Hi there .. Been there... Totally know the feeling, except it's my left side! First off, pudding, mashed potatoes, easy on the mouth but very messy and hard to control! I used to take semi solids - like an omelet, soft - easy to chew and manipulate, cut it in small pieces and put into your mouth on your unaffected side. Put it toward the back - chew and try to swallow, if it's hard, use some water to wash it down. I know a soft diet is what they recommend but the people who design these diets post op have never actually had to try and eat with part of their tongue missing. small pieces of baked potato (very small ) believe it or not it's easier to eat! It's all about location, location, location, use your unaffected side, and take your time, rushing through a meal is hard. Also your tongue is still swollen and healing, you will be able to eat normally at some point but it takes time. You're only 8 days post op so be patient. And good luck!
I'm at the point now where I can eat a few bites without having to gulp water. I was doing much better post op, within a few weeks, but the radiation I had caused swelling so here I am, working my way back to that place. take care.