Body Odor

I was shocked to see several references to "body odor" among the side effects of the DS for some people. I was not aware of this before. While my procedure was actually a JIB, I feel I share many of the side effects and changes in body chemistry, with DSers.

I don't mean flatulence or bathroom problems. I mean an actual change in the chemical makeup of perspiration. An odor that frequent bathing, deodorant soap, and clean clothes failed to prevent. I would prepare carefully for a social event, only to have my best friends tell me there was still an odor problem. I was careful what work situations I set myself up for. I avoided many social situations. Typical solutions for normal body odor either don't work or are much too involved.

Now that I am retired and living alone, I am not looking for a quick "cure" so much as I am formal documentation on what is going on and how often it is a problem for DSers. Thanks.

Hi Don! I'll plead ignorance as far as a JIB is concerned. However, as far as the DS and odor, the only thing that I can say is that when your body goes into ketosis, which is when your body is burning the stored fat, some do experience a change in body odor.  I've not noticed (nor has my family) any body odor changes.  However, my children are very quick to point out that my breath smells, even after freshly brushing. So, I chew sugar free gum often.  I like the gum so it's certainly not a chore.  I've always chewed gum throughout the day since I was in high school...I actually buy cases of it at Sam's club! Anyway, I've asked my family if they notice a change in my body odor and they have said "no".  I'm 100% confident they would be the first to tell me...especially my kids!  So, while I'm down 35 lbs now at 3.5 weeks post op and 2 week preop diet, I'm burning the fat daily and still no smell (other than the breath...which is very easily controlled).  Maybe someone else can chime in here to offer some suggestions.

I know little to nothing about JIB - only that it's not done anymore.  As for odor, considering that I rarely ever sweat or anything, I or my family have not noticed any differences in general body aroma (I won't call it odor, because I don't have one) The only exception was during ketosis, which only lasted a few weeks, and it was more breath, pee and taste.

Hi Don:  Sorry to hear about your body odor problems.  I remember suffering similarly from something like that several years ago when I went on a physicians weight loss diet.  My body went into ketosis and I had a distinctive smell about me.  I also had a constant bad taste in my mouth.  It went away after my initial quick weight loss was over. I know some people here and on the RNY forum suffered from this when they first started losing weight.  If that's not it I think you should seek the advice of a physician and quickly.   There will be more experienced people along soon I am sure.  I hope you get the help you need soon.  I have never heard of anyone here having this problem nor on any other DS forum I am on.

The BO that is in question here is probably from the body going into ketosis.  That happens with any dramatic weight loss, whether it be from dieting, or any other type of weight loss surgery, not just the DS.  I'm not aware of any other reason for a change in body odor. Having the DS does not cause the change but the ketosis from the rapid weight loss has been known to cause a differance in BO. Personally, My BO is much better after having the DS. My wife tells me I smell alot better since losing 200 lbs. At 450 lbs I had several skin issues and many places that were hard to reach and wash properly.

I am a little over 6 months out and My family or friends  have not said anything about odors.  (And believe me sensitive noses around here would have spoken up)  I wonder if you have or had (since you said this was while you were working)  a yeast infection on your skin. In my opion you shouild have seen a  doctor about it yrs. ago and if you still have it - by all means go and get checked out.

Wow! I've only noticed that my body odor has changed for the better.  I used to have significant yeast accumulation under my boobs, and that odor was noticeable.  I also used to be quite sweaty.  No more!  I'm fresh as a daisy. I don't know how interested you are in a DS revision, but I think that information such as this would be of definite use in a persuasive case.  Having to consistently exclude yourself from social situations due to a side effect of your surgery would constitute a major decline in quality of life, IMO. I would see a good DS surgeon - Gagner is now much closer to you than he is to me (Miami Beach, FL) - and get some real information on what you've got.  I'm so impressed with you that you are this far out with the JIB.  You are truly a survivor.

Do you have a website that I can go to for Dr. Gagner? I want to see how many DS's he's done, etc.  I went to doudenaswitch.com and I found his name and clicked on the website but didn't find anything about him like I have with some of the other doctors.   Thanks, Ronnie

DR G is the reconized master of wls, but he doesnot take insurance. he is now at Mt Sinai in Miami.

"The recognized master of WLS?" Them's fightin' words, Walter!