One thing since surgery a month ago that I'm struggling with in particular is the fact that I have to chew so much... by the time it's all chewed into mush, the taste is pretty much gone and I find myself (when eating alone at home) spitting a considerable (but not huge) of it out into a garbage can next to me. Even when I've been out to dinner, I spit several times into my napkin but try to hide it by acting like I'm wiping my mouth. This could possibly be because I've been waiting to swallow until it's very mushy in fear that, if I don't, a piece could be bigger than expected and then get struck (which freaks me out a ton). Any advice?

well I don't know if I have any advice but for me it gags me to chew meats like pork chops for example and I can't bear the thought of steak, ew, and haven't had steak in over a year. Scared I will get stuck. I do however chew chew chew, I find it just the opposit really, I finally taste food for the first time in my life instead of shoveling it down like I used to and half way chewed. I guess what I'm saying is I enjoy food now and my food choices. But get where you're coming from.

odd sorry I don't know how to help you others will I am sure

I would suggest talking with your nutritionist, see if they have thoughts? I've read somewhere about the risk of maladaptive eating,which includes all sorts of things like staying on liquids too long, but can't remember where if it was in paperwork my nutritionist gave me or a book I've read. If you are not swallowing your food, you are not getting the essential nutrients that you need.

Some days I have to really concentrate on chewing enough.