I have the sickness,,,,

I'm right there with you.    I never get sick since wls.    Right now, i am just miserable.    double ear infections, strep throat, fever, just feel like ****!    I hope it goes away soon. feel better Linda

Hi Kev.. When Ed was a really big guy with the tracheostomy, on oxygen 24/7, etc etc...he was sick with something all the time.  All the respiratory meds in the world did nothing to keep him well.  In and out of the hospital 2 or 3 times a year with pneumonias, infections, bronchitis.  It was always something with him.  Since his surgery in September 2004, I can count on one hand how many colds he's had.  When he -does- get one, it's very brief...just a couple of days of fairly mild symptoms.  This week, he ended up home from work for 2 days with that awful flu with the fever and body aches.  I had it for over a week just before that.  That was the first time -I- have been sick since my surgery in October 2006.  My illness lasted less than half the amount of time it usually does, and even though I wanted to be dead the first few days I was sick, it was still nothing compared to how sick I used to get. There are alot of factors that might explain why we WLS'ers don't get real sick anymore.  Supplements---we have to take our vitamins and protein religiously now so even though we may have issues with malabsorption, we are no longer malnourished.  We are eating healthier foods. I also think that since 80% of our body fat is gone, we have better oxygen circulation in our tissues and organs.  Our heart doesn't have to work so hard to get nutrients to our body and is more able to pump off excess fluid from our lungs.  We are also more active and exercise more.  Believe it or not, our brains and minds are healthier as well.  It all works together to make for a stronger immune system. Before my surgery, when the flu season came around I would always get this dreaded attitude/mindset..."here we go...gonna be sick and hacking my head off for the next 2 or 3 months.  I will just be getting well and come down with something else"  Not the case anymore. I hope you feel better soon, but enjoy your healthier self, I know *I* sure do.