Julie, I read your recent post, and I am reminded of some similarities that I experienced with food and appetite before my organ transplant. My story/health history is different: I had end stage liver failure that caused acute kidney failure, and I was in dialysis treatment until transplant. I was 60 at the time. However, I remember that I had no appetite, no taste, dry mouth, and absolute no desire to eat or do anything at all. I had arrived at Mayo via air transport from ICU in another state with a feeding tube, but I don't know when or who put it in! Neither does my husband. Anyway, the doctor at Mayo said that if I thought I could eat, he would remove it. So I was given some kind of bottled shakes, similar to Ensure. Just seeing the nurse deliver it made me want to gag. I used to get angry at my husband who 'made' me drink it by reminding me that the doctor said he would reinsert the feeding tube if I didn't get the nutrition myself with the shakes. Yuck! Grrr!
Eventually when I was able to eat more soft solid foods. I found that cinnamon or a squeeze of lemon gave it a taste that was more enjoyable. I couldn't tolerate sweets, but enjoyed applesauce, some fruits as your husband is enjoying watermelon and fruit bowls. Another issue was a dry mouth that made dry foods like toast or meat almost like chewing on sawdust. However mashed potatoes and sometimes oatmeal were tasty. Milkshakes, ice cream, and occasional jello were my favorites.
I can emphasize with your husband. My thoughts and prayers are with him. I hope that today is a good one 🤍