My throat is killing me. I'm a teacher. After many years of immunity I guess with the lower calories/weight loss my immune system is down (although I do take my vitamins) and I caught something.

So I'm wondering if (I'm 2 and a half months out) you had any differences in symptoms, duration etc. of colds flu, whatever since being sleeved. I will keep hydrated.

Thanks so much!

I also teach. Had a cold while on my pre op diet in April and then at the beginning of the school year in August, 2 months post op. All colds are different, so I couldn't say that one was heavier or lasted longer than the other.

However, I've had a neti pot for several years and love it. It makes me feel better than any decongestant on the market. I also use Coldeeze instead of Airbourne. Clinical studies have shown that taking Coldeeze at the first onset of cold symptoms can reduce the length and severity of the cold.

When I had my pre op cold, I realized one of my food triggers was feeling sorry for myself- I went to the drugstore for cough syrup and cough drops, came out with candy and snacky foods. Now I keep a "sick pack" in the cupboard so I don't have to go to the store when sick. It has many varieties of cough drops and several packages of egg drop Soup flavoring packets. I replenish supplies when I feel better.

Thank you so much for your response. Good ideas!

It's turning from a sore throat into a congestion thing. Since it's so new I got a little freaked about doing this or that with my new stomach. (Like maybe some products would be harder on us).

Luckily I have this long holiday weekend to recover.

I hear you about wanting to go to comfort foods. Although I can't really eat anything on that list (mac and cheese, etc)- which is fine. I have had a lot of soup and watered down some OJ which I don't usually have of course because of the sugar content.

I have my 3 month check up on Monday so I'll see my blood work results and know if there's anything lacking in my diet to help me for the future.

How long did your cold take to go away? I am having my first cold post surgery and I never get sick. Im staying hydrated and taking cold medicine. I hope it goes away fast. I feel terrible.

It wasn't that bad-- I think it was a few days and felt like a "normal" cold.