Question:
I am 7 weeks post-op and can't seem to get food down. I have no taste buds and

everything I try to eat tastes horrible, even my favorite foods that I ate pre-op. Do your taste buds come back and when? I am still very weak and my lack of interest in food seems to be a problem. What can I do?    — Tammy D. (posted on March 13, 2002)

March 12, 2002
I am 3 months out. I have to sometimes force myself to eat. Spometimes nothing tastes good to me. I used to really love spicy foods, but cannot hardly eat it now. Chili is alright if not too spicy, but what I used to love is scrambled eggs with tobasco sauce, and everytime I try them, I get nauseuos and/or vomit. I hear everything pretty much returns to normal down the road, but you just cannot eat as much. seems I hear alot of people say around the 6 month mark is when they started feeling more normal, and tasting foods they way they are supposed to taste.
   — sbinkerd1

March 12, 2002
I am very sorry! This happened to me as well. Just when I needed to at least enjoy something, I couldn't even enjoy the broth! I had thrush. I could taste the liquid detergent we used to clean the bowl(that held my broth) with. Water tasted horrible(and I loved water). I hated the smell of my house and shampoo. I still can't stand the shampoo to this day(10 months postop). It will eventually go away. I tried everything. I used the prescription thrush medication, that purple stuff at the pharmacy, candles, room spray, koolaid, nothing helped. Just hang in there. It will all get better. I thought I would never outlive this experience, but it will all get better, trust me!
   — Stephanie N.

March 13, 2002
I had the same problem. I'm 8 months post op and still today some foods don't taste right. I've asked the doctor about this and he couldn't give me a definite answer. I'd sure like to hear other comments.
   — dolphins94

March 13, 2002
I have commented to my husband that ev thing tastes diff. Even pepper tastes card-boardy..They do say it gets better but I belive this just goes with the territory. I think as we move along we will find the things that taste good to us.
   — Jackiis

March 13, 2002
After my original surgery some 16 months ago, everything tasted awful to me.. water tasted like metal, protein shakes were disgusting, food that I had loved preop wasnt going down no matter how I doctored it, I was not able to eat or drink . I was finally able to convince the surgeon that I needed to have an upper endoscopy at 4 months post op.. I had marginal ulcer on my stoma that had perforated, and also helped my staple line to completely disrupt.. I suggest that you find a good GI doc with an understanding of wls and get an upper endoscopy... If you have a marginal ulcer, they are easily fixed with proper medication if diagnosed early. However, if they perforate, you ARE in SERIOUS trouble.. my perforated ulcer caused me to have peritonitis, which can be fatal.. Take heed and action while you are still early in your post op course.. at least , if you dont have an ulcer, you will feel better knowing. Hugs,
   — Gina Landers

March 13, 2002
I am 4 months Post op and I have the same problem. I can't stand the taste of breads, meats, pastas,soda,etc. It is weird to me, but my surgeon said it will get better....I am still waiting, but not griping because I attribute my -100 lbs to this.
   — Lynda T.