I am only two weeks post-op and have been having the same concerns. I asked my doctor at my first post-op visit and she said the pains are normal. She also said I had MAJOR surgery and the pain is to be expected. She said the more I walk the pain will subside. My pain started on the left side and is no at my belly button below my inscisions. She said this is where the camera was placed during surgery so there are also more stiches.
I am having the same problem with the Protein shakes. I was hoping they would get easier but it seems they are harder to take with each shake. The others that had surgery on the same day gave me a couple suggestions. The first is to freeze the shakes and they are a little more like ice cream. If you decide to try this the nutritionist said to be sure to read your shake container because not all shakes can be frozen. I also tried the protein shots. They are 3.8 oz of pure protein and are flavored giving 42g of protein. I won't lie and say they taste the greatest but it is alot easier to do one of the shots at only 3.8oz than drink two shakes a day. Hope I could help a little and good luck with your recovery!!! We can do this, I just keep telling myself these shakes are not forever.