Question:
Are colds and flu worse after WLS?
I have an awful summer cold right now and all the gunk is pretty nauseating pre-op. What happens when you catch a bug a few weeks or months out of surgery? — [Anonymous] (posted on August 3, 2001)
August 3, 2001
I had Surgery Feb 1,2001. My family went through a bad flue spell twice now
and of course since I am the mom I get to clean it all up. Thow-up on the
carpet on the sheet. Bad diapers and high fevers. I never got sick. there
are 6 people in my family and all got sick but me. I think it is all the
protein and vitamins I have been taking. So far having this surgery has
been a blessing.
— Holly D.
August 3, 2001
Before surgery I suffered from chronic tonsillitis. I would get it really
bad--2 or 3x/yr and it would put me in bed for 2 weeks at a time. I rarely
got colds & flu. I had surgery almost 2 years ago and have not had the
slightest sniffle since. It could be because I now have a balanced diet
and take my vitamins regularly... Good luck to you!
— [Deactivated Member]
August 3, 2001
I have not had a cold since before my surgery last may , and ride a bus to
and from work everyday ,so people are always coughing and sneezing all over
each other!! I too think it is the protein and vitamins and the good diet
sans sugar.I also never touch my face or rub my eyes with my fingers or
hands.
— Rose A.
August 4, 2001
I am 19 months post op and haven't had a cold, sniffle, flu,
ANYTHING since surgery. The week after I came home, kids
got the stomach flu- I cleaned up after them, didn't get it.
Last week, our family experienced a 2 day car ride home from Florida
(I am in northern Illinois) with 3 out of 4 people sick with
summer colds and I never got a sniffle- even after lack of sleep
because hubby was hacking all night:) I think it is the suppliments-
one of mine is zinc every morning, which is supposed to be good for
immune systems. Who knows? Just another added benefit of
WLS I guess:)
— M B.
August 4, 2001
The biggest problem I had was when I went back to work after surgery. I was
out for 8 weeks and was not around a large group of people for that amount
of time. I also work at a call center with a large group of people and we
seem to pick up more cold bugs. I guess it comes from working around
computers and phones. The ugly little cold buggers like to hide on key
board and phone key pads.
— Jan M.
August 6, 2001
I haven't had the flu since my surgery three years ago. I have
had some colds; but, I think the resp symptoms have been milder.
Probably because I've lost 120lbs. and my lungs aren't being
overworked.
— [Anonymous]
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