
Cold Before Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery, like any other surgery, requires the patient to be in the best possible health. A severe cough delays surgery because general anesthesia can irritate the airway and make the cough even worse.
If the patient is experiencing fever, the bariatric surgery will be rescheduled.
- Generally, surgeons delay the patient’s bariatric surgery on account of a chest cold. The reason behind this delay is that the surgeon wants the patient’s lungs to be clear at the time of surgery.
- If the patient has a common cold before bariatric surgery, they are advised to drink lots of water and take adequate rest. Doctors recommend immunity boosters like Vitamin C.
- Vitamin C reduces the symptoms of common cold.[1]Emanuele Lo Menzo, Alessandro Cappellani, Antonio Zanghi et al. “Nutritional Implications of Obesity: Before and After Bariatric Surgery” Bariatric Surgical Practice and Patient Care 2014; 9(1): 9-17
View in Article - Doctors take X-rays to ensure there is no fluid in the lungs. Treatments like nebulization are available to help clear the fluid build up.
Here are some pre-op liquid diet ideas that can help you consume lots of liquids for a quicker recovery!
Question- Can I Undergo Bariatric Surgery if I Have a Cold?
Answer:
- You should be able to take a general cough or common cold medicine that you prefer. However, it is essential that you double check the same with your case manager and bariatric surgeon.
- Please do not let the problem linger.
- Drink lots of liquids, including tea with a little honey.
- Get some rest to allow your body to get better.
References
- Emanuele Lo Menzo, Alessandro Cappellani, Antonio Zanghi et al. “Nutritional Implications of Obesity: Before and After Bariatric Surgery” Bariatric Surgical Practice and Patient Care 2014; 9(1): 9-17
This Post Addresses
- Cold symptoms before surgery
- Colds and surgery
- Can you have surgery with a cold?
- Reasons to cancel surgery
- Common cold before surgery