Question:
Question About Measuring Protein Shake/Meal Replacement Mix

I'm pre-op soon to having surgery in a week and I have a question about the liquid diet after the surgery. Is it 2 ounces of meal replacement/protein shake with 8oz of water or 2oz of powder in 2 ounces of water? Very confused here can anyone please explain?    — e T. (posted on April 28, 2003)

April 28, 2003
I don't know what your doc is recommending, or what kind of protein shake you're planning to use, but generally speaking, you can vary the amount of water you want to add to most types of protein shake powders, according to taste (and I use that term knowing full well how scrunched up some folks' faces will get at the very concept of "taste" and "protein shake" in the same sentence! ;~D). In the beginning, it can be tough to get 8 oz. of any liquid down in one sitting, so going with less water to start with (and maybe less powder) might work better for you. And don't forget that the protein in most protein shakes starts to "break down" if not consumed within 30 minutes, so you don't want to mix up a big 'ole shake and then spend longer than 30 minutes getting it down. Instead, make the "portion" as small as you need to in order to get it in comfortably within those 30 minutes (or toss it if you can't finish it -- and better luck next time). Good luck!
   — Suzy C.

April 28, 2003
I would not use a meal REPLAEMENT (MRP) AT ALL, ever, since post-op. But a good protein powder would be 30g protein. Look at the serving size at the top of the label, then down to protein g toward the bottom. While you're at it, scan the sugar g. You want to shoot toward 30g protein, less than 6g sugar in a reasonably small serving. Most of the proteins I use will shake up nicely in 4 oz water. My personal fave takes 8 oz, but it's a little thicker and I add ice to make it thicker yet. But again, it is a protein, and most definitely NOT an MRP. You just have to experiement with the powder to water ratio for your own personal taste. I dunno, Suzy, I think protein & taste go together in the same sentence VERY well! How about YUMMY and protein, huh?
   — vitalady

April 28, 2003
At almost 2 wks post (-19.5) I think the previous poster is correct. You should not be looking at protein drinks as a meal replacement. The only time I use a drink as a meal is the sugar free instant breakfast and I add protein powder to that as well. Other than that, the protein drinks are not meals, but required just the same. And yes...PLEASE watch the sugar in protein. Good luck.
   — Diane S.