Why does it matter if you get all your protein from a shake vs. meat or "real" food?

Real food stays in your pouch longer and makes you less hungrier. You stay full longer. liquids go right through the band and make you hungry again quicker. The key is to eat hard Proteins so they stay in the pouch longer. You will not eat as much. If you drink your calories you will never be full since the go right through and you will most likely take in more calories by drinking your meal vs. eating them

Here is a quote from the Inamed handbook:

"Solid food is more important than liquid food. The Lap Band system will have little or no effect if you eat only liquid food. Liquid food passes through the stomach outlet quickly and does not make you feel full."

However they may be a reason that the liquid may work better for you at certain times or if you have a need to get in a lot more Protein than the 60 grams (ie- nursing or pregnant or other medical issue).

Personally I still have them on mornings when I am really tight (corresponds to my cycle) and I needed them to make sure I got the required amount when I was nursing my toddler and our new little one