If you are considering undergoing weight loss surgery, you are probably reading about the different types of surgeries, the amount of weight you can expect to lose, and what to expect during the recovery process. If you have decided gastric sleeve surgery is the best procedure for your situation, you will need to understand the different changes that your body will go through in the months and years ahead. This includes the possibility of feminine odor after gastric sleeve surgery.
Weight loss surgery doesn’t just allow you to shed extra pounds; it also changes the hormone signaling system between your brain and your gut. This means there could be some emotional effects and other changes in your body’s physiology. Sometimes, patients experience an increase in body odor.
Body Changes
Many people who undergo bariatric surgery may experience increased body odor or bad breath. Before surgery, your body uses glucose for energy. This often comes from the carbohydrates in your diet. After surgery, you will not have a steady supply of carbohydrates, and your new diet will include mainly protein.
Because of this, your body will use stored fat for energy, and you enter what is called ketosis. During this state, fat changes over to molecules called ketones, which are used for energy. These often produce a fruity smell. This happens usually in the early weeks or months after surgery, especially when you are on the liquid diet portion of your nutrition plan.
If you notice a change in your body odor, including vaginally, you can help this by making sure you clean and bathe regularly. Use a mild soap and warm water and be sure to rinse well. Be careful to keep the incision area around your surgery site clean, too.
Other Concerns
If you have pain, redness, warmth, or swelling around your incision, contact your doctor immediately. This could be a sign of infection around the incision.
If you experience other symptoms like discharge, pain, or itchiness inside your feminine area, this could be a sign of a different problem that is not related to your surgery.
Weight loss surgery has a variety of benefits and can help put you on the path toward healthy, active living. But as we’ve noted, there are some additional things and side effects, including the possibility of vaginal odor, to pay attention to.
WeightWise has helped so many people just like you who have been in the beginning stages of deciding whether or not bariatric surgery is right for them. But keep in mind that many of our patients will benefit from our non-surgical weight-loss programs, as well!
We will provide you with all the information you need to make the best decision for yourself. We will also follow up with you to help ensure you stay on track to a lifetime of health and wellness.
Contact our team at WeightWise today with any questions.