I want to start this thread out by first apologizing for the question I am about to ask. For me, this question is not just embarrassing but extremely

embarrassing, but I need to know the answer and don't want to call my surgeons office, I'm sure they are pretty busy today and it's nothing life threatening. So with that being said, it's off to my question.

I am now 1 month and 2 weeks post op and have been noticing a foul smell coming from my viginal area, kind of like an acidic smell. I have been to my regualr doctor and had test and test run and I have no infection whatso ever ran, I have had a test for every STD out there ran, (even though I am married and DO NOT cheat), everything has come back that I am fine. I am wasing myself down there everyday about 8 times a day and the odor still comes back. I have even tried douching and this is not working.

This morning, as I was walking about and helping the kids get ready for school, my 10 year old daughter was beside me, she sniffed and had the most horrible look on her face and told me that I stunk really really bad.

I have also noticed that my deoradent isn't working anymore. I have switched from suave (baby powder scent) to secret platium, per orders from the nurse at the surgeons office and this isn't working either. I bet I put on deo about 6 times a day.

I know that when I went to my nutrition glass the week before my surgery, the nutritionist said that I would go through what is called Ketosis, but she didn't say it would be this bad.

Now, you all know what is going on with me. My question is, has anyone else went through this and is the acidic smell a normal part of this whole thing, how long did it last, and is there anything I can do to lessen the odor?

I was only banded last week and don't have that problem [yet???] but I am very conscious of 'smells'. I use the Secret Clinincal Strength deoderant. It works very well and I have very sensitive skin so that is remarkable. There is also a product on the market called 'Body Mint' that has chlorphyll and works in the body to filter out some of those bad odors. I think it is available at Sephora ~ definately Sephora On-line. Of course, check with your doctor. I don't personally use it but my sister in Scottsdale uses it for her stinky feet [she can clear a room when she takes off her shoes!]. She claims it works 'everywhere'. My only other thought was to drink more Water. I know my skin is clearer when I drink more water and I think more toxins [causing the odors????] may be flushed out.

Good Luck!

:thumbup:Hi there,after reading your post I know it may sound silly-but I think you are washing much TOO much! The private parts of your body have certain natural acidities and you washing so much(especially if you are using soap all the time)is probably making it worse! I would say if you need to wash just use plain water(no soap) The perfume and additives in soap can send your body into chaos. Im sure this will clear up if you lay off the washing. Hope this helps somewhat.

Happy banding.

I too think you may be washing too much down there. Our bodies have a certain chemistry.

I'd also start eating some yogurt. If you're going through Ketosis, stop it and start eating carbs again. Going through that process is not for everyone.

I'd also drink a lot of Water. Lots of it. Cleanse your body.

It is so weird that you posted this question today. I am having the same problem with the vaginal odor. Mine just comes and goes. Some days I smell it then I won't again for several days. I am a nurse and I knew when I first came home that some of the scent was from all the medicines, iv fluids, etc leaving my body after surgery. Some medicines and fluids have a distinct smell when excreted in your urine. I am not sure if there is any correlation after that but it sure is odd that this is happening. All of my test have been negative also. I will also tell you that some antibiotics cause yeast infections. This is a known side effect. With a yeast infection you will some times have an odor and a whitish discharge. Will keep searching for answers???

I have a friend who went thru this when she started her 2 wks. pre-op Adkins Diet.....but as Dr. Oz says on Oprah, The VGG is a "self-ceaning oven", if u will....so maybe the post about too much washing is right on.........About the BO, I, for some reason had a terrible problem in college, dancing the night away at frat parties in cute little outfits which had big WET circles under the arms in NO time.........I used Mitchum ANTI-Prepersant Roll On......and IT WORKED!....Anti-presperants at different than deodrants. I still use an anti, not deodrant....Hope this makes some sense! Good luck!....Wear lots of perfume!

:cool2: Joy

Edited October 2, 200817 yr by Joy1

I agree with the "TOO MUCH WASHING" theory. My family doctor told us "only use soap if there is DIRT". So we don't douche or use soap down there and believe it or not, no odor. It is its own little world, with a special "environment" down there. You need to chill out and let it stabilize. I've been on ketosis myself and never had an odor there. Try to make yourself "leave it alone" for a few days, just water, no soap, no other interventions, and see if it doesn't stabilize. I mean, you might as well; what you're doing isn't working, right? Good luck.

1. No soap for at least 5-7 days - especially any soaps with a perfume additive. Soap is not working to eliminate the problem and likely contributing to the problem.

2. sleep without underwear and let the area "breathe". Don't wear tight clothes, stockings, etc.

3. hair holds on to odor better than skin. Have you had a bikini wax lately?

4. Get some carbs into your diet! If Protein is disproportionately in your diet, then it can cause some people (not all) to have odor issues.

5. Strong deodorants are high in aluminum... maybe your body is having an allergic reaction to the aluminum. Read the label and do some research online.

6. If all else fails, see your surgeon. Maybe this is surgery related, and if not s/he can refer you to a specialist.

I certainly understand your concern. I don't know if you doctor checked for a bacterial overgrowth. I know that when that happens to me, I get this awful smell that just won't go away. I was finally put on Relagard. It is a cream that helps that part of the body re-adjust its pH levels. It always happened to me when my blood sugars were off (whether too high, or too low). I would use that a couple of times when I noticed it and it would clear itself up. After that, my doc did tell me that washing that area with soap and douching was a BIG no no. The "self-cleaning oven" idea was right on. I hope this helps you. Oh, and by the way... you can get an over the counter version called RepHresh. It's usually with the womanly supplies. It costs about $10 but was well worth it for the peace of mind.

I have had a severe hormone imbalance for years, in which no doc could/would treat. I knew that the band had been stabilizing hormones in women and it frankly, was one of the main reasons I wanted this surgery. My foul odor got significantly better once I had the surgery. The smell has changed to a significantly milder and more normal smell...but the simple fact is...our bodies are changing sooooo much right now...that it may take weeks or months for our bodies hormones to calm down. Just give it some time...your body is just changing. GOOD LUCK!! :w00t:

I use arrid xxdry and it works great as for the smell try feminine deo spray i also use the fem deo wash in the tub try them both them might work

It sounds like you might being going through ketosis. Are you losing weight?

It's called Trimethylaminuria due to gastric bypass surgery and your diet

Edited October 30, 20232 yr by Clovis1

On 10/2/2008 at 11:08 AM, MADE IT 2 MY GOAL..OH YEAH said:

It's called Trimethylaminuria

It’s ketosis. It’s renown for the accompanying unpleasant body odours: breath, skin, sweat, genital secretions, urine & caused by our high protein low carb diet. We want to be in ketosis (fat burning) & we all experience the side effects in some form. Good thing is the odour doesn’t last forever.

I used to carry a small toiletries bag with toothbrush & paste, mouth wash, deodorant & body wipes for a refresh during the day.

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/ketosis-safety-and-side-effects#The-low-carb/keto-flu