Started lifitng weights after a 3 year gap...

[steve singh]

...is it worthwhile having protein shakes in week 1 or shall I let some of the newbies gain get out the way after the first 2 weeks before I start on the shakes?

[LordGrover]

Probably depends on your view of shakes in general - I don't bother at all any more.
I'm 'fortunate' in that I make the time to prepare proper, healthy food but plenty out there consume it several times per day with no ill-effects. Pretty sure it's not the wonder short-cut or vital component many seem to think it is though.

[HonestIago]

What you said implies protein shakes yield drug-like effects, they make little to no difference to your strength/muscle gains. The importance of a high protein intake is grossly over-exaggerated by supplement companies.