Tim,
I too had swallowing studies done at the start of treatment, and about six weeks after.
The exercises for each person were based on a detailed analysis of thier swallowing function.
My test involved a barium swallow study with several liquids of different thicknesses, and finally a cookie (a lorna doon) coated with barium solution the thickness of pudding, all recorded at high speed and analyzed by the speech and swallowing therapist. The exercises not only helped with swalllowing function. Some were meant to help prevent aspiration of liquids into the lungs, which is a fairly common problem which can lead to aspiration pnuemonia.
As with Gail's husband Barry, I was encouraged throughout treatment to swallow. I am convinced that I would have recovered to where I am now without the intervention of the speech and swallowing therapy, but it would have taken considerably longer than it did. It was an extremely valuable part of the program at the University of Chicago.
I would strongly encourage those in treatment to continue swallowing something every day, and to ask about a swallowing study after some recovery time.

Good Health,

Chuck