breath, smells, tastes all change postop?

Hi Marylanders, I have been reading in the various forums here about a few things and I wanted to check it with my local OH friends. Tonight I have learned of some things to look forward to when I'm a post-op...kickin breath from Ketosis and supersensitive sense of smell from possibly the hormones.  Good to be prepared.  I'll make sure to have mints on hand and to tell people not to bring flowers.  I understand your taste buds change also.  It'll be a whole new ballgame, wow.  Please share your experiences with these issues.  Thanks!

Hi Jennifer - I'm sure you'll get a wide variety of answers, since wls affects everyone differently.  However, before you have your surgery, make sure you don't stock up on too much - excep****er - because your tastes/smell may very well change. I had bought some powdered protein samples pre-op and once I was cleared to go on full liquids, I started drinking them.  At first, they weren't too bad, but then the smells and textures started getting to me.  My solution was to buy the ready to drink protein shakes, which were better (for me, anyway).  I couldn't stand the grit if it wasn't properly mixed, and I couldn't stand the foam at the top of the shake.   My sense of smell remains changed in that if I'm full, I really can't stand the look/smell of food.  Also the smell of grease from fried food makes me cringe. As far as the ketosis, yep, I had it, it didn't last long, but it was long enough for me to be self-conscious about it.  I found that s/f mints helped, as did Breathsavers Sours - these help a lot to control my desire to drink for 30 minutes after a meal. It all sounds so difficult and complicated, but I assure you, it's not.  It is sooooo worth it!!  And remember, it doesn't affect everyone this way. Take care, Tia

My experience as an RNY-er newly post op (and well into that first year) made things 'taste' differently.  I went through a spell of the spicier the better so that I got ANY taste at all.  Now things have leveled out and I am probably back to where I was. I started on my protein supplements pre-op to get my body ramped up for recovery post op and didn't really experience the problem many have of not liking the same supplements post op as pre op.  Of course, the whole protein supplement thing is a personal issue to many.  My doctor mandates supplements (2 per day) for life as part of my post op care, while others don't mandate any ever and still others as soon as you move to foods you quit the supplments.   Because I am 'required' to take protein supplements daily (not that I get my 2 EVERY day, but I do generally get at least one), I don't feel I have the luxury of the expensive designer protein supps.  I just use EAS powder from Sam's club and mix it with DaVinci SF syrups and instant coffee and make my own iced coffee Latte!! I also have 'gas' issues.  My innards gurgle and sometimes let loose with no warning (not always silently either) .. and this is at almost 4 years post op. Best wishes on your WLS journey. Hugs, Mo