Taste changes after sleeve gastrectomy

Did you know that taste changes after sleeve gastrectomy are common? These changes to food preferences seem to be dependent on the type of procedure, differ significantly between people and can disappear or revert back over time. With the help of my Living With A Sleeve Community, below is an insight into what you might expect with regards to taste changes after sleeve gastrectomy.

The mechanism behind these taste changes is not clear yet however it is suggested that the change in gut hormones due to surgery may be one of the causes. Nevertheless, it seems this change in taste perception results in a lower preference for high calorie food which may contribute to the short and long term weight loss after surgery. 

What to expect

Many people mention their aversion to sweet foods after surgery and that sweet now tastes way too sweet, and hence prefer savoury foods. However others say they have gone from preferring savoury foods to sweet foods. 

“Cheese over chocolate, peanuts over lollies”

Some find they have a higher preference for spicy foods post op whilst others say they can’t handle spice anymore either due to taste changes or stomach discomfort.

Definitely! I can’t really eat sweet foods any more. Really love spicy and savoury foods now.

Amongst the Community, there is a higher preference for crunchy foods over soft foods. However, one member even stated she has preferences related to the shape of food with “pointy foods” like corn chips feeling uncomfortable!

I’m all about crunchy salty savoury now, no longer about soft stodgy sweet. And, definitely nothing with corners!

The length of time these changes last varies, too, with one member saying their taste changes lasted around one year then reverted back to pre-op preferences.

The bottom line

Taste changes after sleeve gastrectomy are common, but there is no way to predict whether you will experience them. Many preferences change from sweet to savoury but the opposite is also true. Changes to preferences around spicy foods, bitter foods, bubbly foods and the texture of food varies too!