Hello Sheryl, I'm not sure exactly what type of surgery your husband is going to have, but I did want to tell you our story - a brief version.
Kris had a recurrence in Feb 2012, again of his base of tongue tumour. He had long complicated surgery. Part of this involved a total Glossectomy with reconstruction of his pharynx. He talks and
swallows all his nutrition, although he will only swallow liquids.
I will say that the first 3 months postop were difficult. It was a long slow recovery physically. He needed a lot of physiotherapy from the bilateral radical neck dissection he also had at this time. Lifting arms, turning his head and the like. He needed a lot of assistance the first 3 months and then it gradually lessened.
Kris started swallowing in the 3rd week postop. Started with tiny amounts via a syringe, 10mls. He basically tips fluid into his mouth, tips his head back and swallows. The SLT doesn't know how patients like Kris do this. He very quickly progressed to swallowing all his nutrition within 2 weeks. He has a PEG , but has not used this now for over 2 years - scared to have it removed. I think everyone is different and you will just have to see how your husband goes. Your role will be to just encourage him all the way.
A Christine says , there are plenty of posts about nutrition if you want to look them up. Kris still uses an Ensure like product as a base. He makes lots of fruit smoothies using full cream milk, full fat yoghurt, icecream and lots of thick cream. Incidentally his cholesterol levels are perfect for the first time in 20 years. He also uses a Vitamix to blend soups. He has maintained his weight now for the last 2 years.
I hope this helps you somewhat .
Tammy