I am 2 weeks post surgery and have lost nearly 30 pounds. My son told me that sometimes my body gives off a strange odor. He said that it doesn't smell like bo (thank goodness). Its just different and it comes and goes Now I am self conscious because I can't smell it. I read something about ketosis and body odor. Has anyone had this experience? Help I am desperate

Hi Petunia,

Ketosis is very common during weight loss. I know that a lot of WLS patients experience it, especially at the start when they are on a high Protein diet.

There is plenty of info about it on the net, but it is basically an elevated level of ketones as the body metabolises fat. Once the body's food and glycogen reserves are used up, fat starts being broken down for energy. One of the ketones produced, acetone, cannot be used by the body and is excreted through the skin, urine and breath as waste.

If you want to know for certain that this is what is causing the smell, then you can get small strips of paper called "Ketostix" which you can wave under your urine stream and they turn purple if you have acetone present (ie if you are in Ketosis)

It is nothing to worry about, it is a sign that things are working and you are using your fat reserves which will result in weight loss.

I found that sugar free mints helped with my breath, but unfortunately there is not much you can do for the body odour other than washing regularly.

Hope this helps x

My son is type 1 and went he gets ketones, I can usually smell them b/f i know he has them. It is a distinct smell that comes and goes. Not for a type 1 ketones are not good.