Question:
anyone notice they have more colds or flu post op?

I am seven months post op and thrilled with my weight loss but I seem to be sick a lot lately. I currently have strep-throat, three weeks ago I had pink eye. I have never been sick like this. I wanted to know if anyone else noticed this after surgery, is it just that my immune system still has to rebuild? Help, I just got a new job and I can't keep getting sick!!    — karen Z. (posted on February 19, 2002)

February 19, 2002
I haven't had the surgery yet so I can't speak from personal experience but I'm wondering if perhaps you aren't suffering from the same thing my kids suffered from when they returned to school. They suddenly were among more people and exposed to more illnesses. Is it possible that now you have had the surgery you are more active and going places more where you are exposed to people? If so, your immunity should build up over a relatively short period of time.
   — cathleent

February 19, 2002
Hi Karen, I am 4mos. post-op and I too get sick more than before. I was always the take care of everyone else person.I got sick (COLDS) maybe once a year,now since surgery it seems I'm always catching colds. I had a bad cold 2 weeks ago and just got over that one and got sick again this time worse than before. I take vitamins as prescribed so thats not the problem. I think it has to do with not absorbing all the goodies like we used to.
   — Connie Z.

February 19, 2002
No! 2 colds (no flu or anything "caught) since 1994. Those of us who follow this regimen THINK it's because we are so well covered nutritionally that our immune systems are stronger than before. Who knows?
   — vitalady

February 19, 2002
I am the opposite. At 7 1/2 mos post, I've noticed that I don't get colds like I used to. I used to always be sniffling or something. If I do feel a cold coming on, it is usually gone after I take my vitamins (including vit C which must really work). I think you should have your levels checked and get a copy of the results. Good luck and God Bless!
   — Kimberly L.

February 19, 2002
I got my annual flu shot one month before my surgery (3-1/2 months post op) and, knock on wood, I haven't been sick one single time since my surgery, not even a headache. I'm glad about it too.
   — blank first name B.

February 19, 2002
Almost 2 yrs post op and only 1 cold!!! I get a flu shot every year. I never touch my hands to my face or eyes.That is a sure fire way to get the germs into your body.I really think all the vitamins have boosted my immune system.
   — Rose A.

February 19, 2002
I used to have some illness ALL the time....now, eight months post-op, I just had my first one since surgery...a stomach virus that went through all six members of my family in four days time....I don't think I could have "dodged" it!!
   — Cathy J.

February 19, 2002
I have to say I have been a lot less sick! I think it must be the vitamins:) Sorry you are struggling!
   — M B.

February 19, 2002
I am only four months out, but I have found the opposite to be true. There are three children in my household. I used to catch everything they did. Since my surgery, there have been five rounds of colds, flus and stomach viruses. I did not catch any of it!
   — Julie S.

February 20, 2002
Nope - I've not had a cold or flu since surgery almost 2 years ago. I do get a flu shot each year. I always wash my hands with antibacterial soap anytime I come home from shopping, handling money, shaking hands at church, etc. I even carry a small bottle of antibacterial hand solution in my car and rub it on my steering wheel. Do you take your vitamins? Best wishes.
   — Cindy H.

February 20, 2002
I just wanted to post to say YES!!! I have caught every bug that has come around since my surgery 13 weeks ago. It is incredubly annoying. I have had a cold twice and the flu three times. I was blaming it on our warm winter up here. I take all my vitamins and get in my protien and (usually) my water. I was hoping it would all go away come spring, but based on your experience, I guess that may not be the case. I don't have any good answers, just wanted you to know that you are not the only one. Good luck!
   — Denise M.

February 23, 2002
I'm like you... get sick a lot post-op..mainly just headcolds. I did get a flu shot as well. My surgeon says that our immune system is compromised for the first 6 months to a year and to stay out of situations that can have a lot of germs, like nursery at church. I am getting in more than my suggested protein and taking my vitamins daily. Hang in there..sounds like this too will pass with time, at least, that's what I'm hoping!
   — mama2matthew

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