Gastric Bypass

U.S.A. Illinois

Published

Specializes in Accepted...Master's Entry Program, 2008!.

(Do I have to put NOT A NURSE before all my replies? LOL!)

I think this is not necessarily a complication, rather a well-kept secret side-effect. Since GBP results in food bypassing the stomach and parts of the small intestine, food is not as readily digested or absorbed. The result is that once that undigested material gets to the colon, the natural flora produce a great deal of very foul smelling gas while breaking down these nutrients.

That is not something that is going to go away. It's a permanent side effect of the surgery. I would be extremely surprised if she didn't already know she produces copious amounts of noxious gas.

I have no idea how you handle this. It really should be up to HER to handle it, I think. Maybe she doesn't know what to do? I think someone is going to have to confront her.

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Possible dumb question: Did she willingly disclose to everyone that that is how she lost the weight?

If so, then she doesn't strike me as a person who would be against someone coming to her and telling her about her body odor. Tactfully, that is.

A basic exchange, such as the following example, may be helpful:

You: Hi ______. You look nice today! Boy, you look like a new person. How do you feel having lost _____ lb?

Aromatic woman: Thanks! I feel great. I have so much more energy now.

You: Great, glad to hear it. Listen, I don't know if you're aware or not, but there's been a recent study about adequately maintaining personal hygiene after having one of those operations. Have you heard about that?

Ok, I know that may draw a fine line btwn genuine concern and lawsuit! :monkeydance:

Good luck!

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Specializes in ICU, ER, HH, NICU, now FNP.

Yes but is there anything she can actually DO about it? If not, then what would be the point in confronting her? What constructive purpose would it serve?

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Specializes in Accepted...Master's Entry Program, 2008!.

I don't know about medically - there are other products out there, like gasBgone, which is a charcoal activated seat cushion. There are also undergarments than contain activated charcoal pads, or simple pads than can be placed on clothing.

I have no idea how well these work:

Cusion

http://www.gasbgon.com

Undergarments

http://www.under-tec.com

Adhesive Pads

http://www.flat-d.com

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