Gagging to puking?

We've been doing a more blw style with my son. Mostly cause he refuses anything pureed. But LOOOVEEES feeding himself, and does pretty great with it.

I always make sure it's stuff he can eat. Soft cooked foods, cut the right size, etc. I researched a lot before this and asked quite a few people. So I feel pretty confident in the difference between gagging & choking, in what foods he can eat and what foods would be too difficult.

But he gags. And gags. And then gags some more. To the point where he literally gags till he projectile vomits all over his tray of food. Rice seems to make it worse so he doesn't get that anymore. Then yesterday it was with green beans. We get through some meals without it happening. But I'd say at least 50% of meals get ruined with him vomiting all over it now.

And I don't know what to do. I don't know how to help him. I know it hurts. But he still wants to eat. It never stops him from trying to shove more food in his face. (even while I'm trying to clean the puke away lol)

And I just feel so awful. I feel like my boy isn't eating enough solids now. And it makes me scared to try new things cause I don't want him to gag so hard he pukes again.

Picture of my boy trying to feed the dog his banana cause he's cute. (This meal he ate just fine)