Question:
So what's up with the Trench Mouth!

Since surgery 3 weeks ago I have had varying "tastes" in my mouth. The first awful stage was when I had some yogurt and a popsicle with Splenda in it. It took 2 days to get that coating out of my mouth. After that it cleared up and most days after I brushed my teeth and tongue things were pretty normal.<p>This morning I awoke about 3am with horrible taste - metal and all other sorts of yucky things. Brushing my teeth and tongue only put a small dent in it. Is it because I am laying pretty flat and stuff works it way up from the small intestine and pouch because there is no valve to prevent it? Any sure fire cures to get rid of this taste? Some days I also can't stand the taste of water and can only drink Crystel Light and Diet Snapple. Does this improve over time? Help I can't stand my mouth!! Chris    — zoedogcbr (posted on February 23, 2003)

February 23, 2003
Chris, You body is in ketosis, which means it is burning fat. That will cause the bad taste in your mouth. Get a package of Ketostix from a pharmacy (they are not a prescription item) and check your urine. If your ketones are moderate to high, then you'll know for sure. Unfortunately, there isn't a whole lot you can do about the taste. However, your body probably won't stay in that state for long and when it isn't any more, the taste will go away on its own.
   — garw

February 23, 2003
The GREAT news it means your loosing well! It wouldnt last forever. Be sure to drink enough liquids to flush the byproducts of your fat getting used for energy out of your system.
   — bob-haller

February 23, 2003
Yes, it goes away. I had the taste of something like sugar coated hotdogs in my mouth for about 2 weeks. It was disgusting! Then one day I was looking for recipes, and I went to the Splenda site. They have a recipe for sugar coated hotdogs! I almost puked! I can't imagine putting that taste in my mouth intentionally! SHEESH!!! Hang in there, it WILL get better!!!
   — Diana L.

February 23, 2003
I had Thrush after surgery, it was a yucky film all over, this could also be a factor. Just a thought.
   — JutziGirl

February 23, 2003
I asked my surgeons offie the same thing what is up with this funk breath? She told me it is from the anesthesia and it will go away with time, being only 3 weeks out maybe that is what it still is
   — I U.

February 23, 2003
You know, I almost forgot I had that probably, but it eventually went away in due time. The taste in my mouth was horrible, and just felt gross even after brushing and eating mints sometimes. Maybe you can try the listerine tabs? I think after a few months for me it went away, I guess it's just something you have to deal with. But like previous posts, you're in ketosis and the high protein can do it to you, but hey- you're losing weight!!
   — Lezlie Y.

February 23, 2003
Thanks Everyone! If it means fat is checking out of my body then I can deal with trench mouth for a while. I'll just brush my teeth 10 times a day. Considering I only lost 2 lbs the 3rd week it's nice to know this is an indication of things going in the right direction.
   — zoedogcbr