There is a wide range of experiences on this matter. For me, my sweet toothe started coming back soonest so I could eat things like ice cream, Jello and fresh fruits as long as they are ripe and juicy. But for over a year just about everything else just tasted like garbage no matter what I did with it so it was Ensure Plus that kept me alive for that time. A few months ago I tried some won ton soup from the restraunt down the street and was shocked that it actually tasted pretty good so I started eating lots of Ramen and other clear soups. Now, I'm getting up to speed at last with meat and potatoes and fresh vegggies as long as I have lots of gravy as dry mouth is still an issue even as taste comes back. It gets very frustrating when something sounds really good and you taste it and it's awful and it's easy to get depressed thinking you may never be able to enjoy food again, I know that's how I've felt for these past 18 months but now food is becomeing enjoyable again. Tell him to take his time and let it come. A lot of people were able to eat a lot sooner than I was so he just needs to be patient. As I was saying when I first found I could eat ice cream "where there's ice cream, there's hope" ;-). Wow, that was kind of a rambling reply but I hope it gives you an idea of the range of possible scenarios.