My Dad is 68 and had the surgery in October 2007 at Univ.of Penn. He came through the surgery really well. He did have a hard time not drinking too fast or eating too fast. Did not really have a hard time swallowing. If he drank too fast, (which was normal sips for anyone else) it would come right back up. As for eating, he just had to eat slow and take breaks. He is still unable to eat certian foods, but that has a lot to do with the chemo & radiation treatments. He says the surgery was not the worst he has been through so far. Take care, and I hope this helps!