I can't stand the milky protein shakes, but I did find something that's called whey protein isolate drinks - and they taste more like fruit juice, with none of the milky taste or texture. That's in Ireland. Not sure if it's available in the US.
Seems to vary a lot depending upon surgeon.
I was on a liquid diet for the 1st day after surgery, then moved onto puree on day 2 for the rest of that week. I'm now on soft diet until the 2 month point, where I move onto normal diet.