Question:
Does anyone dump on Tuna and Salmon?

Hi all, I'm almost (within a few days) of six months out and have lost 115 lbs. so far:) I can eat almost anything, beef, pork, chicken(eating slowly), shrimp, etc. But unfortunately, tuna and salmon cause me to have wicked pains in my stomach. I have to force it through with liquid or it lasts a long time. I thought fish was supposed to be mild on your stomach? Or did I pick up the wrong impression along the way? I was hoping that I would be able to eat fish to keep my "new" eating style for life somewhat easier with a variety of foods, and fish has alot of choices. Not to mention, I love it. Is this something that may pass, or at six months out is it likely to last? Are there people out there who still dump on something that they dumped on in the beginning and have to cut out of their diet? Thanks ahead for any comments.    — Connie O. (posted on May 27, 2004)

May 27, 2004
This doesn't sound like dumping - unless these things are heavily packed in oil or mayo, it just sounds like these foods don't agree with you yet. I would keep trying them maybe every few weeks to see if they go down better for you in the future. I had a horrible time with shrimp and brocolli until about 1 year out. Now, no problems as long as I chew them well. I agree with you that not being able to tolerate something that you love and is so healthy for you is a major bummer.
   — Yolanda J.

May 27, 2004
Oddly, Salmon does tend to stick for me. I just figured I was overcooking it and it was too dry. I only eat tuna from a pouch, and that's usually OK.
   — mom2jtx3

May 27, 2004
Hang in there with the fish - you'll be enjoying it soon. Actually what you're describing does not sound like dumping to me. Tuna and salmon can be dry which has been my problem. I still have trouble with certain types of fish once in a while and I'm 3 years post-op. I found if the fish is moist it digests more easily. When eating salmon I make sure it's not overcooked. Putting a lite lemmon sauce over the fish makes it easier for me to digest also. I like solid white tuna but have to eat it with mayo. Another way to keep tuna moist is to add a little cottage cheese to it. Also, don't forget to chew thoroughly foods that are on the dryer side.
   — Jeanne R.

May 27, 2004
I don't know how you cook your fish, but I had a hard time with salmon in the beginning. Horrible pouch pain if I reheated any fish! Especially in the microwave...Having it fresh off the grill or even better is steamed, which makes it liquidy and soft. Salmon is also oily so could be bothering you for that reason. But it is oh, so good for you. Sometimes you will find that stuff you cannot handle as an early post-op, later on you will be able to handle so don't give up on anything. Just put it aside for awhile and try again in a few months. There are somethings that you may never be able to have again, but for the most part, its a matter of time.
   — Cindy R.

May 27, 2004
Funny you should ask. I have only dumped twice in 14 months. My first time was on tuna at 4 months. I was sick as a dog and have not touched tuna since. Tuna used to be one of my most favorite foods. I probably try it again but I won't risk being that miserable again. Did you mix the tuna with something? It could have been the mayonaise that made you ill. I had grilled salmon last night and manage to have it at least once a week. Also, I have created a yummy recipe for salmon cakes and have that often. I have served them for non-post op friends and they have been a big hit. Salmon is such a great source of protein. I hope you can get to the point where you can eat it without problems. Hope you feel better. Ann in TX
   — Ann B.