A question for smokers....

[glitta114 6]

Is anyone still smoking or has anyone started smoking again?

[SweetSaso 92]

Yes, I smoke but i only smoke the hooka (shisha), which they say is worse for the body... But it hasn't affected my weight loss as far as i know. I only stopped smoking hooka (shisha) for a week post surgery then started again.

[glitta114 6]

I quit smoking cigarettes feb 18th but I've had a few since then maybe about 5....

[sharonintx 1,275]

Yes - I didn't quit before surgery and didn't quit after. This doesn't mean its ok though. I've had no problems because of it and recovery went well. If you can quit then by all means do so. If you are unable to quit or are like me and just refuse to please be aware of the possible complications that could arise during surgery and that smoking could cause slower healing and recovery.

Some surgeons actually do a nicotine test prior to surgery and will cancel if you fail the test. Be sure and check with yours to see if this is the case. I had surgery in Mexico and they didn't really care. They did the normal pre op testing (heart, lungs, blood work, etc)and I was cleared on all counts then the surgery was the next day.

[Newme48 104]

I quit on New Year's Day. My surgery was on feb 5th. My surgeon tested my urine twice and warned me he would not do my surgery if I did not quit. I did start back up about a week ago. Very disappointed in myself. I am going to quit again soon I hope. I know that smoking is terrible for wound healing and can cause ulcers. I hope to be smoke free by the end of the month.

[glitta114 6]

They haven't told me they are doing a nicotine test. And I've only smoked 5 since feb 18 so I'm guessing I will be ok. My surgery is april 24th I last smoked one last Wednesday because I've been so stressed.

[ToniRenae 17]

My surgeons office said smokers are at huge risk for leaks. HUGE risk. I quit smoking about 5 years ago (part of why my weight shot up) & I'm really glad I did. I still want a cigarette I just remember how hard it was to quit & I don't want to have to start over. For your safety, at least try to stop pre-op & a few weeks post-op.

[makemyownluck 785]

They haven't told me they are doing a nicotine test. And I've only smoked 5 since feb 18 so I'm guessing I will be ok. My surgery is april 24th I last smoked one last Wednesday because I've been so stressed.

Not all surgeons tell you they are going to do the nicotine test. Not saying yours WILL test you, but they don't always say they will.

I'm a former smoker, and pending surgery or not, I urge every smoker to quit. I wish you luck and lots of strength to conquer your addiction!

[yazzy 105]

I STOPPED JAN 2 2013.. MY SURGERY WAS 3/19/2013. I HAVE NOT RESTARTED .I AM SOO PROUD AND HOPEFULLY WONT EVER GO BACK..

[Roserie 302]

I urge you to quit. My surgeons office won't do the surgery if you smoke (they require you quit for a certain period of time prior to surgery). Though I think some surgeons don't tell you they are going to test you and will refuse to do it if it turns out you are smoking. I smoked for 10yrs and lost my grandmother to emphysema. My grandfather had the worst case of emphysema and COPD his drs had ever seen and that was a contributing factor to him passing away a few weeks ago. We all know how bad smoking is for us yet some of us just can't give it up. You wont quit unless you really want to (I've been begging my mom to quit for years). I will tell you you will feel ten times better once you do. You don't stink anymore (even if you THINK you don't smell like them, you do), your sense of smell is better, I stopped coughing stuff up every morning, I could actually breathe and with how expensive cigarettes have gotten think of how much you'll save. Every time you would normally buy a pack of smokes, put that money in a jar. At the end of 6mths treat yourself to a fancy dinner or a new outfit or something you really wanted but could never really afford. Good luck!

[glitta114 6]

I don't plan on smoking again. Like I said I only had about 5 cigarettes since feb 18. I don't crave it.

[OKSleever 144]

Nicotine can stay in your urine for weeks, and as a doctor I can say I never tell my patients I'm going to drug test them before I do it. I also don't necessarily wait for an appointment... I might just call you and say you have 48 hours to submit a sample if you want to continue on this treatment plan. And surgeons probably test not to be mean but because it improves their outcomes which lowers their malpractice insurance. I test for different reasons because I'm not a surgeon, but same principles apply.

[Roserie 302]

I don't plan on smoking again. Like I said I only had about 5 cigarettes since feb 18. I don't crave it.

Unless you can say you haven't had any, you are still smoking (even if it's once a month).

[Wolfgirl1978 256]

I quit May 12,2012 which was a month before my surgery. I'm still not smoking. I miss cigarettes more than I miss food

[KristieAtkinson 589]

I know that it is very hard to quit smoking, however I have a friend who developed an ulcer so bad from smoking after WLS that her stomach literally exploded. My recommendation is do not start back. Ever.