Smoking And Lapband?

[Bos123 221]

Anyone out there a smoker/ ex that is thinking of

Gettin the lb or already has? Will smoke rule one out for approval?

[FLORIDAYS 3,040]

Anyone out there a smoker/ ex that is thinking of

Gettin the lb or already has? Will smoke rule one out for approval?

• I smoke 1/2 pack per day...give or take
  
• I have been banded for 22 months
  
• I have lost 210 lbs.. I am 7 from goal
  
• My insurance didnt pay for my band... and my Dr while suggesting strongly that I quit said I had no other health problems so still banded me.
  
• I plan on quitting in the future
  

That said... smoking is a poor health choice. Your Dr may not be as forgiving as mine was and not agree to do the surgery. The smoking can effect healing and increase surgery risks. I was fortunate that I had no adverse effects.

[Sojourner 2,446]

Anyone out there a smoker/ ex that is thinking of

Gettin the lb or already has? Will smoke rule one out for approval?

Many surgeons require you to be "smoke free" for 4-6 pre op and 4-6 weeks. There are valid medical reasons for this, as smoking does interfere with the healing process.

Many people do "cheat" and don't adhere to that policy. I know that my surgeon runs the nicotine metabolite specific test during your pre op labs, and if that test is positive, no surgery.

Remember, when you don't follow your surgeon's instructions, you harm only yourself...and if you can stop smoking for that length of time, why not get serious about your health and quit tobacco for good.

[Jean McMillan 2,973]

Aside from general health concerns and the challenges of safely administering general anesthesia to and maintaining respiration in a smoker, smoking can interfere with healing after surgery. That's why lots of surgeons want their patients to be smoke-free in advance of surgery. I don't know of any reason (aside from general health concerns, see above) why you couldn't smoke after you'd healed after band surgery, though.

[Bos123 221]

Thanks guys... Smoking along with my weight are my demons! I quit smoking and put on weight. Thought maybe if I had the lb and lost some weight it would give me the confidence I need to quit smoking;/

[FLORIDAYS 3,040]

. Thought maybe if I had the lb and lost some weight it would give me the confidence I need to quit smoking;/

Well so far I haven't quit but I am not ready yet. I plan on being to goal soon so then will tackle the smoking, but I must caution you... Get the band because you want to lose weight...not because you think if you lose weight you will quit smoking.

Best of luck!

[CaGottaBand 498]

I haven't been banded yet, but I did quit smoking just about 5 weeks ago. I tried everything over the past 15 years to quit and nothing lasted more than a few weeks. This time I tried the Blu electronic cigarette and it worked for me! It's been 39 days since I had a real cigarette and 14 days since I used the electronic one.

Oh and they sell the Blu cigarette at Walgreens in a starter pack for $50.

Just a suggestion

[Cupkeezy 28]

I haven't been banded yet' date=' but I did quit smoking just about 5 weeks ago. I tried everything over the past 15 years to quit and nothing lasted more than a few weeks. This time I tried the Blu electronic cigarette and it worked for me! It's been 39 days since I had a real cigarette and 14 days since I used the electronic one.

Oh and they sell the Blu cigarette at Walgreens in a starter pack for 50.

Just a suggestion [/quote']

I just bought one of these and haven't smoked for 4 weeks. I am 2 weeks post-op and want to try my Blu cigarette for the first time instead of going back to regular cigs. I wonder if I can try my Blu now or if I should wait a bit longer

[Bos123 221]

I was just curious if anyone knew if one could be refused the procedure because they were a smoker? I think just about everyone (smokers) wants to quit smoking, just like loosing weight. It's just a tough yo yo battle:( ill have to try the electronic cigarette:)

[FLORIDAYS 3,040]

I was just curious if anyone knew if one could be refused the procedure because they were a smoker? I think just about everyone (smokers) wants to quit smoking, just like loosing weight. It's just a tough yo yo battle:( ill have to try the electronic cigarette:)

Yes many drs won't do elective surgery on a smoker. Check what your dr's policy is.