Some surgeons will also place a small feeding tube directly into the small bowel at the time of surgery to provide calories while healing. This is usually removed after you have started to swallow normally. A physiotherapist will probably begin to work with you to clear your lungs of any fluid which may have built up as a result of your operation. You may also experience some diarrhoea problems which can be treated with medicine if it continues. You may feel afraid to swallow for a short while and have a bad taste in your mouth.
Mouthwashes can help relieve the bad taste.
Gradually, you will discover that you can eat and drink fairly normally again. It is likely, however, that you will lose quite a lot of weight in the first few weeks after your operation. The weight loss does not mean that your cancer has returned - few patients return to the weight they were before the operation. All rights reserved. Readers are strongly advised to discuss the information with their doctor.