going down. Am I really getting protein this way or is most of it washing on through my system and being wasted?

[so sorry if this is an old topic that's been fully covered. I tried searching but couldn't find any related discussions.]

Thanks so much,

Bea

My Dr/Nut told me that protein drinks count as a meal. I was also told that since the protein in the drinks is so concentrated, we are actually getting our amounts as indicated by the different protein drinks.

Also, (hit post too soon) I was told to still hold off drinking other liquids (water, gatorade, etc) for the same 30 minutes I would solid foods. To allow the protein drinks to fully digest.

Thanks for the feedback, TwinsMama. I forgot to mention that because I had my surgery in Mexico (a wonderful experience!) the benefits are the much lower costs while the drawbacks include having to seek out a NUT on my own. Still working on this.

Again, thanks for the input!

My nutritionist said that 25 grams of protein is all our bodies can process at any given time, therefore, adding more protein to the amount already in your shake doesn't count towards meeting the total requirement. My daily requirement is 60 grams. The shakes count towards both the protein and fluid requirements. I am not required to have any particular number of meals, just 60 grams of protein and 64 ounces of fluid.

Thanks for this comment, notime! I have plans to visit a nutritionist next week (she's the kind that will draw blood and make recommendations based on my numbers) and I'll be sure to ask her about this. You've definitely pointed out something I didn't think of before. Thanks!