I too have what 25% of all patients have, silent aspiration. Not enough to gag, but liquids do get by and into my lungs to some extent. Didn't even know it for the first 5 years after treatment, and discovered it during a barium swallow study. Solid foods no problem. I have had aspiration pnemonia a couple of times over 8 years, so you have to watchout for that. The therapist will work you though holding your breath and conentrating on closure when you drink as well as head positions. It isn't going to keep most people from eating, but therapy will take time and it will become second nature after a while.