Question:
Am I alone or are you like this too? 8 months post op and can't tolerate meat

I can cook it, prepare it, I buy it at the deli but when it comes down to it, meat is always my last choice on the menu list. I have lost my desire for meat almost altogether. Has this happened to anyone else? I mean it has to be "disguised" like in chili or dumplings or something before I can tolerate it, but like to eat a piece of chicken or pork or beef, forget it. Please tell me how you feel about eating meat. It's a last resort for me. Even tho I love cooking it for others, love the smell, just can't eat it. You get the picture. Is anyone else relating to this?    — Annie H. (posted on July 23, 2002)

July 23, 2002
Annie, I can totally relate. I too am 8 months post op Open RNY -135 lbs and I CAN NOT tolerate meat. I have been trying really hard to slip in a ham sandwich, or maybe a taco but that is about it. I have no explination, I thought it was just me. I too cook many kinds of meats many ways but I'd prefer to eat something else. So your not alone. Be happy:)
   — Lynda T.

July 23, 2002
I am almost 5 months post-op and have the same problem with meats, Fish is okay, (SOMETIMES) but chicken and beef are totally out unless hidden like you said in chili or something and it has to be ground very well too, that's oaky though I love my veggies and cottage cheese (so far):)
   — bikerchic

July 23, 2002
I am also 8 months post-op, open RNY, and I cannot tolerate meats either unless it is chicken or turkey, finally ground and blended in a soup or smothered with mashed potatoes or cheese, etc. My WLS surgeon doesn't understand why I can't tolerate meats and keeps encouraging me to try again, but I am at the point where I don't want to try anymore as I just get sick and dump whenever I eat meats, no matter how much I chew them or how slow I eat them. I am satisfied with other high protein foods such as low-fat cottage cheese, yogurt, etc. So, no, you are not alone.
   — Susan M.

July 23, 2002
I too was in the same boat as you are now.... Finally someone suggested that I try steak. I thought NO WAY...but I found that if I have it cooked Med. Rare and cut it into bites about the size of my index finger nail that with some Heinz 57 steaksauce and of course chew chew chew it's fantastic. Sliced meats still NO WAY so Subway is definately still out of the question. Deli meats get stuck in my throat too much on the way down, but steak with a little Heinz 57 is great. BTW I still can't tolerate tuna or chicken - but shrimp is ok. Crab is good too in small amounts. Good luck I hope this helps!
   — lindajenkins

July 23, 2002
This is a big concern for me post-op, I am still pre-op. My friend had the surgery over 2 yrs ago and the only meet she can eat is hamburger (b/c its ground) and also ribs (very tender) and filet mignon. If you'r gonna eat it, might as well go for the best cut and the most tender.
   — heathercross

July 24, 2002
How small were you cutting the pieces into? Early on Jen my wife tried eating pieces that were too big. When she finally gave in and tried pencil eraser sized bits she ate meat without trouble as long as its moist. Once a food causes trouble the mind can turn it off in the future. Just THINKING of eating a couple foods that one time made me ill caused me to be sick before eating them again. Once I got past the mental part it got better. Now I eat small but normal sized pieces. For anyone having trouble try the pencil eraser sized bits..... This idea from barb thompsons great WLS book.
   — bob-haller

July 24, 2002
I am not a meat eater anymore too. I am 15 mos post-op and have no desire to eat it. I would rather have a yogurt. I have found that I love the Chicken Strips at Arby's every once in a while, but I dont care for meat. I can eat Shrimp, No FISH not pattys only Shrimps. Oh well they are filled with Protein.
   — lynbaby B.

July 29, 2002
Hi...I am four months out and still can't handle chicken, which is making me very frustrated since it is so versitile and was my "meat" of choice pre-op. I think Bob's right though. I may have rushed it a bit in trying it so soon post-op...I hope this goes away soon though, because part of me misses it. Oh well, beef, nuts and cheese will do in the meantime. Good luck!
   — rebeccamayhew