It's a big change and hard to adjust, but he will - he may have to figure out what works for him with the help of a therapist who deals will swallowing and speech etc... I think his determination will make a difference. For now, I totally understand his being down - but hopefully he will pull out of it being at home and healing. Maybe you need to sit and talk to the surgeon. He would have a good perspective on how well his patients do after the surgery. Maybe there is a support group available so he can see that he will get better.

Hugs.