Question:
6 days post-op and have an awful taste in my mouth.

Also, can I chew suger-free gum or have suger-free breath mints?    — Shalee S. (posted on January 13, 2001)

January 13, 2001
Anesthesia and pain meds can leave a nasty taste for several days. But if you find that water tastes metallic or anything like that, you really need to get back with your doc. We can form an ulcer at the stoma and that would make everything icky. It might not hurt at all, but can still be troublesome. If you still taste bad once you're clear of pain meds, CALL HIM, OK? And if you have nausea or vomiting, call now.
   — vitalady

January 13, 2001
Most WLS experience some degree of bad breath or bad taste in their mouths during the first weeks or months post-op. During the period of time when initial weight loss is rapid, your body is burning a high percentage of its own fat stores. This creates a condition called ketosis, and one of the first "symptoms" that people notice is that bad breath or bad taste. This will go away in time, and increasing water/fluid intake seems to lessen it. However, until that happens, it's fine to use sugar-free gum or breath mints. Also, some patients have stated that Binaca for Smokers, a breath spray, was the most effective product that they have found to combat the problem. Good luck!
   — Diana T.

January 14, 2001
Also, besides the other possibilities mentioned, if you are taking a chewable vitamin, see if the taste in your mouth is more noticeable after you take your vitamin. I found that was what was causing my bad taste in my mouth following surgery so I adjusted my schedule to take the vitamin after my breakfast and before I went to bed. Another reason, if you wake up with bad taste in your mouth, you may have a little reflux and should use extra pillows to elevate your head and shoulders. Hope one of these answers helps!
   — dtjohnson7

September 3, 2003
If you have a white coating on your tongue too - it might be thrush. It is caused by the amount of antibiotics given at the hospital. Call your doctor for a prescription and it will help clear it up.
   — Robin Knox (Cwalina)