Initially your appetite may be poor, so just try to drink and eat a little when you can. Indigestion is common after this type of surgery and some patients also suffer from nausea as a result of the anaesthetic and drugs. As part of your foodpipe (oesophagus) and possibly part of your stomach has been removed, the valve at the bottom of the oesophagus will also have been removed. It is therefore possible for food and liquids you have swallowed to be regurgitated and possibly spill over into your lungs. To prevent this, try to sit upright for at least one hour after you have eaten. As your stomach has been reduced in size, the amount of food and fluid it can hold has also been reduced. You may find the following points helpful: • eat slowly • avoid too many spicy foods • take 4-6 small meals/snacks a day. Little   and often is best • make sure your teeth are in good   condition, ensure dentures fit well • eat as wide a variety of foods as possible   so you get all the essential protein,   carbohydrate, vitamins and minerals • include fresh fruit and vegetables in your   diet • introduce sweet foods slowly - avoiding   large amounts of sugar and sweet foods   (could cause dumping syndrome) • take small amounts of fluid only when   eating, otherwise it will fill you up quickly • avoid a lot of fresh orange juice, it may   upset your stomach • sit upright when eating, it helps the   stomach contents to empty more quickly • as alcohol is absorbed quickly, a little   goes a long way, so minimise drinking of   spirits, however, a small glass of sherry   before a meal may help to improve your   appetite • avoid large quantities of beer - due to its   large volume, it will fill you up quickly • don't worry if you lose weight at first,   this is expected • if you continue to lose weight, have high   calorie drinks between meals and consult   a dietician or your Surgeon/GP.