I had a right side neck dissection, and I have pictures posted on my facebook. I am 7 months out from surgery and 4 months out from radiation. After surgery for me, i think i was eating ok and what not maybe 2 months after, but they took the whole right side of my tongue, after radiation i think it was a month or 2 again and i was eating well again. But it all depends on the person and the surgery, no 2 are the same, well as for time frames!

I wish you luck and hope for smooth quick recovery and hope you don't have to have radiation, but if you do, it will just help you be more confident that this won't happen again!!