Question:
A good idea 2 weeks before surgery?

I will be having a LAP RNY on 12/12/01 and have a note from my PCP for a flu shot. Should I go ahead and get it - I know they take a couple weeks to become effective. I want to protect myself as much as possible pre-op and post-op from getting the flu. What do you guys think?    — crishsapig (posted on November 29, 2001)

November 29, 2001
My surgeon insisted that I have the flu shot before my surgery ...open RNY .. 12/12/00 ... I did not get any type respiratory infection or flu during the winter last year so am glad that I went ahead and got the shot before surgery Best of luck to you
   — Gina Landers

November 29, 2001
Well I think that if your surgeon say you need it then get it! Why give him a reason to postpone you..just in case he does. As far as the flu shot..I will NEVER do that again. I got my first flu shot 2 weeks ago and the nurse told me that it might make me feel a bit "Yucky"...OH GIRL..It was a bit more then Yucky. I had a fever of 102 for about 3 days with the chills, body aches, head ache, sinus all stuffed up and the cough from HELL which lasted 13 days. I had a really bad reaction to it but maybe you wont..Good Luck!
   — mastrnservnt

November 30, 2001
I was two weeks pre-op on monday, I had my physical and my PCP gave me the flu shot and the pneumonnia vaccine. I have never had either illnesses, but I certainly do not want them after surgery. If he says you should get them then do it.
   — mc H.

November 30, 2001
I am also about two weeks from surgery, Dec 14, and had my flu shot yesterday. Didn't feel a thing and certainly don't want to get the flu this winter.
   — Kathryn K.

December 1, 2001
Well, I got the flu shot yesterday and so far so good. No pain and no signs of side effects. I think I may have my surgery rescheduled from the 12th to the 20th though. Dr. Baggs nurse called and asked if I would mind doing this as there is a patient in need of a speedy surgery. More time for the shot to take effect I guess :-) After reading some responses to my original question, I think I confused some of you guys. *I* asked my PCP if he would write me a RX for the shot. It was my idea and he agreed and now here I am :-) Thanks all!
   — crishsapig