Is it true that the digestive products of large meals are difficult to absorb because the overall absorbent surface of the the intestines is relatively small?

Answer 1

No, the intestines have the ability to absorb nutrients more than any other surfaces in the body and the surface is very big, comparatively, as well.

More:

If you have heard of people having dialysis for kidney failure to clear the body of chemical build up and toxins when the kidneys aren't functioning properly, they may be using what is called peritoneal dialysis. Because the intestines can absorb and release from inside and out, putting dialysis fluid in the peritoneal cavity is even better than hemodialysis (through the blood). The dialysis solution goes right into the abdominal cavity around all the nooks and crannies of the intestines and tissues where it can move the toxins and other chemical build up out of the body with the fluid when it is drained back out. It is the qualities of the intestines and their large surface area that allows that to be done.