I had my sleeve dec 12th the first day was pretty bad for pain the second not so bad but still bad the third way better and the fourth completley better. you need to make sure you are takling your antacid and the meds you got. warm water for me goes down easier and i can drink a little faster. the gurgling is normal. walking is gonna be your best friend so keep taking a little walk even after you have a sip will help. it does get better i feel pretty normal for the most part just icthy where my incision is . but it all gets better you have to think ahead and of the whole picture. is this your first surgery or have you had others?