I eat pre swim...I can eat a lot and swim right after. Some of my friends sip on Hammer or Power products during the swim.

Powerbar/Cliff Bar/Whatever food you like 20 min before. Hammer out 6-8k with water every 1k or so. Eat. A lot. Not Phelps a lot, but probably a couple thousand calories, easy.

I usually eat pre-workout and a lot...

I have never really had problems with stomach stuff or feeling too bloated for swimming like a do runs. If I eat before a workout I am usually good for 7k-8k yards easy. Just stay hydrated and you are good.

Thanks guys for your posts.

I think I might try to stay with liquid or semiliquid stuff to fuel my workouts in the pool, particulary those that last over an hour.
I was really surprised and envious about Phelps eating so much food, and being so lean and all that, but since I am a slow person to digest food, I think maybe over a hour before my swim would be good timing to load up my tank.

So, for tomorrow....no bloating....longer swim...bring it on!

I like to keep it liquid for early swims, solids seem too heavy and tend to make me sluggish in the a.m.. I'll have an Ensure, a banana and gel on the way to the pool, then 20oz of IfiniT 1/2 measure on deck although I never really finish it during the swim. I like going in a little hungry relying on the previous day's stores. Solids seem not to bother me as much later in the day if I hit an after lunch or evening swim.