lizv123

Depending on the frequency you smoked before you quit you may or may not still have residual levels of nicotine in your system For instance, if you were a 3 pack a day smoker, it's most likely still in there. But just a trace amount. Tell your surgeon the frequency you smoked before you quit and that you haven't touched nicotine since whatever date you stopped (he'll appreciate the date, at least mine did) and I'm sure he'll discuss it with you. If you were a social smoker or even a pack a day, have exercised, and drank plenty of Water, your system may be clean:)

I could never leave this forum! I have too much advice to give and receive. I just know the territory that comes with a bunch of different souls from all walks of life and have learned to ignore the nonsense But it will always amaze me how butthurt some people get when they read an opinion they don't agree with or ask things they really don't want honest answers to. Forums aren't designed for constant coddling.

It's like this on every forum EVER. I've removed myself from some previously moderated sites and hotlines. Welcome to the Internet.

.....aaaaaanyway, back to the OP. stopping ASAP is in your best interest as nicotine lasts in the system up to three months. Trust me, quitting smoking is the easiest part of the sleeve process you can do it!

Again, I question the motives of surgeons that don't emphasize optimal health before they cut you open. Whether it be smoking, pre op diets, etc.

The biggest risks with water are not getting enough and drinking too fast so it comes right back up. It won't stretch your sleeve, just sip sip sip!

Just listen to your surgeon and those of us with extensive experience. When it comes down to it, on that table your life is in his hands and he knows best

One a days don't get absorbed well in a sleeve. They don't break down fast enough to be absorbed that's why we're recommended to take chewables or Bariatric specific capsules. As well as additional B12, Iron, and calcium supplements.

And as Don and Jessica Los said, most surgeons will refuse surgery, and if they don't there's a high chance th anesthesiologist will! I'd question the practice of doctors that aren't concerned about it. If you smoke after surgery your healing takes longer, some smokers develop leaks, and get heartburn so bad it can do esophageal damage. OP, you're about to remove a large part of an internal organ to better your health. If you wanna be healthy, might as well go all the way right? Plus it saves money by not smoking I can afford the higher quality healthy foods and they're SO worth the taste

If one is an adult planning on "doing as they please" they need not ask questions they don't want the answers to, hmm? The OP asked a question and got logical answers from those with experience. If you're tired of smoking lectures, it's easier to ignore them than deter the conversation.

Nicotine stays in the system up to 3 months. I had a friend who works in a med lab that told me that. Most surgeons will do a pre op nicotine blood test and if it's positive, no surgery. Big risk with anesthesia and a red flag as far as self discipline goes. You can do it. I stopped no problem. And the risk of smoking after surgery is ulcers. There's not much to do with a 4oz stomach thy has a bleeding septic hole in it :/

Age is a huge factor! Although I'm 26, I know I have a lot of elasticity left, but I've ha stretch marks a been over weight since I was 11-12 so I know some is stretched.

I understand the urge to cheat. We all go through it. But it takes will power to stick to your pre op. And even more will power post up. Cheating then just leads to regain. Also, the pre op diets are designed for your benefit. To prep your liver for surgery and your brain for the type of eating you're committing to for the rest of your life. Btw, if your liver is too fatty during a laparoscopic procedure they'll do a couple things 1. Stop the surgery entirely and your insurance and/or surgeon will refuse a second attempt due to lack of compliance. 2. They go through with the surgery and ditch the laparoscopic approach an give you a nice slice all the way through your abdomen with a huge scar.

Hide the scale! Weighing daily weighs too much on your mind. Trust me, it's not a friend when you're trying to lose, it's a tool.

Your body will take 2 years after a maintained/stable weight to draw up what excess skin you may have. Most surgeons recommend waiting to do plastics. Everyone has some degree of floppy skin but some people take care of it by excessive toning and it works. However, if you think there's ANY chance you would get plastics post op, DOCUMENT EVERYTHING! I know as big ladies and gentlemen we all know the joys of chub run and the easy ways to take care of it at home. But see your PCP every time it happens. If you don't have an extensive record of medically documented issues cause from your skin insurance won't even think of covering plastics. They'll deem it medically unnecessary. See your doctor, dermatologist, and keep your own records with dates and pictures. It's a little tedious, but I'd rather have a file on my computer of records and blubber pics than fork out the thousands out of pocket to get rid of my bat wings and belly apron And even with excess skin, you can still look fabulous in clothes. Just not so much naked. And so much of it has to with genes, age, exercise, how long you've been overweight, and how much your skin has had to stretch throughout your life. Flab happens, but I'll take it as long as I'm healthier. And who knows, maybe one day I'll glide in the wind like a flying squirrel