I have seen references several times to choosing between the tube and eating normally. My hubby had a PEG tube but could eat orally while it was still in. That helped to bridge him from eating no solids to eating regularly. At first, there was no way he could bring in enough calories with an oral diet. He would eat some oatmeal or soup and supplement his calories with the PEG tube. That way he could keep trying new foods but not worry if he couldn't finish them or they hurt his mouth. I would just throw it out and try something else.