Is your sense of smell enhanced after RNY?

Hi everybody,

I had RNY on 1/11/11.  Now it seems that my sense of smell is VERY enhanced.  Just to open the refrigerator makes me sick.  I don't want my husband or my children to kiss me on the lips.  I bow my head so they will kiss me on the top of my head, LOL.  I went through this very same thing when I was pregnant and very very sick.  Of course, that went away, and I am hoping this does too.  I used to love coffee and now the smell of it bothers me.  Any suggestions?  Do you think this will pass?

Also, I am terrified of stretching my pouch.  Does everyone have this fear or am I just being silly?

Kim

You are right on target!  I think the enhanced smell issues are more from anesthesia than the actual surgery, and it does pass.  However, there may be things that you liked before that you now hate, and things you hated that you will now love!

EVERYONE has the pouch stretching fear--it is very normal.  As long as you follow your surgeon's guidelines you will be fine.  Your pouch will stretch some as time goes on, that is normal.  We cannot realistically live off of 1/4 cup of food for life.  Believe me, there is nothing (short of purposely sabotaging yourself) that you will do in the normal course of healing and learning to eat again that will damage your pouch.

Has the pain gotten better?  I remember that early out I had pain in my left side....I was told it was from the liver being moved around.....if you have any severe ongoing pain or even if you aren't sure, it is best to call the doctor for peace of mind.

Hang in there!

Kim

Hi Kim,

I am in no pain at all.  I have not taken any pain medicine since Friday.  It hurts a little when I stand up but then after I get going, I am fine.

Every now and then when I swallow, not necessarily when I am drinking, just swallowing, I feel a little pain/pressure under my breastbone. 

This is harder than I thought it would be because of the "head hunger".  I see it on T.V. and I want it!  I am not even hungry.  Today is one week out, and I am ready to chew, LOL.

It is much more a mental thing than people realize....especially people who have never had a weight problem.

I sincerely hope I don't have any problems with grilled shrimp.  I love grilled shrimp, and it is high in protein.  I am so hoping I still love them, but I can already tell my tastes have changed.

Kim

Grilled shrimp was a fave of mine before and after surgery!  They were easy on my new pouch too.  I remember being at home right after surgery and seeing all the food commercials and THINKNG I was hungry...when I really wasn't.  Actually, the true sensation of hunger didn't return for me for about a year, and now it isn't nearly what it was pre-surgery.

The pain with swallowing is probably air.  You are doing fantastic!  Keep up the good work.

Kim

I am enjoying the questions and answers because I am sooo looking forward to this surgery and I do not want to over-think things and constantly run to the hospital that is a hour and a half away.