Hi Sammywalker,Around here people say that most of the healing takes 6 months and a year for the rest. That said, it doesn't mean that you won't be eating normally that long. As a fellow bread lover, I'm happy to tell you that toasted bread can be eaten right away. Untoasted bread tends to clump up and get stuck.
My surgeon turned me loose to eat anything that could be chewed to a liquid/creamy consistency on Day 6. Honestly that provides a huge variety, but it's trial and error. I didn't swallow anything that didn't fit that rule, and kept a handy paper napkin ready just in case.
My surgeon warned me that my swallowing would get worse before it got better, after wrap-swelling peaked on or about the two week mark. Swallowing can be challenging during that time. He did warn me off of untoasted bread, sandwiches, and steak until around the 8 week mark. No big deal.
Once the swelling subsides, eating becomes easier, but if you're like most people, your stomach will fill up very quickly. I was told by my surgeon that this is caused by swelling of the top of the stomach. The brain interprets that swelling as fullness. This gradually subsides with healing, and you'll be able to eat more.
It's hard to say when "full recovery" occurs, as it is a very gradual process with typically a few bumps in the road...at times there are a few steps forward, then a step backward, etc. I can tell you that the recovery was much better than I'd expected. I had expected a horrendous experience in which I was forced to drink my meals for an extended period of time. Not so. I never even used the Carnation Instant Breakfast I bought.
I went on vacation at the beginning of the 5th month and ate out extensively. I was able to eat anything I wanted, and enjoyed myself thoroughly.
Best wishes,
Denise