Bad Taste and Bad Breath, What to do about them?

It has been a week since my surgey and I have bad breath that I can't seem to get rid of no matter what I do and I also have a terrible taste in my mounth. I have not ever had this problem before, can this be surgery related. If so is there something that I can do to correct this. Thanks for you help.

It is surgery related - I think you're in ketosis, which is a normal side effect of not eating very much and burning a lot of calories.  I don't know if there's anything you can do to correct it, except wait it out.  It does go away after several months.  What I did was keep a pack of Tic Tacs with me, which are tiny.  I'd chew them up really well, and never had any problems with them.  There might be someone else who can give you better advice, but you can try the Tic Tacs.  There isn't enough sugar in one of them to cause you any problems - at least I never experienced them. Marcia

So happy to see you posting, i was worried about you.  I hope everything went really well. Yes this is related to the surgery, you are in ketosis.  Ketosis (pronounced /kiːˈtoʊsɪs/) is a state in metabolism occurring when the liver excessively converts fat into fatty acids and ketone bodies which can be used by the body for energy.
This is pretty normal after surgery its just your body switching into fat burning gear and the breath and bad taste are nasty.  Mine was really bad in the mornings when i first woke up.  There isnt much you can do about it but it will get better as your body adjusts.  Make sure you are drinking plenty of fluids because its very easy to get dehydrated during these "early" days and you can get nausea while in ketosis. ~Heather

Hi Heather

Thanks for the infor. I'm doing really good. I have lost 10.5 pounds since suregery a week ago.  Rie

I have seen others post about this same issue. Apparently it comes from ketosis, which is caused by the weight loss (and possible lack of fat in your diet, if I'm not mistaken). I was worried about the same thing, but it goes away eventually. Recommendations have included drinking lots of water. Hope that helps. :)

What to do?  Celebrate.  You are in ketosis and are burning pure fat.  The fat (and pounds) are melting off of you.  I still carry a few Tic Tacs in my pants pocket.  There are several brands of sugar-free breath mints available at any grocery store.  Keep drinking your fluids and stand back... For me (a male), I had the same issue as you for several months post-op- and ended up losing 75 lbs. in two months (170 lbs. in 11 months).  It is just a small inconvenience when you think of the overall benefits.

sweet breath spray works for my death breath! its a sugar free spray  and takes away that stench my husband calls "monkey butt"!! teri

I noticed that too.  I also noticed that my tongue was covered with “stuff”.  I am 2 weeks post op, so beside what everybody is saying; make sure you brush your teeth and your TONGUE very well 2-3 times a day.  Make sure you use a soft brush, and a tongue cleaner or scraper at the same time.  What we keep on the groves on the tongue is rather gross. 

I am just over 3 weeks out and it does go away.  I think it lasted until I really started eating again.  Once you are off the liquids and on to some food you'll be alright.  My family could not even stand to be around me, but gum does help a lot.  I was very self concious there for a bit.  But like I said it did go away.

Thanks everyone for all the infor this is why a love this message board. Everyone here is so helpful