Question:
Anything help with body odor?

I'm considering a RNY with my sister's surgeon. I attended a group follow-up session and noticed that several people had a strange body odor. My sister does to. Not like the smell of sweat or gas - more like the smell of sickness or medications. Does anyone else have this? They all had RNYs. Does anyone know of supplements, etc. to control it? It very noticable. Thanks alot. Marilyn    — Marilyn M. (posted on August 13, 2000)

August 13, 2000
I assume you don't mean the periodic odor of, say, a waft of used air? You mean body odor, like something old and nasty? I have noticed it in a few of our locals, too. The things they have in common: they are all in the early stages of protein deficiency; (so) they eat a LOT of sugar; they eat a LOT of fasts--excessive amounts, like a whole cube of butter on a potato--LOTS of fats. They often have unbearable breath, and just a rancid aroma, even though they are clean and meticulous groomers. Those who stay current on thier protein supplements and vites smell normal, as inn, undetectable in a crowd. That "smell of a sick person" can indicate early malnourishment, so simply don't go there.
   — vitalady

August 13, 2000
Ya know this is strange, i was seeing this guy who had it done 3 yrs ago and when he sweats he smells horrible!!!!! it is unexplainable even when he dont he has a oder i thought it was just him!!!! but i never said anything after awhile he told me after his surgery when he sweats he has this oder!!! if you get any answers please email me back [email protected] i am interested to i dont want to smell all the time.
   — Jenny D.

August 14, 2000
My wife is 2 months post-op. For the first 6 weeks she had that "rancid" smell. Although it was on her breath, it was bad enough I thought it was bad enough in should have come out the other end. I thought it was a) very heavy ketosis breath (everybody remembers heavy ketosis from the Atkins Diet, right?)or b) rotting food (a decaying, meaty smell) stuck somewhere in her teeth for weeks or c) the surgery disrupted her stomach and intestinal flora (microbes) and these new flora gave off the smell as a by-product. I never told her, but she was reading this post over my shoulder as I was typing it, and she walked out of the room. <Sigh>
   — blank first name B.

March 30, 2001
I am a registered nurse and I do take care of morbidly obese patients at times. I have noticed strange body odors from some individuals. I talked with a GI doc about this and he stated that most likely it was yeast or other bacteria in the skin folds. Some peoplke are just not able to reach those areas or just become so accustomed to the smell, they forget aboout it. God bless, their hearts. I had a pt once who w as 400 lbs plus and she smelled like rotten cheese. When we were helping her with a hospital gown, I noticed white, moist areas. I immediately got her some Mycostatin Powder ordered. I am waiting to getmy first appointment with a surgeon. My mom and I are going to Atlanta next week and hopefully I'll be able to interview a surgeon while I'm there. Good luck and God bless to everyone!
   — Jennifer P.

August 13, 2001
If someone is eating a high protein diet, their body can go into ketosis that can cause bad breath and body odor. Ketosis is when your body is using it's fat stores. This happens when you have limited, or no carbs and your body starts using fat stores as energy. Energy that it usually gets from carbs
   — Cherie P.

May 23, 2002
I had a really strong unpleasant odor early on when my calorie intake was too low. I upped it a little and added some carbs. My weight loss speeded up and the odor is gone. It's caused by ketosis, which contrary to popular belief can be dangerous for long periods of time. It can lead to kidney failure as the kidneys are overstressed. Eat the ammount of protein your dr. advises, and then get some healthy carbs such as veggies and fruits. Don't let your calorie intake get too low, and always drink enough water.
   — Melody S.