Certain Smells Turn Me Off

[ashley.wells@purchase.edu]

Is it normal to like the smell of something before the surgery and then dislike it after the surgery? For example, I used to love the smell of freshly popped popcorn. When my dad made popcorn for his own snack (he's really skinny and eats whatever), I got very nauseous when I smelled it!

Also, part of my chores at home is to clean the kitchen, and run the dishwasher when needed. When it was time to take out the garbage, it was extremely difficult to tolerate the smell of the garbage. When my mother walked into the Kitchen and I told her it smelled horrible, she said, "What smell?"

I feel like a pregnant woman... I can smell EVERYTHING. Is this happening to you guys at all? Curious to know!!!

[Grace]

Totally normal. It does go away for most people. I have always hypothesized it is because you aren't eating so your brain is making everything smell more to you to tempt you to eat. But your belly doesn't like the smells. But hey, it's not like our bodies were designed to have most of our stomachs cut out, right? Hang in there it will fade soon!

[2bskinny]

I'm having this problem too! So glad it's not just me being crazy! turkey stinks, eggs stink, tuna stinks etc If I can smell it, I can't eat it. Big problem! My Nutrionist asked me last week if I was pregnant. 53 and pregnant, that would be BAD!

[Pmcphi]

Me, too! It's like my olfactory senses are on overdrive. If I smell a disinfectant that smells even remotely like the clinic I was in in Mexico, I'll gag. And men's cologne...good Lord, gentlemen. Go easy!

[KillingForCupcakes]

So glad I'm not the only one...I was starting to panic at first that I might be preggers because it was seriously acute. I could smell household cleaners from two rooms away. I would be working at my desk and I could smell immediately when my fiance was cooking in the kitchen and I knew exactly what he was making and it really bothered me that certain things I used to like are now making me want to gag. Eggs rank high on that list. It used to be before surgery that only boiled eggs had a smell to me and now ALL eggs stink. Trash doesn't bother me too much but the smell of canned soups is horrid! It seriously smells like a can of ALPO or something. It's not just one...all of them. My favorite meal has been hamachi sashimi, yellowtail, FRESH yellowtail doesn't seem to have ANY odor and I love that something I enjoy doesn't gross out my hyper sensitive nose. It started right after surgery and it hasn't let up yet. I feel like I have some sort of useless superpower.

[Pmcphi]

I'm with you! Those are my favorite foods since they are so neutral and go down so easily. I'm wondering if it's the anesthesia....that can screw up your senses for a while?

[lavendargirl1]

Oh man, I used to have no problem going into stores like Bath and Body Works, but a few days after surgery I went in to get some lotion and almost lost my cookies. The sales lady, was so kind she took my money and brought it out to me.
With Christmas coming I do hope that feeling goes away soon

[jane_vsg_ayla]

LOL! Add me to the club!! I lived on canned tuna and chicken for protein until 3 months out... and suddenly I open a single cans and nearly vomit right then. Ever since I cannot take the smell of meat at all. If I smell it, its too late! My stomach actually does that "clench" thing where you slap your hand over your mouth to keep from puking. I always had an "iron stomach" before - my family jokes I could win at fear factor because I could literally eat a cricket without any problem (if someone paid me )... Now I am gagging just typing that! Guess they removed all the "iron" with my stomach

Let me know if anyone figures out the "cure" !! Otherwise, lots of PB here...

[mimi53]

This is crazy! I've never heard of this side effect! Does the surgery affect everyone the same way? Is there anyone out there that this didn't happen to or am I doomed to be repulsed by all my favorite smells/fragrances?

[mimi53]

Please don't misunderstand, I'm not saying you're crazy for the smell thing. I just think that is a strange side effect and I'm not looking forward to that one.

[jane_vsg_ayla]

Please don't misunderstand, I'm not saying you're crazy for the smell thing. I just think that is a strange side effect and I'm not looking forward to that one.

LOL! It's ok, I have been called worse I dont think its inevitable, and I am pretty sure it is not permanent. Some people it happens sooner than others, some not at all. Like I said - I was 3 months out! I thought anything that was going to change already had... but I guess its more like a year before you settle into "permanent" mode... So I have hopes of coming out of it. In the meantime, its a whole lot easier to not be hungry now, since I get queasy just thinking about smelling something...

[JeanAng]

The smell of food,detergent soaps,fabric conditioner,even my perfumes! I cant stand it! My boyfriend was like you go naked since you always puke when you smell something nice...

[Pmcphi]

@Mimi...I'd check with your doctor and let us know what his take is as you haven't had your surgery yet. Maybe he can shed some insight as to how long this lovely side effect lasts. It's a doozie!

[Kimberly Deyoe Relyea]

I, too had this. It was only really though with chicken broth. The first week was the worst. And I had to unplug the wall plug in fragrence unit for awhile. But its pretty much gone now. And Im 2 weeks out. I still dont want chicken soup, but I dont need to eat it so thats ok. Things ARE sweeter though. AND that does happen very often. Really just and over-sensitivity making up for not eating. I think maybe cuz I could eat mushy food sooner than alot of people, it may have made it go away sooner. Just a thought. Good luck!

[2bskinny]

This is crazy! I've never heard of this side effect! Does the surgery affect everyone the same way? Is there anyone out there that this didn't happen to or am I doomed to be repulsed by all my favorite smells/fragrances?

Before my surgery my doctor's nurse warned me that it could happen. I didn't believe her then, but it didn't take me long. My sense of smell is was different , stronger. My tastes also have changed. Used to have a huge sweet tooth, Now everything tastes too sweet!