How Common Are Body Odor Problems

[Dakini 4]

Hi, Newbie here! I have so far only gone to a seminar at my local hospital but have not yet had an appointment with my surgeon, but I am strongly drawn toward the duodenal switch given the excellent long-term maintenance prospects. Most of the risks and drawbacks sound manageable, but I've seen some real horror stories so far about uncontrollable bad body odor, and it's hard for me to tell how common a problem this is. Ketosis and bowel/flatulence odor sound like they can be mitigated by diet, but actual BO that persists in spite of frequent bathing/deodorant to the point where people's jobs are in danger sounds utterly terrifying to me.

Is this a rare occurrence, or fairly common? How scared should I be?

[heycrystal2052 430]

I don't know where the thread is, but someone just asked that same question and there were several comments on that thread. From what I read, that was a common problem for those w/ DS.

"DS Body Fluid Odor" -Strivingforbetter (That's the thread)

Edited August 31, 2017 by heycrystal2052
Because..

[Dakini 4]

I took that thread as having to do specifically with body fluids rather than BO as-such, and didn't get a sense from it whether it was common or not. I'm sorry if I duplicated. I hadn't meant to.

[heycrystal2052 430]

38 minutes ago, Dakini said:

I took that thread as having to do specifically with body fluids rather than BO as-such, and didn't get a sense from it whether it was common or not. I'm sorry if I duplicated. I hadn't meant to.

Some mentioned BO, I believe.

[James Marusek 5,244]

Before my RNY gastric bypass surgery, I was a profuse sweater. I would take a few steps and beads of sweat would roll down my back and my face. When it was below freezing outside, I normally drove with the windows of my car open. My family members had to remember to bring along jackets or coats. This condition, profuse sweating, went on for many years - probably 20 years. Excessive sweating, or hyperhidrosis, can be a warning sign of thyroid problems, diabetes or infection. Excessive sweating is also more common in people who are overweight or out of shape. I had diabetes and was overweight.

After surgery, that condition went into remission. I rarely sweat. And even though my breath odor is very bad, I think my body odor is less of a problem because of minimal sweating.

[Berry78 4,261]

No need to apologize.. you were talking about hearing that this is a problem specific to DS patients. I would like to hear more about this topic as well.

There was someone asking (probably a month ago) about the body odor issue. They were preop and their surgeon told them it would be a real, lifelong thing. Social pariah and all that.

The responses here kinda poo-pooed the whole thing, but here you are asking about it..

I'm gonna go do some research...

[Strivingforbetter 247]

I was the one who started the thread about body fluids. I'm not a big sweater...wait, that sounded weird. I'm not one who has ever sweat that much, and my perspiration hasn't changed since I had the DS 12 weeks ago. Even though I'm not a fan of the way my urine smells, I haven't noticed anything offensive about my underarms. In fact, no one in my family has noticed anything has changed about the way I smell. I wouldn't let the fear of going into ketosis or what you might have heard about perspiration dissuade you from getting the DS. I haven't found it to be true with me and I have a sensitive nose.

[Berry78 4,261]

Ok, so a preliminary google search HAS turned up several books that coorelate DS and stool/body odor. Also several Bariatric practices mention the same.

So, I feel comfortable saying that malodor is a relatively common side effect of the DS.

What to do about it.. there were several references to dietary control. Carbs can cause it (that's a new one on me! There must be a fine line between being in ketosis (keto breath!) and too many carbs...), as can too much fat intake.

Other than controlling diet, there are internal deodorizers, such as chlorophyl and Devrom, that can help remove the odors.

James, if you haven't tried one of those internal deodorants, you may want to give them a try. Apparently they can help breath too.

RNY doesn't result in odor issues as often as DS, but it can happen. It's the malabsorption component that causes it.

[Postop 413]

@DakiniNo odors at all. Shower with deodorant soap and then use deodorant. I sweat much less bc I'm not carrying the extra weight.

Definitely stool and gas odors so I'm very careful what I eat in public and carry certain sprays (I've tested a ton of them) to deal with it. You learn what to eat & when and then it's manageable. It hasn't hindered me at all. No one knows I've had WLS.

Edited August 31, 2017 by Postop

[Lexington1020 73]

25 minutes ago, Postop said:

Definitely stool and gas odors so I'm very careful what I eat in public and carry certain sprays (I've tested a ton of them) to deal with it. You learn what to eat & when and then it's manageable. It hasn't hindered me at all. No one knows I've had WLS.

I am the same no odors...but I do carry Poo Pourri.

[Postop 413]

22 minutes ago, Lexington1020 said:

I am the same no odors...but I do carry Poo Pourri.

It's funny. I've owned it for years but never used it. I know others swear by it but mine sits in my closet.

[Strivingforbetter 247]

That's seriously the biggest bottle of Poo-Pourri I've ever seen in my life (I know it's just an image)! I don't have issues with foul gas or bathroom issues either.

[Kris10n 9]

I fart more now than ever ugh, and my deodorant smells completely different on me, I hate it. I have it on my shopping list to buy a different one this weekend.

And poo pourri is awesome for the whole family [emoji23][emoji23]

Edited to say my gas doesn't stink, it's just air but so annoying to leave the room more.

[Latoya1214 39]

I had my DS on October 31 and I haven't had any BO issues what so ever. I will say that going to the restroom sometimes is a little smelly, but that's common for other surgeries as well in the first few months. I wouldn't stress about the odors or anything else if you haven't had an issue in the past. Scared is a drastic word. This is very rare because I have family members who have had the same surgery and does not have any issues. I hope this helps.

[heidianderson 4]

If you are having issues with your urine smelling that could be one of two problems first you could be dehydrated or diabetic which both cause strong urine smell. If your having problems with you breath smelling again this could be a diabetic problem.

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