I feel like since I've had surgery just a week ago, I'm bombarding the forum with all these questions that I should know..sorry. I'm wondering if anyone could answer for me..today I've had 2 oz coffee, 2 oz protein shake, 2 oz of strained veggie soup and about 12 oz various fluids spread out through the day. I feel full to the top of my throat, I feel like I have something in my throat. My upper stomach is distended (and still so sore..have doc appt tomorrow). I'm also gurgling like a choking fish. I'm afraid to fix my afternoon snack or any dinner..I also haven't used the bathroom much at all today. Is all of this normal?

I don't know that there is such a thing as normal. Everyone is different. I'm 4 weeks post-op tomorrow and I am healing very slowly. I can't eat and drink as much as some or most people at this same stage. Every thing has to be mushed up and real creamy, no chunks, and not too thick. Drinking is slow going with resting between sips. Lot's of girgiling, burping and hiccups. I believe my acid relflux is slowing things down and I take Nexium and drink Mylanta as needed during the day. My doctor does not allow coffee, says it's slows down the healing process, but I started drinking coffee with lots of milk and creamer after 3 weeks. You are only 1 week out, it takes time and make sure you get in fluids. I was not a milk drinker before this surgery, but I am now. Skim milk goes down easy for me. You're in the hardest time right now, it will get better. Good that you're seeing your doctor tomorrow. Let him know your fluid intake.

I hate that feeling like it is right there in the throat ready to run up at any given minute. I was like the first few days then started spacing my meals (liquid shake) had am shake around 9 lunch shake at 2 and dinner shake at 7 and then late night hot coco Protein rich at around 11. Give some time between liquids so your new stomach can digest it all.

You will not go to the bathroom as much until you can get more liquid down, but DON'T PUSH IT it will come.

Your body has gone through so much and needs time to heal and adjust to your new stomach. The swelling will also go down in time just remember how much you have gone through.

Normal is not always what everyone else has gone through we are all different, we all have had something like what you are going through.

Don't worry about asking a ton of questions, that is way these boards were created, to give answers and make friends in the process.

Hope all goes well at your doctor appointment, let them know of your concerns they are also there to help while going through your journey.

Everything will come in time. Just keep doing the best you can. You're doing great.

2 oz of coffee, though ... Any chance of trading that with Protein shake? Cafine is a diuretic and at this point in the game, you would probably be better servered by replacing it with the Protein Shake. Don't worry, you're not giving up coffee, but which is best for the 2 oz at this time. A month from now you'll be able to drink coffee like a champ, but in these early days ...

It's the first bit of coffee I've had since surgery a week ago...it's half/half. I didn't really like the taste and really set off my reflux so it's an easy sacrifice. I've gotten alot more fluids in through the rest of the day. I know how important they are.