I had surgery 20 December and it has been only in the past couple of weeks that I can drink like I used to. This was the hardest part of life after surgery since I am a gulper not a sipper. I have always been a thirsty girl (not diabetic even remotely), and instinctively drain whatever glass put before me (used to be Coke Zero). This was a huge hinderance to staying hydrated because I would get anxious at the mere thought of drinking something, because of the inevitable pain that came with it. After a LOT of retraining, and healing, I can drink normally again... Albeit no Zeros anymore. I get in about 70 ounces a day now, and am down 50 pounds.