1 week out and STINKY

I think my surgeon did a great job, however, I am convinced he left a couple of things behind in my belly, after he finished the job. It tastes to me like there is a head of garlic, and possibly a dirty sock from his gym bag. My mouth tastes awful, nearly all the time. Brushing my teeth does not help. And my tongue has a white coating all over the back of it; my daughter pointed it out to me today (observant little kid). The other thing is, I seem to have developed disgusting B.O. Really revolting. I noticed it last night; I was stretched out on my back (which I am so sick of, I want to sleep on my side but it hurts too much) and had my arm up behind my head, and got this awful onion smell. I assumed it was my husband's bad breath, perhaps he'd eaten some onions and forgot to brush his teeth? But then I noticed he wasn't even in bed yet. Nobody to blame but me. I showered first thing this morning, but the nasty stink is already back. What's going on, and what can I do about it? (And don't tell me to rent my own apartment.) Signed, Stinky in Loserville

The first few days, I felt as if a spider had done its business in my mouth, and I still think I smell funny. Others assure me that's not the case, but I'm not so sure! I think you may be in a state of ketosis (which is ok at this point), and that's where the coating on the tongue comes from. All I found to help that was to keep drinking my water, as much as I could.

I sure hope the water helps; it certainly can't hurt. Maybe it'll dilute the smell! I've heard of ketosis before, maybe I need to read up on that. Thanks for your response.

Sheryl, I had that bad taste for a while too, it made it hard to drink anything! About the whitish coating on your tongue, are you getting enough water? I read this from my surgeon's web site: Dehydration Dehydration will occur if you do not drink enough fluids. Symptoms include fatigue, dark colored urine, dizziness, fainting, lethargy, nausea, low back pain, and a whitish coating on the tongue. You can read more here: http://www.obesity-surgery-associates.com/solutions.htm

Yeah, Vi, I am certain that I am not optimally hydrated. I'm trying to sip all day long, but it's easy to forget. Plus I've had persistent diarrhea all day today, that can't be helping the situation. I'm slowly nibbling 2 Tbs of cottage cheese to reach my protein goal of 60 grams (first time since surgery!), then vow to sip 4 oz of water before bed. Sheryl

Sheryl, I'm still struggling with water too. Most days I get in 30 oz and that's a chore. And I used to drink about 100 oz a day!! It will get easier (someday)! Vi

Yes..I am a stinky mouth too..! My doctor said it's because of ketosis, and as soon as I start eating more carbs it will go away, he recommended the Listerine mint strips, I've been using them and they are very refreshing!! they have no sugar and fat and won't harm you I think..!

Gee, do you think if I apply those Listerine strips to my underarms, it'll do any good there? In the past, I've not been able to tolerate those breath strips; they're too strong for my tastebuds. But everything seems to have changed; even my toothpaste tastes different. I'll pick some up tomorrow and give it a try. I have my post-op appointment this Friday and will discuss further with the medicos. Thanks, Sheryl

Sheryl -- I had the stinky problem, too. I bought about 6 flavors of TicTacs and had them constantly. At least my breath didn't knock Me over!! I changed to Cinnamon flavored toothpaste, which helped a bit. Yep, my tastes have changed, too. I used to be a Diet Coke junkie, but got off it completely before surgery, as well as other carbonated waters, and I tried a couple of sips, spit it out!!! Nothing quite tastes right even now, 5 weeks postop, especially Isopure protein.....tried 3 flavors and gagged the whole way. I did change deodorants, too. Switched to a "baby powder" scent dry type (Secret brand), and it's been an improvement. Geez, the things they don't tell you preop..... Hope you get better soon.

I was stinky too! It was a different smell coming from underneath my arms. I was told with all the medicine that put in your system at the hospital that may happen, but I sure didn't make me feel any better. It was horrible. I can relate.