{"id":544,"date":"2015-06-10T17:50:52","date_gmt":"2015-06-10T17:50:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.njbariatriccenter.com\/?p=544"},"modified":"2015-06-10T17:50:52","modified_gmt":"2015-06-10T17:50:52","slug":"bariatric-surgery-taste-changes-and-food-sensitivities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.njbariatriccenter.com\/bariatric-surgery-taste-changes-and-food-sensitivities\/","title":{"rendered":"Bariatric Surgery, Taste Changes and Food Sensitivities"},"content":{"rendered":"

A look at why your tastes change after gastric bypass, gastric sleeve and LAP-BAND\u00ae<\/sup><\/a> and what weight loss surgery patients can do about it.
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Is it possible to not<\/em><\/i> like bacon? If you\u2019re a patient who\u2019s had gastric bypass, gastric sleeve or LAP-BAND\u00ae<\/sup> surgeries, bacon may be one of those foods you just don\u2019t like anymore. Add dairy, sweets and fried foods to that list of dislikes and you may be wondering if the surgeons operated on your tongue as well as your stomach.<\/p>\n

Rest assured you\u2019re not alone in this phenomenon. Changes in the way food tastes, smells or is tolerated are incredibly common following weight loss surgery. In fact, a recent study found a whopping 97% of participants reported at least one change following their procedure. Much to the delight of dietitians everywhere, these changes in taste tend to work to the patient\u2019s advantage! Studies indicate patients who reported food aversions had significantly greater weight loss and reduced BMI following surgery compared to those who experienced no food aversions.<\/p>\n

As a registered dietitian who works with bariatric patients, I hear about my patients\u2019 evolving relationship with foods, satiety (the feeling of fullness), taste and digestion daily. Counseling patients to anticipate and effectively manage these changes is part of the pre-surgical nutrition program for all New Jersey Bariatric Center\u00ae<\/sup><\/strong> patients. So let\u2019s get a better understanding of the most common changes, why they are likely to occur and ways to best manage any that don\u2019t work in your favor.<\/p>\n

What are some of the most common changes?<\/strong><\/b><\/p>\n

Researchers at the University Hospitals of Leicester looked at the relationship between taste, smell and appetite among 103 patients who\u2019d undergone gastric bypass surgery between 2000 and 2011. Nearly half of the patients polled reported their sense of smell changed following weight loss surgery and 73 percent noticed changes in the way food tasted. Topping the list for patients experiencing taste changes is increased sensitivity to sweet foods and sour foods.<\/p>\n

Reduced tolerance and cravings for sweets and fast foods are common changes reported by many of my patients, and one I don\u2019t mind hearing since sugary and fried foods are a big no-no after surgery. Some patients may become so sensitized that even protein shakes and powders taste overly sweet and are difficult to tolerate. If this occurs, especially during the liquid-only portion of the post-operative diet, be sure to consult with your doctor or dietitian to ensure daily protein needs are being met.\u00a0 Some tips that may help include thoroughly chilling the protein shakes to improve taste. Patients can also try savory options like unflavored protein powder in clear broth or a bariatric soup mix.<\/p>\n

What food aversions occur most often?<\/strong><\/b><\/p>\n

Almost daily I have a patient report in amazement how their once-favorite food is no longer appealing to them. Food aversions usually develop immediately following surgery and may lessen or disappear over time. In studies, animal proteins top this list with patients steering clear of chicken, steak, ground beef, lamb and cured meats like bacon, sausage and ham. Eggs, dairy products including ice cream, cheese and milk and starches such as rice, pasta or bread also ranked high on the list of disliked foods. Interestingly, very few patients reported aversions to fruits or vegetables. Some New Jersey Bariatric Center\u00ae<\/sup><\/strong> patients even report loving veggies like broccoli or cauliflower like never before.<\/p>\n

In my experience, patients may feel turned off to foods for a variety of reasons including smell, appearance, texture or consistency. Sometimes a change in preparation method can help improve tolerance. Simple adjustments like stewing meat instead of baking or grilling and poaching eggs instead of frying may prevent the often-reported feeling of food \u201csticking\u201d on the way down. Even patients who experience multiple aversions or dislikes are able to meet their daily protein goals with some guidance and modifications.<\/p>\n

What are some other common food-related post-op changes?<\/strong><\/b><\/p>\n

Eating behaviors may also be impacted following surgery. These include reduced emotional eating and less influence of external eating cues. It makes sense that these changes may be related to the above-mentioned aversions or altered taste perceptions, especially if overly sweet and greasy foods are less appealing. There is also a growing body of research to support the idea that the mood-altering effect of sweets, that infamous sugar high, is decreased following surgery. And while I can\u2019t promise you\u2019ll start craving kale instead of chocolate, it is possible that eating out of habit or because a food is \u201cjust there\u201d might become a thing of the past.<\/p>\n

What are some tips for dealing with food intolerances?<\/strong><\/b><\/p>\n