Well, im only about 2 weeks post op, and i was scared for the same reason. from what i've been told, yes you can eat normally. there will be some things that your stomach MIGHT not be able to handle but pretty much you can have whatever. they say you really cant have like the normal candy....if you HAVE to have some they say get sugar free...for the obvious reasons. and the ppl i've talked to say that they can eat steak but they get the really tender stuff because you have to chew really really well. but other then that its really not a bad deal considering what your gonna LOOSE!!!! and good luck!!!!!