TH8463 12.22
Surviving Colds Flu and Allergies after Bariatric Surgery
Take these medications when needed:
• Tylenol
®
650-1000mg every 4 to 6 hours as needed for body aches and fever
• Sudafed
®
30 mg – 1 tablet every 4 to 6 hours as needed for congestion
• Sudafed PE Quick Dissolve Strips
®
– 1 strip every 4 to 6 hours as needed for congestion
• Tylenol Cold Multi-Symptom E-Z Tabs
®
o Available in regular or extra strength
o Day and night formulations; combo pack available
• Any sugar-free cough medicine, such as Robitussin
®
• Any sugar-free cough drops or lozenges
• Cepacol
®
spray or lozenges for sore throat
• Mucinex Mini-Melts
®
for chest congestion
• Tamiflu
®
for flu treatment
o Available in liquid or capsules
• Imodium
®
as needed for diarrhea
• Claritin
®
or Zyrtec
®
for allergy symptoms
Antibiotics:
Share this list with your family doctor if they feel an antibiotic is needed. Bariatric surgery patients are not
limited to these antibiotics.
• Amoxil
®
– chewable tablets and liquid available
• Omnicef
®
– liquid available
• Augmentin
®
– liquid and chewable tablets available
• Biaxin
®
– liquid available
Extended-release antibiotics may be used but may not be fully absorbed after gastric bypass or duodenal
switch. Therefore, it is important to monitor your symptoms.
• Z-Pack
®
– liquid available
• Levaquin
®
– liquid available
• Avelox
®
Nutrition Tips During Illness:
• Avoid dairy products with post-nasal drip as they may thicken secretions
• Maintain hydration, especially with clear liquids
• Sip on peppermint, ginger or chamomile teas
• Maintain protein intake
• Maintain diet as tolerated
