Smokers? X-Smokers? or those trying to QUIT....

[Renee1003 2]

Just curious - but what's the protocall with smoking and the lap-band surgery?

I know I have to quit smoking but my doc didn't make me sign a letter or anything stating that I would. How would they even know?

Don't get me wrong - i know it's a filthy dirty horrible habit and i WANT TO quit ....even chose a quit date of 11/15 (2 months prior to surgery)

What's everyone doing to quit? or what have you done???:sneaky:

[Sabrina0916 0]

Hi Renee,

I don't think your physician will require you to sign anything. I think he will document in your chart that he encouraged you to quit as smoking puts you at increase risk for post operative complications. I understand your struggles being an ex-smoker myself. Prior to your surgery you will likely need a chest x-ray and if anything comes up it may post-pone your surgery. I hate to be the bearer of bad news I just want you to succeed in your journey and wanted to give you some info.

[CheckYes 46]

I did hypnosis. I smoked for 20 years - half a pack a day. It's been 18 months and I never even craved a cigarette. Quit cold turkey with hypnotherapy - no gum or Patches. It was awesome!

[Fluffy_Gurl 3]

my doc required I be smoke free for two months prior to surgery. I quit cold turkey the day I walked out of the office on my first surgical consult. It was really hard but well worth it. I couldnt have quit any other way. Good Luck!

[possiblebandster 0]

I quit smoking in August of 2009 using Chantix. I never thought I could quit after 15 years but I was smoking over 1 pack per day and that was too much for me and I knew I needed to quit. I haven't cheated once. That drug really works.

My doctor's office requires patients to quit 1 month prior to surgery. A short time (maybe 2-3 days) before the surgery date, blood work is done for many reasons. If they find nicotine in your bloodstream, they will cancel the surgery. My doctor's office worries about clotting during/after surgery which is compromised in smokers.

[honk 780]

I second a previous poster there IS a test they can be run to check for smoking. Given the hard time my brother has had quitting smoking I would take all the help you can get. Not trying to be sarcastic at all. Why wash your clothes by hand it there is a washing machine? If you can take medication to quit take it!

[andrea0121 28]

I use electronic cigarettes (my boyfriend and I have been analog cigarette free since January) and I plan on buying the juice (you use a vegetable glycerin with baking flavors for the electronic cigarette) with zero nicotine in it. I just like the flavor of it. Like right now, I'm vaping banana Cream...it tastes just like the banana Runts. YUMMMM.

[rockstar 0]

I quit Feb. 2, 2010 with Chantix. I smoked 10 years, 2 packs a day and quit that very day. The first week was a little tough but I WANTED a cigarette, not NEEDED one. That was the biggest problem but I over came it and fully believe that anyone can do it if they really want to.

And my surgeon told me that 99% of the patients he's encountered with eroded bands have continued to smoke after surgery after they were told the risks. He also checks all his bypass patients the morning of surgery for nicotine and will refuse to do it if you've smoked.

But that's just him. I wish you the best of luck. Quitting smoking was THE best thing I've done so far for myself. I love being smoke free. :sneaky:

[dwright 0]

After smoking for 33yrs I quit using Chantix. It is an AMAZING drug. I swear to you that you will not have withdrawal symptoms. I continued to smoke for 2 weeks after starting Chantix and found that I didn't even think about stepping outside to smoke for hours on end. When my husband tried to get me to step outside for a smoke in less than 2 hrs since my last one, they tasted terrible. You will soon realize that they are not doing anything for you when you take the Chantix. Then if you even think about cheating (just for the heck of it and not because you have cravings), you'll know that the 1st cigarette after quiting always tastes TERRIBLE, so what would be the point. Sometimes insurance pays. Sometimes you can't take with other drugs because you'll feel queezy. But it is a miracle drug!

[GipsyGirl 6]

I shamefully admit that I have the same problem. I vowed that I will quit smoking the day I was approved for the surgery. it has been 4 weeks post op and I still can't quit.

I have been begging my doctor to prescribe me Wilbutrin or Chantix or something... he keeps telling me he will do it later when I will recover from the surgery.

[Fluffy_Gurl 3]

I just wanted to update, I quit smoking on august 21st. I am a non smoker. I did slip on saturday and I am glad that i did. I was out with friends and had a few cocktails and wanted to smoke. i had one drag and thought i was going to vomit. I no longer have the "urge" to smoke. i still want to smoke because of the behavior but i dont want a cigarette if that makes any sense. I dream about smoking blah blah blah but i no onger wake and want to smoke, i no longer think about it every minute of every day. I have more trust in myself about the band journey now, cuz if i can quit smoking i can do this! no problem!