The Flu & Colds

This is probably a gross question, but with such a small stomach pouch after surgery... what happens if you get the flu?  I assume you would not be throwing up as much?  Can you still take Pepto Bismol or something?  I absolutely dread winter time and the flu... when I was considering lap band surgery I started thinking about that... also can you take normal cold medicines when you have a cold?

Oh think again, lol   You would be surprised what your body will produce, shall we say, when you are sick.  I still take pepto when I need it.  I also take normal cold meds when I get a cold.  Well that's not true.  I generally try to take nothing when I have a cold because generally that stuff doesn't work for me.  I take a Nyquill and call it a day. 

If I have a cold, I take sudafed or what my WLS Surgeon has recommended. Pepto I haven't used, just Tums. As for the flu, perhaps get a flu shot? And, this sounds like a really great question to ask your WLS surgeon or Doctor! And I have taken Tylenol for cold/cough...just a lower dosage. Ask your doctor!!! Stacey W

I had the flu once since wls and it was pure hell!    I had never been so sick in my life.     I ended up dehydrated and in the hospital for i.v fluids.    From then on i demand a flu shot every year and it's worked.    Before wls i always got sick from the flu shot.    As for colds, i take robitussin for phlemn, sudafed for sinuses, and use nyquil which actually keeps me awake instead of putting me out.   Linda

I believe Pepto has asprin in it, which is not something we're not supposed to take after surgery.  I have taken Tylenol flu and done fine.   Of course, check with your doc.  I don't know about everyone else, but I found since WLS I have been healthier, eating better, etc. so I have a better immune system.  I hardly get colds any more.