X-Post: Help! I STINK! May be TMI for some.
Hey everyone. Happy New Year! I'm wishing for a "stink free" New Year!
I haven't really been on the boards much lately, so I'll give you a quick synopsis of my journey: I had my RNY on 09/12/07. I have gone from a high weight of 365 to around 148 now. On 09/15/08 I had more surgery: hernia repair, abdominal wall reconstruction and tummy tuck.
Since this last surgery, my gas and bad breath problems have exploded. I can't stand myself.
My husband, who is my greatest supporter, started complaining about the bad breathe almost immediately after this surgery. I have tried everything. I am using special mouth washes. I brush a few times a day. I rinse every few hours (sometimes with mouthwash, sometimes just warm water). Per my surgeon, I took 2 rounds of antibiotics and started taking Acidophilus Bacillus (2-4 a day). Nothing helps. I am so self conscious of this, especially at work. My DH doesn't even want to get near my face. Even in bed, he tells me not to breathe on him.
The gas is the worst though. I seldom had gas before my RNY; and, while it did increase afterward it was never really bad. Then the last surgery came about and the wheels fell off the wagon. The gas is so bad. The stench could be fatal.I must fart all night long in my sleep. Not funny! Stop laughing. The smell is so bad; it has actually woken us up out of a sound sleep. I have to spray my side of the bed every morning with Febreze. I seem to have little to no control. I have the "old lady walking farts".
Still not funny. Last Wednesday, I was working with my boss in my office and 3 times I stood up and 3 times I farted. I could have crawled in a hole.I have taken 2 rounds of antibiotics. Now I'm still on lactose intolerance pills, Acidophilus Bacillus, Viokase 16 (a prescription probiotic) and Devrom. Nothing seems to help.
Can't find a good air freshener either. Nothing cuts through this.
I'm eating more carbs now, trying to slow down the weight loss (never thought I would say that). I don't think I'm eating particularly gassy foods. Should I up my protein? The doctor's office hasn't really said much about my diet.
My sex life is on hold and may soon go down the tubes totally. Who wants to bed a stinky wench?!!
All suggestions and thoughts would be appreciated.
April ...My Cup Runneth Over
" Life may not be the party we hoped for,
but while we're still here we may as well dance." ... Andy Rooney
Karen 
[email protected]
OMG, Taya, I didn't realize you're pregnant. Congratulations! Just a few more days. Keep us posted.
My god-daughter just called me a few minutes ago to tell me that she gave birth to healthy baby girl at 5:27 this morning. Her name is Kassandra Marie. I can't wait to see her. They already have twin boys. God's work is awesome!
Oh yeah, I need to make an appointment with my dentist. I guess I better make it sooner than later.
Thanks for your input.
Take care. Best wishes to you, your husband and baby to come.
Hugs
April ...My Cup Runneth Over
" Life may not be the party we hoped for,
but while we're still here we may as well dance." ... Andy Rooney
Yes, a few more days to go. I almost can't believe it.
Good luck with your situation and please keep us posted. The challenges that we all go through are such an educational experience. I hope that you are able to get it worked out soon.
Weight at Start of Pregnancy (3/08) - 268
Current Weight - 270
The new love of my life!
Marcus Taylor, born 1/13/09
So, how are you doing? How's the new job? Hope your holidays were good.
Thanks for answering and take care.
Talk to you later.
April ...My Cup Runneth Over
" Life may not be the party we hoped for,
but while we're still here we may as well dance." ... Andy Rooney
on 1/3/09 1:38 am - Millersville, MD
To reduce intestinal gas: Digestive Advantage
To reduce intestinal gas odor: Devrom Chewables
Bad breath from ketosis is a sign that your surgery is doing what it's supposed to do and I have never really heard of a product that combats it well. Most commonly, I have read that the best combat is to drink plenty of water and rinse with a non-alcohol mouthwash.
I just found the Gas Defense Formula in Walmart today! What a coincidence that you brought this to my attention. Have you used it? I'll start it tomorrow.
I already take the Devrom tablets. But sometimes I do forget to take them with my meals. I take so many supplements, that I sometimes wonder if they could be the culprit.
Hopefully, if I can get my lower gut under control the bad breath will follow suite. I really don't think I'm in ketosis since I've been on carb overload since at least mid December.
I am using a non-alcohol mouthwash. Do you have any recommendations on these. I hate the one I'm using. It leaves a salty aftertaste. YUCK !
April ...My Cup Runneth Over
" Life may not be the party we hoped for,
but while we're still here we may as well dance." ... Andy Rooney
