Hi- I had the same forearm-flap surgery succesful in the first attempt 9 years ago. I ate sour cream, yogurt and they disconnected the peg before I left the hospital. The tongue can be later lasered to remove hair. He is fortunate to have this surgery to restore speech, eating everything etc. Only it is now a two-tone tongue! I recently had a couple growths along the flap line which were nothing. Good luck.