That’s wonderful that some of your tastes have changed and you’ve gotten to like some foods you didn’t care for before!
I’ve never had major surgery (knock on wood!) ~ just 2 cysts removed from my wrist, so I can’t answer about that part.
As for me, I have never EVER liked meat, even as a very young child and I still don’t. Just never liked the taste or texture and can remember very young having disagreements with my parents over me not wanting to eat it.
I’m 49 and have to say my tastes have pretty much been stable. I do occasionally try something I don’t care for, kind of a “just in case” check, but I’ve had no changes. Might be something for me to still look forward to though!
I can so relate with your dislike of meat. Funny story even if it's a little tacky.
My Mom didn't season anything. No salt, no pepper, nothing! Every Sunday after church we'd go home, change out of out church clothes, go play on the swing set until we were called in to lunch.
Lunch always consisted of a roast, potatoes, carrots and onions in the pot to 'add' flavor. Not only did my Mom never use seasoning she also cooked meats to within an inch of their lives. Therefore, not only was there no seasoning, the roast could have been used as shoe leather because it was so tough.
In the entry way there were two antique umbrella urns which just happened to be located on the trail to the bathroom. My sister and I always spent an inordinate amount of time going to and from the bathroom.
Years later after my Mom died, my Dad's brother decided the urns would look pretty as lamps so he took them to a repair shop to get them back in working order. Poor lampmaker...he remarked to my Uncle that whatever was inside the lamps should be patented and sold as he'd never run into anything like that before.
Needless to say we never took 'credit' for the breakthrough discovery in the bottom of the urns. Sheesh, if the cat won't eat it, how bad must it be? Have you guessed yet what the substance was? Yep, my sister and I would stuff out mouths full of as much food as was humanly possible and then we'd make a deposit into the umbrella holders.
It wasn't until I was 16 and out on my first date with the "love of my life". He bought me a baby burger at the local A&W and I realized meat had some texture other than burned and could actually taste good.
Interesting thread could be developed on this. I had open heart surgery and afterward many small things changed, like tastes, minor personality and spiritual things. Anybody else?