Protein powder/drinks confusion

I've read many posts here about recommended protein and I'm confused.  Some say not to use whey protein, others say that is all they drink. Does it really matter? Isn't protein just that...protein?  

There are different types of whey protein. Concentrate, isolate, blends, etc. The best for us to absorb is whey protein isolate. I like Now brand unflavored because it's very versatile and I can sweeten and flavor to my liking. Some people are sensitive to whey post-op and have good luck with egg white protein.

Thank you for that clarification, I did not realize there were different types.  Where do you get the Now brand?

I get 5 lb tubs from amazon through their subscribe and save program. It ends up being around $50.

Whey protein isolate is quite bioavailable I can't understand why anyone would say not to use it. In the old days when whey protein isolate was the first ingredient on nearly all protein powders, a blend was recommended but whey protein isolate was still the predominate ingredient. Those days are gone now sine whey became harder to come by and the companies either went out of business or radically changed their protein powder formulas. Now the best you can do is double check the ingredients to make sure whey protein isolate is the first ingredient. Syntrax Nectar, JayRobb, Unjury and Isopure are additional whey protein isolate brands.
VitaminShoppe even displays some of these brands separate from the other protein powders, it must very evident to them they have a customer base that only wants whey protein isolate. Vitalady has been going through hell with her protein powder vendors. They will sneak a new formulated powder onto their line and not tell anybody it's changed. Vitalady has had to drop many of her suppliers over the past few years. 

--gina

Another thing you need to know is the difference between protein supplements and meal replacements.  Meal replacements contain all the necessary salts/electrolytes people need to sustain life.  They are complete.  Protein supplements normally contain very little but protein because they are meant to 'supplement' a regular diet.  If you are using shakes as a major part or your daily intake you need meal replacement quality or you need to remember to add salt, potassium, magnesium, etc.

It sounds like you're stocking up, so I thought I'd throw out a word of warning here.  What tastes good today may taste like total poison when you are post op, so don't make any huge investments right now until you are on the other side of the knife.  Instead, stock up on several single-servings from different brands and flavors, and don't give in to temptation to taste anything until you are home from the hospital.  It will save you from the fate of oodles of tubs of powder you'll never eat.