Will I ever be able to take a normal drink again? or will I always have to take baby drinks?

It comes back rather quickly. I can take pretty normal drinks at 4 weeks out. Now...if I take a huge mouthful of something, that has been known to be quite uncomfortable going down, but a "normal drink" goes down fine.

I had my surgery on Dec 11, 2012 and yes I am able to take regular swallows of liquids. You will again get there but be patient and do not put any undue stress on your new stomach. It will let you know when it is ready.

You will be able to take normal drinks again when the swelling in your stomach goes down.

I can take normal drinks, but I have gone along way to training myself to take smaller normal drinks. I find it more satisfying when I am drinking milk or, er, coffee (you got me!) if I can take smaller drinks and enjoy it longer.

the reason i asked is because i forgot for a minute that i had surgery and couldn't take a normal drink...and of course took a normal drink of water...as soon as i swallowed I was like oh CRAP that is going to hurt...i kept waiting...and nothing...then suddenly...a little sharp pain and it was done...i was like...wait...really? that was it...does this mean i might almost be normal again? that would be AWESOME!

Excellent question! I am so thankful for all of the answers.

the reason i asked is because i forgot for a minute that i had surgery and couldn't take a normal drink...and of course took a normal drink of Water...as soon as i swallowed I was like oh CRAP that is going to hurt...i kept waiting...and nothing...then suddenly...a little sharp pain and it was done...i was like...wait...really? that was it...does this mean i might almost be normal again? that would be AWESOME!

Yup. Sounds like it. The first week I was actually taking bigger sips than I thought I should be able to. I hear that from a lot of people.

I am a little over 2 weeks out and can for sure take bigger sips than at first! I was always a gulper, so it has been a very interesting challenge, but much better now.....Blessings~Melanie:)