Question:
do you have to quit smoking before surgery?
— Christy P. (posted on January 10, 2003)
January 10, 2003
Christy,
I do. I guess it is up to your surgeon. But I have read on this website
messages from a lot of people who had to quit. My surgery is not scheduled
yet, but my surgeon told me in no uncertain terms at my consult that if I
did not quit smoking he would not do the surgery. I have wanted to quit
for years, but have never made it. I started trying this week. I started
wearing patches this past Sunday night and I have done moderately good this
week. I have had about 2 cigarettes a day. Which is good compared to 1
pack a day. I have a really hard time right after work and before bed. I
am trying to kick those, but not to successful yet. In fact I said awhile
ago that I am not having my cigarette tonight, and I just finished it. But
I hope that I am well on my way. Have you had your 1st consult yet? If
so, did your surgeon mention it? Email me if you like. I'd be glad to
talk with you about it. Good luck!!!
— S W.
January 10, 2003
Christy,
I forgot to mention in my post that I also am trying to look at quitting
smoking from the aspect of "why would I put myself through this
surgery to be healthier if I am going to continue to sabatoge my health
with cigarettes?" Maybe that will help too!!
— S W.
January 10, 2003
I am an EX smoker. I smoked for 16 years. I quit because it was mandatory
that I be smoke free for 8 weeks prior to surgery. I am still working on
the tests before my paperwork is sent to the insurance. I would say that
WLS was/is a great motivator. I also enrolled in a smoking cessation class
and wore the patches for about 3 weeks. Good luck-It is hard but if you
have faith in yourself, you can do it.
— Jan S.
January 10, 2003
Besides all the health benefits from quitting smoking (I smoked for 25years
off and on, have been nicotine free for 5 years now)...having a smoker's
cough after surgery is not going to be pleasant. You will naturally cough
to get the anesthesia out of your lungs...and this HURTS. Coughing all the
time because you're withdrawing from cigarettes will be very difficult your
first 3-4 days post-op. I wouldn't take the chance of having compromised
lungs when having general anesthesia. Too many things can go wrong. Do
yourself a healthful favor and quit...you sure have a good reason to right
now. Good luck and hugs, Joy
— [Deactivated Member]
January 10, 2003
My surgeon requires you to quit prior to the surgery. He never said how
long in advance, tho. I smoked until I got insurance approval and luckily
quit cold turkey. I have read posts where they say you can be tested at
any given moment and they can tell if you have smoked. I do not want my
surgery postponed because of something I can control. I am almost 2 months
smokefree w/surgery fast approaching on Feb 4!! Good luck to you!
— roryleigh
January 11, 2003
Christy,
I just read in a magazine that smokers can take up to three times
longer to heal from surgery than a non-smoker. Smoking turns your
collagen(fibrous protein found in connective tissue) into something a kin
to broken rubber bands. If you are having an open procedure smoking could
cause major problems. I know a smoker who had surgery in April(not WLS)and
is still having trouble with her incision.
— Pamela B.
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