I feel a tightness in my chest. I might burp or cough. It might be uncomfortable to breathe deep. I hate the feeling so I try not to get there. right now, I'm learning my threshhold is 3 tablespoons per half hour.

Yes I have that thing and I've been sucking like nobody's business.  Hopefuly it will be better tommorrow.

Yes it is!  How did your surgery go?  How are you doing first wk post-op?

 You and I had our surgeries the same day and have about the same WL goals. Thats greatness :)

I have the same fluid issue. I've solved my protein issue with protein shots. Every 2 hours, I make a shot of protein mixing half a scoop of vanilla whey protein powder with skim milk. Its delicious!! Like drinking vanilla milk, if you ever liked that. 1 scoop = 23 g of protein and 120 calories. I have about 4-5 shots a day. I also add 3/4 scoop to my light n fit yogurt, which is 6 oz but I eat it slowly over an hour for breakfast. This routine has been working for me.

My issue is the fluids. Having to remember to sip every 10 minutes or so. I was never big into beverages beforehand so this is new for me. I'm sticking with gatorade 0 and vitamin water 0 for the electrolytes and vitamins.

My dr didnt have me on a liquid diet beforehand, just 24 hrs pre-op. I also didnt have a lingering drainage tube. I can't relate to a lot of experiences I read folks having here, but I can say I'm very happy with how smoothly the process has gone. I'm starting to have mental hunger, but its summer and the smell of BBQ is in the air. I'm resisting it with no effort though. This tightness in my chest tells me to stay FAR away lol