Protein: Ready Made or Powder Question for Post Op

Is ready made protein drinks better than the Powder forms?
Does the powder form require mixing with water or milk? If milk, which type?
Also what's a good protein source for the clear liquid post op diet?

Thanks in advance for your responses.  Just trying to prepare a shopping list.

 I did the ready made at first because it was easier after surgery. I was really unmotivated to mix anything at first. I have mixed the powder with water, milk and coffee now, trying things out. My protien powder is not that high, so the milk bumps it up a little. I use non-fat milk. I also have some Designer Whey powder that  tastes like berry lemonaide, so it is only good for water. I had a liquid phase post op-not a clear liquid phase, so I can't help you with that one.

There are lots of options out there so it's really about finding what works best for you and what you like.

Early out, I wanted ready-made protein shakes.  I used EAS carb advantage and Isopure (which is a clear liquid protein!) the first few weeks post op.

Then I moved to powders that I mixed myself.  I went through several samples before I found some I liked.  Syntrax Nectar is my current powder of choice.  It is also considered to be clear, by the way.  Lots of flavors and you just have to find the ones you like (I suggest a sampler to get started).  I mix mine with water, mainly because I use the fruity flavors, but also because the milk adds too many carbs for my liking and seems to amplify the yucky whey taste for me.

Here's a link to sample ideas:

http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/vsg/4391400/Sample-ideas/

Good luck!

I have always used the powder and am extremely picky about what type I use.  I LOVE Lean Desserts and Nectar...I use chocolate in coffee or milk and lemon in tea.
God bless!
Tonya in SC

 I chose to have both on hand, and still do.  Powders are more cost effective, so I use them when time is not a concern and I am home.  I keep RTD on hand for times that I am out, at work, or some other situation.  I found they really help to keep me on plan.  Initially I was told by my NUT to mix with fat free milk or lite soy milk.  Post op they were to thick and filling, so I reverted back to using water.  Now, I just don't want the extra calories.  

The powders that I have are more carb heavy then my RTD.  Premier protein drinks from Costco or Sams are my go to- the most protein for the least calories and carbs that I could find (easily) and tolerate.  

 For the post op clear liquid phase my surgeons office recommended ready made drinks such as Isopure Clear Zero Carb (each bottle is 20 oz and contains 40g of protein).
I was on a pre op liquid diet for 2 weeks and drank Glucerna shakes, which I really enjoyed at that time. After surgery I found that I couldn't stomach thick, sweet protein shakes, so I have been using unflavored protein powder mixed into liquids and foods and Nectar Protein powders-since I can't tolerate vanilla or chocolate shakes I have tried a  fruitier one-Caribbean Cooler(sort of a pina colada flavor)- I believe there is a sampler pack available on line so you can see which  Nectar flavors you like-just remember, your tastes can change post op. The fruty flavors suggest mixing with water, and you can add a scoop of unflavored protein to boost the protein uptake higher. If you choose a vanilla  chocolate or strawberry shake you may want to mix with milk- my surgeons office recommends Skim. Skim Plus,Lactaid or unflavored, unsweetened soy milk.
Best of luck, and hope this helps. Don't buy too much pre op for the post op period, because you may find like I did, that your tastes changed.

I like both, usually use powder because it tends to be cheaper and I can adjust flavours more easily. I do keep a few pre-mixed on hand for when I am in a hurry. One tip- I often mix in a spoonful of instant coffee (decaf or regular, doesn't matter to the taste) to chocolate or vanilla protein drinks - I like the flavour better that way. A drop or two of peppermint extract in a chocolate shake is delicious also.

Early pre-op, when I was on clears, I used Unjury chicken soup flavour, isopure bottles of grape and alpine punch (didn't always like the flavour, so mixed in a 1/4 packet or so of a complimentary crystal light flavour) and nectar crystal sky flavour - all of these mixed with water.

Once I was on full liquids, and ever since, I mixed everything (except fruit flavours) with chocolate or vanilla unsweetened almond milk, or if that's all I have, unsweetened soy milk. Most days I have a protein coffee to start the morning (chocolate protein powder mixed with a bit of almond milk into a slurry - hot coffee poured and stirred in - yummy!) Often add a bit of sugar free vanilla, almond or hazelnut Da Vinci syrup. For a splurge I sometimes add a bit of cream to a protein coffee.

I don't use dairy milk for protein shakes because the carb count is higher than I prefer, although I would possibly use the Hood low carb milk if it were available up here in Canada, as I used to like it a lot.