i've had mine pierced for so long now i can't recall when it was done. my broly does piercing and tattooing for a living, lucky me!
the actual piercing was painless. i didn't even realize the needle was thru until i heard it fall on the tile floor.
reactions and healing time varies from person to person.
mine swelled up lile a jimmie dean pork sausage link for about 3 days. no stabbing pain, but felt like i had bitten down on it hard.
bluebell sugar free pop cickles helped a LOT.
u will prolly be more comfortable with soft foods and meal replacement shakes for the first few days; chewing on steak or chicken takes some getting used to again.
the few times i have taken mine out, to clean it or change size, my tongue felt strange, incomplete!!
if i can answer any questions, feel free to PM me.