Protein shake

I am new to this group and I have a quick question! Do you treat a protein shake as meal and not drink 30 min before and 30-45m after you had one. Thanks! I have a gained about 20 lbs from my lowest weight and looking to get back on track. My issue is not eating enough protein so I want to add that to my daily routine along with getting more exercise. Any input would be great!

It depends.  Very thin shake - it is a meal - proteins + fat + calories , but I don't wait 30 min before or after. But if my shake is thicker - with some fiber - and no use that as a replacement meal to fill me up - I take app 30-60 min to drink it. But after I am done - I only wait until I need to drink. (Summer I don't get enough liquids)

 The issue for me is not to add calories but really replace a meal.  That's why I maker my thicker and my shake is app 150-250 casl, in 18-24 oz volume