TASTE BUD CHANGES

Why does bariatric surgery cause changes to your taste buds

Well yes and no. Your tastes for things change and from what I understand can change back. I know my tasting preferences have changed on and off over the last 3+ month. Just think its part of the journey. I was just thinking today the protein shakes aren't bothering me so much anymore...there was a point about 6 weeks out I thought I was going to barf every time I had one.

I used to have a stomach the size of a two-liter bottle of soda and now I have one that holds less than a cup.  So I am no longer concerned with filling up my stomach.  I am eating a small amount and care more about taste. 

I believe my sense of smell is much stronger after surgery.  I want flavorful and spicy foods and want them to taste good because I am only going to eat a few tablespoons. I no longer do mindless eating and am aware of the taste of every bite of food.

I don't think my taste buds changed, just that I am more aware of them now that I am not trying to stuff food in. 

Before surgery I did not have a problem with chicken broth.  When I was in the hospital and had chicken broth it gagged me.  I was on clear liquids for a week after surgery so tried it again when I got home and it just did not taste good.  However I was never a big hot tea drinker (I like coffee) but hot tea is what tastes good now.  Broth mixed in with food is ok.  Maybe when I can have caffeine again coffee will be ok, never found a caffeine free coffee I liked.  I was told by my Dr that taste can change or not, depends on the person.  I was also told my taste could change back.  

Excellent question. Ketosis? Changes in ghrelin, one of the hormones, may also have something to do with it. Tong J, Mannea, E, Aime P, et al. Ghrelin enhances olfactory sensitivity and exploratory sniffing in rodents and humans. Journal of Neuroscience. 2011;31(15):5841–5846 was the quote going along with the info I saw.

Honestly, I have totally lost my sweet tooth but I attribute that more to not eating those types of foods.

Opposite end of the spectrum, I also notice that I crave salt...mainly chips or french fries. Horrific right?? I never even liked potatoes prior to surgery. Not mashed, not fried. Weird.

Immediately post-op I kind of lost my taste for thick, milky protein shakes and switched to a water based product, (Nectar).  I think it was more about consistency and what felt good in my tummy than anything at that point.  I can do a milky shake now, but I prefer a bar.  Nowadays, I'm a bit more picky about my choices as I don't have to worry about "filling up". I choose things I really want prepared how I like them because I know I'm only gonna get a few bites, I like to make them count!

Thanks.  Good to here about only what is really good to since you don't eat much. I will have to keep that in mind

I haven't had my surgery yet but when I went to a seminar on it  at Kaiser, they had a 5 year post op patient who had had the RNY.  She said that from the day she got home from the hospital, she has not been able to stand bananas.  Not even the smell.  She said before the surgery she loved bananas. I don't know why but apparently, it happens quite often.