Did anyone smoke after surgery?

[joyinthesouth 1]

My dr knew I smoke and never said anything to me about quitting but I have read some bad things about it

[makemyownluck 785]

It's bad for your incisions, it makes it more difficult for your body to heal. On top of all the other bad things it does, I'd quit completely.

I know it's hard. I'm a reformed smoker myself - smoke free for 4 years and couldn't be happier about it!

[dgoerlitz 96]

Plus...you'll feel a lot better when you exercise if you quit. I too am a reformed smoker - 16 years and counting. I could never exercise if I still smoked...I would feel too out of breath!

[doreyrae 20]

Yes I smoke and I am 7 weeks out. Dr said not to smoke the first 21 days. Yes I am aware of the consequences. Its personal choice.

[Rycherchick 147]

Hopefully your personal choice doesnt affect others and pollute thier air like smoking close to establishments. I scream at smokers who smoke near a place Im trying to enter if it gets on me. Sorry but Im gonna live a lot longer than people who smoke. Thats the plan anyway.

[janazee 13]

Yes I smoke and I am 7 weeks out. Dr said not to smoke the first 21 days. Yes I am aware of the consequences. Its personal choice.

I'm a smoker too and want to know more about it. Doctor wants me to stop at least 2 weeks pre-op, it's hard but I'm going to at least give it a try. I don't understand why they will not perform surgery on smokers. They do it all the time on people who have to have some kind of surgery in hospitals.

Did you have any complications due to smoking? We're you still smoking before and after surgery? Thanks!

[Rycherchick 147]

Maybe because you are electing to have a surgery to help you get healthy and make healthy choices and then you will continue to do some thing thats not only unhealthy but will kill you eventually. My doc wont even do the surgery on a morbidly obese person who smokes, they have to be smoke free 6 mos. He says he cringes when he sees a obese person who smokes, its like 2 nails in thier coffin. Also it impedes the healing process. In 2013 there is no reason for anyone to still smoke with all the pills and Patches and alternatives there are. I understand its an addiction I gave up painkillers almost 8 yrs ago so it can be done.

[Rycherchick 147]

Also they will do nicotine tests before surgery.

[******** 397]

I dont and never have smoked but my dr says you have to quit for 3 months before he does the surgery. ..the only one he will do on a smoker is lapband.

[sharonintx 1,275]

My answer to this question is yes. I didn't quit and wasn't asked to.. Please note that I am simply answering the question. I am not a smoking advocate nor do I encourage anyone to break rules set out by a physician. I had no complications from smoking before and after surgery and I healed just fine. Everyone may not have the same experience as me, but then again they might.

Again - I am answering this question. I do not require a lecture or any advice.

[janazee 13]

Thanks Shaonintx for answering my question. I agree, no need for lecturing, just answers. I'm certain I can cut down a lot, but don't know if I'm ready (honestly) to stop all together. At the end, my choice. Thanks again.

[janazee 13]

Yes I smoke and I am 7 weeks out. Dr said not to smoke the first 21 days. Yes I am aware of the consequences. Its personal choice.

I agree, it's definitely ones choice. Thanks!

[Heyher 581]

Also they will do nicotine tests before surgery.

Not true. Your doc may have, but mine did not. I came out just fine and I have lost over 50lbs in less then 3 months. So while smoking isn't the best thing, I imagine its better then coming home and shooting up heroin.

And please don't get holier then thou about smoking. My doc new I was using the patch to try and quit.

Also if you were to scream at me because I was smoking in a permitted area and my smoke blew within a foot of you I would get right back in your face. Would you like it if when you were overweight and someone screamed at you because your stomach almost touched them?

I don't condone smoking. All smokers know its bad. It's dangerous. But how would bashing and belittling someone ever help them stop?

[lizv123 389]

A big deal for some that don't quit Pre op is an increase in smoking post op. Oral fixation replaces food.

The nicotine hinders healing, the smoke itself can cause ulcers and since we have such a small tummy now, repairing an ulcer is VERY difficult.

Most doctors won't operate on a smoker for the risks it causes during surgery. And this is an elective surgery, not an emergency surgery like they do in hospitals the majority of the time.

[JessicaDiane1021 147]

Personal choice. I stopped for two weeks and smoke still. Quitting is up to you. And don't let other people's opinions influence you. Do what you want no one else.