Hi txman,It is true that as swelling increases difficulty swallowing does, too. Just listen to your body. If you start having trouble with soft foods, then move to liquids. It's really a trial and error thing.
I can tell you that at 6 days post op, my surgeon did warn me of swelling that peaks around the two week mark. That said, he also turned me loose to use my own good judgment when eating. No steak or untoasted bread was also advised. He said I could eat "anything that can be chewed to a liquid/creamy consistency". I loved that advice. My teeth/mouth acted as my blender. Once I got that advice, I never used my blender for anything.
That said, I was still very careful about eating. I took very small bites and chewed my food very thoroughly. I never swallowed anything that didn't chew to a liquid. It was trial and error, and I kept a paper napkin handy to deposit any offending foods.
My husband and I continued to go out to dinner throughout my recovery. I generally chose my meals carefully...in the beginning stuck with soups. One time I had crepe manicotti, which was delicious. It was a half order and I brought home more than half. My stomach didn't tolerate very much food in the beginning.
I also cooked beef, potatoes, onions, and carrots in a crock pot with a package of Lipton soup mix and a cup of water. I cooked it for 12+ hours and when it was done it was so soft and easy to chew that I was even able to eat the beef. Trial and error--don't eat anything that you can't chew to a complete liquid.
If you forget sometime (once I ate a half cherry tomato and it didn't chew properly and got stuck) relax. Just get a warm beverage (stay away from iced drinks)--tea is my choice...and take sips until it goes down. You'll get some discomfort/spasms, but it'll go down and you'll live through the experience! Some people find that they cough up whatever it is the way a cat coughs up a hair ball. I never did that, though. Still, be careful, small bites and chew, chew, chew. No swallowing anything that is not chewed thoroughly/liquid.
Above all else, listen to your body. If you get too frisky and push your wrap with too much food exploration, back off to liquids until it feels better. It's not a straight line recovery...it's more of a roller coaster at times. In the end, though, it's all good. If you can surrender to your recovery, listen to your body, and go with the flow, you'll do fine.
As far as alcoholic beverages, I'm not a great one to talk to. I have a very sensitive stomach, and at your stage, I was being very careful with it. I'd recommend you just take sips and listen to how your esophagus and stomach are reacting to them. I'd take it very slow, and enjoy the camaraderie without going overboard with the drinking. Once you're healed, you'll be back to drinking whatever you want. Just remember you're healing. Trial and error...see what happens!
Have fun with your friends!
Happy healing,
Denise