Is protein shake counted as a meal?

I am 15 days out of surgery and I have not been able to eat much, althouhg I would really like to eat more protein, and also start vits. I was told to eat three meals daily. However, if I eat three meals, can I still take protein shakes to supplement the protein I need? Or is the shake considered a 4th meal? I am afraid of overeat and slow down my weight loss.

Also, I read something about homemade protein ice cream. Can I eat that now or am I too early at this point? If I could have ice cream, I'd like to use it to make protein shakes as well.

Thanks,

My program says to place your protein supplements between "meals" as a planned snack. You aren't able to eat enough now so any protein shake as a meal or between meals is a good thing. :)

Definitely try the protein ice cream but be watchful of lactose intolerance at this point. Whey protein isolate shakes mixed with water should contain very very little lactose but the blends that list protein concentrate or milk concentrates as the first ingredient may have more lactose than you can manage.

--gina

I don't count how many times I eat each day.  I do try to reach a goal of at least 100g of protein daily.  If I only had 3 chances to get it in, I'd be in trouble.  Just count protein grams and make sure everything you eat has protein value.  Forget about counting meals.

Thank you both for your advises. I am starting a protein shake tomorrow to see how it goes. :)

As for the ice cream, I can't wait to make it but have to break the news to hubby that I bought another counter top applicance.............haha    

Don't listen to anyone who says count meals. That is bad advice. Count protein and carbs and eat (protein) whenever you are hungry.

You are getting bad advice. I recommend you verify ALL the advice you are getting with vets who are succesfilly living with the DS.

Becky