Question:
Question about Ketosis

How long does ketosis last? I'm 5 wks post op and I'm really tired of chewing gum because of my horrid breath. How much longer of this am I going to experience? How long does it typically last? Is there anything besides chewing gum that helps with the bad breath? Mints and brushing don't do anything. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!    — m_bultman (posted on January 17, 2005)

January 17, 2005
This is a process you WANT to be in...lol... unfortunatly it has an unfortunate side effect. VitaMist makes some sublingual sprays for curbing the cravings that do a really good job of masking breath! You might want to check their website! HTH!
   — MagickalMom

January 17, 2005
Ketosis will last as long as your carbohydrate intake is very low. As you are able to add a larger variety of foods, it will diminish somewhat but if you follow the protein first guideline, you will probably be in some level of ketosis for quite a while. Drinking a LOT of water will also help flushing the mouth.
   — scbabe

January 18, 2005
Hello, Our doctor wont allow us to chew gum. He says it adds unnecessary air in to our pouch. We dont do carbonated drinks etiher for the same reason. It stretches the ouch over time. Just FYI. He recommends suger free mints, or chewing an herb such as rosemary or sage. Even mint leaves are good. Good Luck, Ann
   — Ann M.

January 18, 2005
Chlorophyll might help. It comes in pill or liquid form. The liquid form I think you put a couple of tablespoons into a glass of water and drink it. The brand I used had a mild minty flavor and it turns the water dark green so it looks worse than it actually tastes. It helps with all body odor. (just like if you eat a lot of garlic or onions in your diet it will affect your personal odor!) You might find it in a healthfood store but I usually buy mine online. Look it up on yahoo and compare prices. It's not too expensive. It's worth a try. It might take a few days or weeks to notice a difference but I think it works for me.
   — Kara J.

January 18, 2005
Megan I did not have bad breath after surgery, but I can have it after a ton of garlic, which I love, but I always squeeze a fresh lemon in my water and sip or if I've really had a more than a ton I just suck on the lemon. GOOD LUCK YOU LOSER! HAHA
   — Anna M.

January 18, 2005
Hi. First, I don't know if you've tried Listerine Breath Strips, but they are sugar free / fat free and are extremely good at removing my bad breath! I am using them now, but I am still pre-op! I have read that they are good for post-op and they can satisfy sweet cravings too boot! One more thing, My Dr said gum is a BIG NO-NO...not for the air, but because it can block you're opening from your new pouch into your intestines, requiring immediate emergency surgery. You might want to check with your Dr about that. JMO. Good Luck!
   — Laura G.