Question:
Has anyone experienced chronic bad breath post op?

I am 4 weeks post op Open RNY and my family complains of a bad breath problem even if I brush, gargle, etc. Any advice?    — Chris S. (posted on September 22, 2001)

September 22, 2001
Chris, Most likely the bad breath is from your body burning fat. When you are in "ketois" you can have stinky breath! High protein diets can make us a bit "smelly" too. The best things to do are to keep your mouth hydrated as much as possible. A tic tac every now and then helps. Also, I'm an advid sugarless gum chewer (but some docs forbid gum post op, so check with yours). The breath will get better. This reminds me of something my father used to say to us kids growing up; we lived in the Midwest and frequently we would drive past a farm that had a strong smell of animal waste.. we would all say "EWWW" and my father's response was, "Kids, that's money you smell." Well, in your case, tell the family, "Hey, that's me getting skinny you smell!"
   — BethVBG

September 22, 2001
It will go away in a couple weeks
   — [Anonymous]

October 9, 2001
THE REASON WHY YOU HAVE BAD BREATHE IS BECAUSE THE ANESTHESIA IS STILL EXCRETING YOUR BODY. IT CAN TAKE UP TO 2 MONTHES FOR THE ANESTHESIA TO FULLY LEAVE. I HAVE HAD THE SAME THING (I'M POST-OP X 2 WEEKS NOW). I HAD BAD BREATHE SO BAD THAT IT WOULD PHYSICALLY WAKE ME UP 2 OR 3 TIMES A NIGHT. THE BEST (AND ONLY) THING TO DO IS TO TAKE DEEP BREATHES 3 TIMES A DAY. THE MORE YOU INHALE CLEAN AIR THE MORE THE ANESTHESIA EXITS YOUR BODY.
   — Feleicia R.

January 13, 2002
You can try Chlorophyll tablets. You can purchase them at your local health food store. My nutritionist suggested it to all of the gastric bypass patients. You are also experiencing bad breath because your body is constantly in ketosis. Have you noticed in the mornings your breath is unbearable and you get a film over your teeth? That's a sign of ketosis.
   — blank first name B.

March 6, 2002
I had it so bad after surgery. In fact, I would brush my teeth 4-5 times a day and use binaca for my breath. I asked the doctor about it and he said sometimes it happens, but don't know why. It took about 4 weeks before my breath was back to normal. I was so embarassed.
   — dolphins94

August 13, 2002
I have but Dr actind blames it on so much protein ( which lets face it is all we're eating) It will go away when you can put some carbos in your diet
   — Angela G.

November 26, 2002
The reason you have bad breath is really a good thing, your in dietary ketosis! When you burn fat you burn ketones, you secrete these in your urine and breath. This causes yuck breath but it's worth it when you realize the yuck breath means your loosing pounds! It will get better as your weight loss slows down a little. FYI if you ever get stuck on a plateau you can try checking to see if your buring fat and ketones by using Keto-strips. It can be a real moral booster!
   — Diana W.