I got my tongue pierced at a 14 gauge on December 31, 2001. My experience was pretty standard, and can be found as "New Years Tongue Piercing" or something close to that on this site.
At A Glance Author Scott Contact Scott@bme.anon When N/A Artist Myself Studio Home Location Toledo After I had my tongue pierced for almost three months, I decided to stretch. I wanted to stretch for a few reasons. First, I really thought large gauge tongues looked really cool. Second, I thought the 14 gauge was just way too thin and the hole was getting sore sometimes. I figured this was from the "cheese cutter" effect that some people mention. I went to Steel Addictions here in Toledo and bought a 10 gauge barbell. I had them taper it in. I would have to say that this hurt far worse than the initial piercing. The pain of stretching is actually different than getting something pierced. I cant quite describe it, but lets just say it doesn't feel good. After I left the studio, I went to a coffee shop and drank some hot chocolate. Once I left there, my tongue felt pretty normal. I think the hot liquids helped to relax my tongue.
After my tongue was at a 10 gauge for about a month, I decided to stretch it again. Once again, I went to Steel Addictions, bought a 8 gauge and had them taper it in. This stretch wasn't bad at all and my tongue didn't even hurt. I think I had this stretch done after my tongue had been pierced for 4 1/2 months. About this time I had to go to my dentist. They do not like tongue piercings, and I got a lecture. Oh well, screw him. He was old and doesn't have a clue.
I thought I would stay at 8 gauge, but the addiction to stretch was too great. I was back at the piercer and bought a new 6 gauge. I had the piercer taper it in, and this stretch hurt worse than any before. My tongue was swollen and sore for a day. The problem with the 6 gauge barbell was the balls. They were just too big and it felt like a lot of metal in my mouth. That same day I took the 6 out and put the 8 back in because I felt like I was chewing on empty soup cans.
About a month later I was at home and I got the old 6 gauge out. I decided to see if it would go in, and sure enough it slid through pretty easily. The balls still were too big, so I looked on the internet for a 6 gauge with 1/4" balls. I found one from Custom Steel in Berkeley. This company is really great because they will custom make anything you could possibly imagine. The service was pretty good too, and I got my new barbell in a week after I ordered it.
Just last week (October 2002) I ordered a 4 gauge from Custom Steel and had my piercer taper it in. So far I am not sure if I like the 4 gauge. Its not the thickness that bothers me, its the balls rubbing against my teeth. If I notice any gum erosion, I am going to take it out. I may be able to solve this problem with some custom barbell.
I really want to go to 1/2 inch, but I doubt I will ever get there. My advice on stretching is go slow, very slow. I have had my tongue pierced for 9 months now, and if I had went any faster on stretching it would have been bad for the piercing. Also, stretching is expensive, so keep that in mind. I have bought 6 or 7 barbells now, and that is about $200. I know not many people stretch their tongues, but I recommend everyone stretching to at least a 10 gauge. It feels much better than the standard 14 gauge.
I am a pretty conservative looking guy, and so far only two people have noticed my tongue piercing. My parents haven't seen it yet or any of my friends. I haven't told anyone because I want to see how long I go before they notice. Right now this is the only piercing I have, but I have plans for stretched lobes in the future. I just have to wait until a wedding (my little sis) next summer before I get them pierced and start stretching. My family is super conservative.
Anyway, I hope this helps a little for those people who plan on stretching their tongues. Oh ya, I have old jewelry too if anyone is interested, just email me, I'll sell it cheap!
Also, if your in the Toledo area go to Steel Addictions because they are the best place in Northwest Ohio and even Northeast Indiana for that matter.