...part of his pancreas, his .? spleen and part of his stomach. My question is will he eat liquids first or just really small meals? I haven't been able to ask my mother in law I don't want to upset her anymore then she is.

Hopefully he will be able to eat normal food eventually, but with that radical of operation he may never again eat normally. He most likely will have to deal with problems like dumping syndrome, early satiety (get full quickly), diarrhea etc. I wouldn't worry to much about his diet at this point. Most likely there will be a lot of teaching done prior to him leaving the hospital.

He will be on intravenous fluids for a while then gradually resume oral intake.

His nurses and doctors should be able to answer these questions. When you visit him in the hospital ask them.

The surgery your father in law had was very extensive. Each person recovers differently. From my experience with my father, he was on a feeding tube, then liquids and then gradually he began to eat solid food. For 2 weeks after the surgery he did not feel like eating at all. He said everything tasted differently and everything he ate or smelled made him feel sick. Now approximately 5 weeks after the surgery he said his taste buds are getting back to normal and he has an appetite.

Be patient and when he does begin to eat give small portions and try various types of foods.

Good luck!