I'm 1 week out and started mushies today. My Dr told me that I should only consume foods/bites that are smaller than my thumb nail and to chew it until its the consistency of yogurt. Is that what you were told as well and do you actually follow this rule? I made myself 1 egg white today and it took me forever to eat the darn thing and it was kinda gross to chew/swallow it at such a Water, thin consistency. Not appealing.

Don't get me wrong, I know there are foods out there that probably require lots and lots of chomping, but is it really necessary for everything we ingest?

I got the same instructions, and just couldn't chew everything to the consistency of applesauce. I take reasonable bites, chew them well ( but too much) and swallow with no issue. I eat slowly but not at glacial pace, since about week 3. I think this is something you figure out with trial and error for yourself over time. At the stage you are in right now, you should make things as easy on your swollen stomach as possible, but as the swelling decreases and you heal, you can find your own "happy place".

I'm grossed out if I try to chew food a ton. I chew it until it is broken down but I'm not going to chew 20 times it changes the taste for me.

I just stuck to full liquids till I didn't have to chew so much. But I did have a small stuff once and awhile just for satisfaction.

If you swallow bigger bites it may be a little rough and painful. Also eating too fast or too much will do this as well. I would go slow, see what speed/consistency works for you. I am 8 weeks post op and those bite sizes are just right. I do not chew as much as I probably should but it's all good.