Proteins Drinks???

If you take the same Protein Pre Mixed Drink and then take the Powder Protein Mix and drink it, is that considered the same amount of protein if they have the same amounts in each?  I just read that someone should be drinking whey Iso Protein rather than drinking premixed protein drinks b/c its not the same....whats the difference can anyone tell me or do I have it all mixed up???

Whey protein isolate is the most bio-available - meaning your system can absorb it pretty much in the form it goes into your stomach.  It doesn't require a lot of digestion.  Other proteins - particularly the milks and cassein based - are good proteins, but they require more digestion so you might not absorb as much.  So, yes, the whey protein isolate is the best form of protein, but the others are good as well.

The only "protein" that you should stay away from are collagen-based.  This type of protein is NOT absorbed at all and is useless for getting your protein in.  Pork rinds are a great example.  I love them and use them as a crunchy snack, but don't count any of the protein toward my goal.  Read the ingredients on your protein powders and drinks to make sure you know what you're getting.

In terms of the drinks, protein is protein regardless of whether they are ready mixed or powder - it depends on which kind of protein, not whether the drink is ready-mixed.

I have a little trouble absorbing protein (probably had this pre-op according to my doc) and so I drink isolate proteins quite a bit. In order of how well they're absorbed:

Isolates and hydrosylates are easiest/best
Concentrates are still very good
Food protein good, including soy/egg
Casein/caseinate good but not as easily digested
Collagen - don't bother, your body can't absorb it

Now when you notice that food is in the middle of this pack, you realize that "not as easily digested" is relative. Lots of WLS patients manage to get all their protein from meat, which is way harder to absorb than isolate.

Anything down to casein proteins are fine for most people