You didn't say when you had your operation - The Dr. told me upfront that I would be in the hospital 7 - 10 days 2 being in intensive care - Then the rest was critical care for rest. I had the NG tube removed the day before going home - when they replaced it with a Peg tube. Peg will remain till I can eat - I still have not had any liquids or solids! - My speach therapist says she is afraid to try food until swelling goes down - My tongue is still so large and I have trouble getting the liquids to the back of my throat and takes time to swallow it. She wants me to have a Barium swallow test first. I go back to Boston tomorrow - not sure how long they will leave the trach in for! - I am wondering if I will be able to swallow liquids and eat food again ...Will I be able to taste or enjoy food again? -- Want to know how others made out with the free flap surgery - I had a large part in the middle of my tongue removed -- some only have one side of the tongue!!