Help - BAD Breath Post -Op

I am new to the boards; (RNY 12/30/08).  Things are been going great so far, getting fluids in, walking etc.  My biggest concern is my breath??? I have never had chronic bad breath, but I can not stand myself.  My daughter and DH can't stand to be close to me.  I brush my teeth often, but gag when I try and brush my tongue. (sorry).  Since we arne't suppose to suck on anything (ei. mints) is there anything else I can try?   I can't go back to work and talk with people with my breath being so horrible. 

Me too!  My mouth constantly tastes like a$$!  I brush at least 4 times a day and am able to use a tongue scraper, most of the time without gagging, but it doesn't seem to help.  I had some Biotene mouthrinse a while back, and it doesn't have alcohol in it, so it's not drying. I need to get some more. They also have a spray for dry mouths. I got it before the surgery for in the hospital, but never used it. I gotta find that stuff. I'm forever covering my mouth and breathing out to see if it's as stinky as I think it is, it never smells bad, but it's just got to. Blech!  I hope someone has some good ideas, blech! Congrats on your surgery !

Is bad breath common to have after surgery?  I was wondering if it only happens with a small group of people or what?!  Also, what is the cause?  All the protein?  I have my surgery consult in a little over a week, so I'll probably ask him about it!

Stephanie

Oh boy do I remember the bad breath. I'm sure my husband does too LOL. Its very common and it does get better. I used to use the Listerine Strips that just dissvole in your mouth. They do not taste the best but they help!

Glad to see you on the boards and glad to see that things are going well.
Congrats for making it on the loser's bench!! 

Oh its good to be on the losers bench.  The nerves prior to surgery and the "not knowing" how it is going to feel was driving me crazy.  I almost backed out driving the hospital.. I am glad I didn't, since the bad breath is the only issue I have worth posting that isn't too bad.  I hope to make it to the next coffee for more support.  Thanks

You won't stink forever....I promise.  It's the ketosis (fat burning) that is making you smell a bit nasty.  The listerine strips are a good idea and enjoy the ketosis while it's happening.  Ha!  It means you're losing!

It is called Ketosis and yes, it is common after surgery.

Be sure to drink lots and lots of fluids to help keep the ketones flushed out!