How do I make a good shake?

I brought some muscle milk lite powder. I'm having trouble with consistency.  When I use the shake cup it comes out with too many lumps,  If I use the Ninja it comes out with an airy froth on top, Sometimes it's watery. My doctor only want us to use water,   Any recommendations on how I can make a better shake?   This is my 11th day out of surgery,  Still on liquids for another week, Thanks inadvance.

I really like Nectar brand, it tastes like fruit juice, and 23g of protein per scoop.  They have a ton of different flavors.

I will only use one protein powder company, BSN. Their Lean Dessert and Synthra-6 flavors are so much better to me because they do not have a stinky protein powder smell and they taste great.  Open up a container and smell it, it smells like cake mix.  The rest of them smell like sour milk.  They also mix beautifully.

Make it with the ninja and sip it out of a travel mug... froth stays behind. Some protein powders froth more... if your ninja comes with several cups, use the smallest. I use 8 oz milk (or if I add higher cal items bananas, etc.) I use 1/2 milk, 1/2 water. Traveling I use shaker bottle and water. Some recipes: http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/2014/04/eggfa ce-favorite-protein-shakes-and.html

Congrats on your surgery!!

I find using a stick blender blends it without so much froth and you have more control.
Something like this one:
http://smile.amazon.com/Cuisinart-CSB-75BC-2-Speed-Immersion-Blender/dp/B00ARQVM5O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1419203828&sr=8-1&keywords=stick+blender

I like my shakes much better with milk.  If not real milk, almond milk.  Unsweetened almond milk is pretty low in calories.  Is there a reason your doc would object to that?

Some brands mix better just by shaking than others.  If the blender makes it too foamy, let it sit in the fridge for a while.  Some of that foam should dissipate. 

It it seems too watery, try adding less water.

I'm on day 6, and the only way I can tolerate the shake is if I make it with a tbsp of SF jello pudding mix (butterscotch, pistachio, white chocolate) and almost all ice.   I put in the nutribullet and blend so it's the consistency of a granita.  Then I eat it with a spoon (took me 3 hours, but I finished :))

Just when I thought I have mastered protein smoothie-making and proudly sharing with family, my DH recently confessed he can't fake liking them anymore!  It must be the protein powder smell/taste where I hardly notice anymore.  Friendly warning:  be careful giving out recommendations.  I will resist posting my concoction anymore : /