Question:
bad taste/breath is this normal

I am 3months pre-op, and I was told by my surgeon to lose weight, I have been on a protein diet for one week now, I am drinking alot of water, and no sugar, and the first carbs I have had in one week was some mashed potatoes last night, I am drinking protein shakes and eating protein bars, my question is, I have started to have a bad taste/breath, and I do not know if this is normal, does anyone else pre-op have this problem. Is it Ketosis?    — cindy (posted on May 7, 2003)

May 7, 2003
Yes Cindy, it sounds like KETOSIS. But that's a good sign (even though it smells bad). You see, when ur body doesn't have carbohydrates (sugars) to burn for energy, it is forced to burn FAT. Thats the concept behind protein-diets similar to Atkins. When fat is burned, Ketones are formed as a biproduct. Just look at ppl with Diabetes, a condition where glucose isn't taken up by cells due to either a deficiency in Insulin or abnormalities in Insulin receptor. The cells of ppl with diabetes are said to be "in starvation amidst plenty", ie, even though the glucose is soooooooo high in their blood, the cells can't get any of it. So their body adapts by burning off FAT for energy, producing ketones. Smell their breath and u'll know. Another way to check if its ketosis ur in, is to purchace urine-dipsticks. Usually there is v.little *if any* ketones in the urine. In ketosis, the strips will detect plenty!! Hope this helps u. Best of Luck !!
   — Laura R.