Question:
FOR WOMEN ONLY---

I am now just over 2 months post op and I just started up my period again since my RNY surgery. This is very embarrasing to post so bear with me... I notice that my period has this odd odor, quite unlike pre surgery. It is this strong sweet smell. Does anyone know what this is? Have anyone else noticed a different odor? The amount isn't any different, or the color, just the odor. Any ideas? Again, I'm sorry about the nature of this question. Thank you.    — [Anonymous] (posted on October 15, 2001)

October 14, 2001
Despite having only been 2 weeks into my cycle, when I had my surgery, the stress of the surgery actually brought my period on, day 2 post op!! I too experienced a "different" odor. This "sweet" odor was nauseating to me, and I thought it was due to the medications in the surgery, but found it went away, the day my period stopped. I have spoken to my surgeon about his, and he related it to hormonal changes. If this helps, only *I* smelled it. For the first few days I kept asking everyone if I smelled funny. It was only me who could smell it...thank goodness. I too would be interested to hear what others have to say.
   — Kim M.

October 15, 2001
I had a terribly sickening 'sweet' odor after surgery for about 6 ot 8 weeks and again, only I could smell it. I thought it was awful! It was not connected to my period because I've had a hysterectomy. I discovered it was related to the rapid weight loss and ketosis. It finally went away - but it happened during the time of greatest weight loss.
   — Cindy H.

October 15, 2001
I thought I smelled funny too "down under". And I've had a hysterectomy. Who knows what it is?! I wonder if something in our biochemistry either changed our smell or changed our SMELLER? Maybe our noses are more sensitive for some odd reason. I'm 9 weeks post op and getting back to normal now....
   — [Anonymous]

October 15, 2001
Well I haven't noticed a sweet smell, but my periods have been the periods from Hell post op. I was supposed to start the day of surgery, but didn't. Actually I didn't start back up until almost 6 weeks out, and it has been the worst. I have been wearing two pads. I went to my obgyn, and I had a large amount of protein in my urine, and they thought I had an infection but further testing showed I was a normal, rapid weight loss patient. She said I could go on birth control to help, but I always gain weight on that stuff. Sometimes I wish I was man! LOL
   — [Anonymous]