Taste Buds: Does your taste for food come back?

@suelannon Did the new scans reveal any changes?

Hi my name is Ann. My husband had a Whipple procedure 8 weeks ago. Since surgery his taste has completely changed. Things he used to love, he can't even stand the smell of & tastes bad to him. Any insight or suggestions?

Everyone's body and mind reacts differently post Whipple but I am 15 months post Whipple and still have taste issues about food. My relationship with eating is not good and find myself eating to fill my stomach rather than the enjoyment of food in general. Not to mention the digestive consequences of what I eat and my bowel movements. But most importantly my last scan a week ago was clear! Good luck!

@cyrus73
Happy to hear you are clear!

@djfone, Hi Ann. I moved your question about altered taste after Whipple surgery to this related discussion, where you can also connect with @azsunshine7 @jimk87 @meflip and others who have experienced changes in taste related to treatment.

- Taste Buds: Does your taste for food come back?https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/significant-changes-in-food-taste/

A few members have also shared this helpful cooking Youtube channel for pancreatic cancer patients that you might appreciate.
- Diet, Nutrition and Cooking for the Pancreatic Cancer Patient https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/diet-nutrition-and-cooking-for-the-pancreatic-cancer-patient/

Have you found that smaller portions help?

**Update**

It’s been over six months since I stopped Folfirinox, and I’m feeling so much better! My appetite has returned, and I’m finally enjoying food again—it all tastes amazing!

I’ve even put on a few pounds, which feels good. I can’t eat big meals anymore because of the Whipple procedure, but I’ve adapted to enjoying smaller portions. It's a new way of eating, but I’m learning to make it work!

Hey @djfone,

Just checking in – is he currently going through chemotherapy?

I remember it took me a while after my Whipple procedure to regain my appetite and for food to taste right again. It can be a tough recovery process. I did start the Folfirinox a month or so later though. So that contributed to loss of appetite and taste.

How is he feeling? Is he doing any better?

I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to reach out because I have a question that's been on my mind lately.

Over the past few months, I’ve experienced a significant change in my sense of taste. Specifically, I’ve lost my appetite for certain foods that I once enjoyed, and I’ve found that many other foods now taste overwhelmingly strong, particularly those that are rich in spices or salt. This shift in my palate has been quite concerning for me.

A few things that tastes normal and good are sliced fruit, cottage cheese, coffee and tomatoes. I can eat/drink small portions of those.

I’m curious if anyone else has experienced similar changes in taste, especially after undergoing medical treatments. I'm wondering if this alteration in my taste buds is something that typically improves over time. I would love to hear any insights or experiences you might have.

For context, I recently underwent the Whipple procedure, which is quite a significant surgical operation, and I also completed a six-month regimen of FOLFIRINOX chemotherapy just a couple of weeks ago. Given the impact these treatments can have on the body, I’m hopeful that my taste will gradually return to normal, but I’m also prepared for the possibility that it may take some time.