Question:
Ladies Only ~ Vaginal Odor

Since my Open RNY 12-2-02, i have noticed a strong vaginal odor. it's not a yeast infection, and i've been in 'ketosis' before on Atkins diet, and never had this smell. i bathe every day with a deoderant soap... this surely will be a turn off for DH... help!    — Karen D. (posted on January 21, 2003)

January 21, 2003
I am not post op, but I think you need to see your doctor. It may not be a yeast infection, but it can be a bacteria infection or just a problem with the ph in the area. I am sure it is something that a little cream will help. No need to be uncomfortable.
   — Jan S.

January 21, 2003
Karen,I had my Lap RNY ON 12/05/02. I had a smell and went to the Dr. I had a urinary tract infection. I took antibiotics for a week and thought I was ok. This week I have noticed an even worse odor!!!I too bathe daily and dont know what to think...I hate to go back to the Dr to tell him I stink!!!
   — NANCY P.

January 21, 2003
You might call your surgeon, or his nurse if he is a man. Surely they have had others with the same dilemma. Good luck! Kimberly
   — Kimberly S.

January 21, 2003
I had RNY 10/15/2002 and did have the odor that you are talking about. I would shower every day and the smell was still pretty strong. I think it has something to do with the fat that is lost so quickly, which is where the estrogen is stored. Which is why many women's periods also get messed up (mine was). I think it was gone by 2 months post op. Definitely call your doctor if you are concerned.
   — Yolanda J.

January 21, 2003
My surgeon mentioned in the orientation he does that we would want to get breath spray/mouth wash because we have a tendency to have really bad smelling breath for a while after surgery until everything settles down, since your stomach no longer works the same etc. So maybe the same applies to other bodily smells/fluids. There are so many changes that your body goes through with this surgery. I would not hesitate to call, even if he is a man. He's also a surgeon and has seen and heard it all before. Don't be embarrased!
   — zoedogcbr

January 21, 2003
Hey sweetie, I don't think you have an infection. I have the same problem you do. I was told that several things were a contributer in my case. 1. So much protein-- which makes your urine smell like well... 2. I'm 3 1/2 months post-op down 65 lbs. and have always had very large thighs. Well the first place I started loosing weight was my thigs and butt. Now I have alot of excess skin between my legs. Gross I know. Which causes moisture to build up, and again.. odor. And 3. the hormones. Think of it like what you went through when you first went through puberty. Strange odor. Not pleasant, but when DH and I are getting naughty, I wash up first, or wash up in the shower with hubby!! I think you should talk to your doc, but chances are this is what it is. Good luck to you.
   — Heather B.

January 21, 2003
heya hun.. i had the same problem after surgery.. question though.. do other things smell differently/ more strongly.. cause my nose just got horribly outta whack after surgery.. everything smelled awful i thought.. i bathed 3-4 times a day.. and it didnt help.. but then the farther out i got the less i thought i smelled.. also the less everything else smelled.. also i asked my hubby if i smelled..gross i know.. but it drove me nuts.. if it really worries ya call the doc.. *huggles and bb*
   — johanna F.

January 22, 2003
hi there :) i noticed that my urine was alot stronger in odor ,it may be all the changes you are going through, i dont think its infection, im also with the other posters that your sense of smell is either much more kean now or out of wack. everything and everyone smelled to me when i was very new post op but everything went back to normal within a month or so. best of luck to you. :)
   — carrie M.