Bariatric Health and Wellness offers suggestions to the following intercurrent illnesses.In some instances, referral to your family physician or a specialist may be appropriate.Be sure to inform your physician if any of these problems become persistent.
Cold:Rest and increase fluid intake.Notify your physician if fever persists.
Congestion: use nasal spray or drops, oral decongestants with antihistamine.
Cough:use sugar free cough medication such as Dimacol or Polytuss D-M vaporizer.
Headache or Other Mild Pain:
Headache may occur during the first 2-3 days of a supplement fast.
Tylenol or Datril – every 6 hours
Ibuprofen, Motrin or Tolectin for arthritis – the physician’s permission
Constipation:
Some patients experience a small bowel movement every day while others may have a movement every 4-5 days. Constipation is present only if stools are hard and cause discomfort.Drink 96 oz. of fluid each day.
Metamucil (instant mix or sugar free only)
Glycerin suppository or Dulcolax suppository
Stool softeners – colace or surfak
Phillips Milk of Magnesia
Do not take a strong laxative or enema without your physician’s permission.
Indigestion (Heartburn):
Maalox, Mylanta, Riopan or Rolaids may be used.
Tums and Titralac can be constipating.
Alka-Seltzer tablets (the no aspirin formula only) may be taken occasionally.
Hemorrhoids:
Sitz bath, Preparation H, Tucks pads, Cortaid cream
Lightheadedness (usually due to high blood pressure):
Increased sodium intake is helpful – especially during hot weather.
Wylers Bouillon – 2 times daily.
Sodium Chloride tablet – 2 times daily.
Sodium Bicarbonate (Arm & Hammer) – 1 teaspoon daily.
Vomiting:
Usually viral in nature, rarely due to allergy or minerals in supplement
Emetrol, Pepto-Bismol, rest, clear liquids only, Diet Coca-Cola (caffeine free)
Tigan or Compazine may be prescribed.
Notify or physician if symptoms persist beyond 24 hours.
Diarrhea:
Usually viral in nature, rarely due to allergy or minerals in supplement.
Possible lactose deficiency, lactose content of one packet of supplement never exceeds that
found in 6 oz. of milk.
Immodium AD, Kaopectate, rest, clear liquids only.
Lomotil or Pareforic may be prescribed.
Notify your physician if symptoms persist beyond 24 hours.
DO NOT TAKE: Diuretics or amphetamines in any form
Non-coated aspirin
General anesthetics (local anesthesia is permitted)
