Question:
Do smells make you sick

I'm 10 days out and just the smell of food makes me sick. Even if the first taste of food is good by bite two the nausia hits. I have a hard time feeding the dog with out getting queezy. What ever I make I can eat no more than two tiny bits and only if I can get by the smell. So far the only things I can handle is chicken broth,s/f popcicles, jello,pudding and fudge pops and sometime even these foods do it. Water even makes me sick. I'm not hungry at all so I don't care about that but I would like the tiny bites I can have not to make me sick and not to taste like dirt. Even things I use to like taste like crap. Mashed potatos taste like sawdust...does this go away?    — Dianna P. (posted on February 10, 2004)

February 10, 2004
I know how you feel, Im a month out and still experience this. Especially if the food is greasy. Food just isnt the same anymore. My old favorite foods either I cant tolerate or they just have no taste(atleast not that I wanna taste) Ya just gotta take it slow and eat what you can...which I know it tough. I dont get my protein in because I cannot get past the smells (and tastes) of the protein drinks, and cant tolerate a lot of meats yet. Just today I told myself I was going back on a liquid diet as I am tired of throwing up! So, at this point Im not sure when it goes away, but Im sure that it does...further out post ops seem to eat ok. But, your not alone....Good Luck!
   — [Deactivated Member]

February 10, 2004
Yes it goes away. It will probally last 3-6 months. It is hell when you go through it. However I wish there was a magic pill that would start it again for me. I'd love to "hate the smell and taste of food" AGAIN.
   — Danmark

February 10, 2004
Yes I am 4.2 months out and went through that for almost 2 months. The hypersensitivity to the smells will stop in awhile. I even hated to see ppl eating and looking at anyone eating was equally nauseating.
   — TerryS

February 10, 2004
Thankfully mine only lasted several weeks. Going thru the isles of a grocery store was hell as I could SMELL every item..Strange journey we are on isnt it..
   — Kathy S.

February 10, 2004
Smells really bothered me at first. I think it lasted about a month or so. Even the smell of some bottled water bothered me. Just stick with what is working right now, and try to add things in as you can tolerate them. I never thought of it at the time, but maybe holding your nose when you take a bite might help!! LOL - remember when Mom had us do that to take medicine? It will get better soon, hang in there! Best wishes for your success. Lap RNY 9/11/03, 254/189/???
   — Carlita

February 11, 2004
i'm 9 mos out, and still certain food smells make me sick. it was realy bad at first, but after the first few months it got better. instead of getting sick on every smell in the grocery, i now only get sick if i head down an isle that has a lot of sweet smelling stuff in it. thankfuly i don't crave sweet stuff anymore :) i also can't stand the smell of cooking turkey (wierd i know) eventualy this too shall pass :) my doc said something in the ansestesia screws up your taste buds and your sniffer. stick to what doens't make you sick right now. as time goes on, you'll find you tolerate more and more, and if somehting doens't work now, give it a week or two and try it again.
   — mellyhudel

February 11, 2004
To calm your stomach..try some tea tree oil or some lavendar oil (essential oils can be found in your healthfood store) Just a little dab on your chest will do. If those smells don't work...just smell each one! Usually the hf store people will let you take a sniff. My kids and I use both the tea tree, peppermint and lavender. They really help! As far as getting the food down...just eat what works for now...for at least the first month...anything mushy you can get down is a go..ask your surgeon too. Good Luck..
   — Carol S.