I am on day 6, my surgery was 11/20. I too wonder the sam questions as you, what is all this gas and pain. Am I hungry or is that gas bubbles shifting around?
I have found that sipping tiny sips and only drinking my liquids in 10 to 15 min incruments seems to work best. I have also learned to keep water on hand at ALL times. I went out and did some errands yesterday and I didn't think ahead, I was with out my vitamin, my shakes, and had no food on hand. I had my water, but noting to fill my hunger pains. I didn't get home until 2 in the afternoon and I learned to be prepaired. I will always carry something with me that I can eat.
Hope this helps, I see we are similar in our problems and concerns.