Question:
My tongue started to turn black. Any ideas why?

My surgery was on 10/6. Had a leak and had surgery again on 10/8. Still ended up with a leak where I had to be feed though a feeding tube for a few weeks. My stomach was so sensitive that I was not able to hold anything down. So I did not get the nutrients I needed for about 4 weeks. I'm now able to eat small amounts and take vitamins.    — kelly T. (posted on November 5, 2000)

November 5, 2000
THIS IS CLASSIC HAIRY BLACK TONGUE USSUALLY CAUSED BY FUNGUS ASPERGILLUS NIGER OR CANDIDA ALBICANS OR LACK OF NORMAL FLORA TO THE TONGUE. USING ANTIBIOTICS OR MOUTHWASHES? PROBABLY NOT RELATED TO WLS. MANY PEOPLE GET THIS THEN IT JUST GOES AWAY.
   — MARY E.

November 5, 2000
This can also happen when using antacids or stomach acid reducers such as pepto-bismol. Perhaps the changes in your stomach acids is causing this. I had this happen to me once using chewable pepto-bismol tablets and it went away in about 24 hours. If this is what is causing it, I would expect that it will resolve itself soon. Of course, as with any other unusual reactions after surgery I would contact the doctor & discuss it with him! Good Luck!
   — Laura B.