I was banded on 7/30/07 and I smoked until 7/28/07. As far as I know, they didn't do a nicotine test, but the anestesiologist?? asked me if I had been smoking, so I'm not sure why it's so important either, but my Dr. made it pretty clear he didn't want me smoking. I have continued to not smoke but it can still be a struggle. Good luck to you!