Why do our tastes change?

I am almost 4 weeks out and I have noticed that my taste buds have apparently changed. True, I am not at the stage to have tested many different things so far. But, I can not hardly stand to drink plain water now. Prior to surgery I drank water like a camel and LOVED it. Why is this...why do our tastes change. Thought some of you veterans might could answer this question. Thanks! --Char

I would like to know this too being tomorrow I have my gastric bypass. At the office they said something about the vitamin intake and the mineral intake or something like that.. since thats changed our taste buds might can someone make this clear for us LOL Thank you, Beth

I went through the same thing. Everything tasted horrible to me, Even my favorite Crystal Lite Ruby Red tasted like a rusty metal pipe. It took about 6 weeks for things to get back to normal. I had a very difficult time staying hydrated during that time. But I make it and now everything is fantastic !! Best of luck. Jennifer

I thought I read somewhere that the anesthesia makes everything taste weird for a while. Other than that, I'm clueless Robin

I do not know everything so bear with me lol! I did hear that in the beginning you go into a state called ketosis which can give you that metalic taste in your mouth. So everything tastes horrible. But there are many other things that alter your taste buds. Taking vitamins and supplements also alter your body chemistry and that affects taste. You also don't have the same appetite so your body is missing its usual amount and diversity of food. Sometimes in the begining the sensation of food is different and you crave crunchy types food. I did hear a nutritionist say that they do not know why people react differently. For instance my tastes have changed very little - what I liked before I still like and what I hated I still hate - for the most part. Yet a friend of mine can no longer eat spicy foods, can't stand any kind of sweetness and craves salty foods - which before surgery she ate lots of candy and hated anything with salt in it. While she acknowledges that the salt craving could be an iron deficiency and is being tested for it now, she says she just can't get enough salty snacks - which are carbs and are making her crave more carbs. Your taste for plain water will probably come back but your body is still adjusting to its new regime. I hate plain water and always did. I was hoping my taste buds would have changed there lol!! But they haven't..... Jackie

I am not really sure why your taste buds change. I am 7 months out and before surgery I didnt like things to spicy and now I cook with a lot of hot sauce and chillie powder. Things to me have to be flavored with something. I also was a big water drinker and now can't seem to drink just plain water. I do use the Crystal Light, but even some of those flavors that I loved before I can't stomach. You just need to play around with spices and flavors and find something that taste good to you. ~Michele~