I am 21 years of age and I had my tonsills taken out last tuesday. the reason it doesnt hurt so much is because the anesthesia is still in your system so your still numb. but at least 2 days after the operation you really feel the pain because the anesthesia has worn off and the medication that they give you only takes the edge off. well its been a week for me so far and my throat is still as sore now as it was when the anesthesia wore off for me. look im not trying to scare anyone that is going to have theres taken out but recovery isnt fun no matter what procedure. Its going to get worse before it gets better. but they are right when they say to drink plenty of fluids do not eat ice cream as it will give you excess build up of mucus in your throat hence harder to swallow. And ABSOLUTELY NO SMOKING UNTIL YOUR SURGEON SAYS TO.