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i think im the only person in the world who actually gained weight from braces.. all i was eating was chocolate milkshakes.. but then i just didnt care how much it hurt, i ate whatever i wanted.
Well, MMG has a point about the cleanup taking the fun out of a big juicy steak. Not to mention a burger. I won't even mention burritos. But after a while you just deal with it. I think it would take about a month or two to REALLY be able to chew a piece of meat without any discomfort. Once your gums have "toughened up," and you're used to chewing with braces, it's much easier.
I'm the owner/admin of this site. Had ceramic uppers, metal lowers ~3 years in my early 40's. Now in Hawley retainers at night!
For me, it only took a couple of weeks, then I could eat almost normal. 
But after a while you just deal with it. I think it would take about a month or two to REALLY be able to chew a piece of meat without any discomfort. Once your gums have "toughened up," and you're used to chewing with braces, it's much easier.