Smoking

[reno1128 34]

I am having surgery on August 14th and having a hard time qutting smoking. I started Chantix and have cut down to 3 to 4 cigs a day. Any encouragment would be appreciated. I would love to hear from people that may have been in the same boat. thanks!!!

[Happy2beme 4]

I quit almost two years ago using Chantix and since then I never really wanted to start again. I tried quitting so many times before I used Chantix andeach time I failed. To me it was step one of three to a healthier me. Stick with it Chantix workes if you want it to work......you can do it...remember the greater good!!! My surgery is going to be on Aug 23. YOU CAN DO THIS!!!!!

[Momonanomo 534]

Good for you!!!! You've made a huge step in the right direction. I quit smoking in January, after 25 years of smoking. My surgery was in May. I did it because I wanted to give myself every possible chance of having a good surgery & recovery. I knew having this drastic surgery meant committing to a healthy new life. I used the gum & then the lozenges, & eventually switched the lozenges for sugarfree mini altoids. I feel so in control of myself and not a slave to cigarettes. If i can do it you can too. Keep your eye on the prize! Best of luck!

[belladona 153]

I had to quit before they operated on me. They test your blood and you have to be c02 free for the past 30 days or they move your date a few months back. I used logics vapor cig the smoke is most realistic and it got me through a tough time hope it helps good luck to you.

[reno1128 34]

Thank you soooo much I needed that!!! Im determined to kick this nasty killer habit.

[Jenni77 60]

Hi I too am trying to stop smoking as a healthy lifestyle change. I don't have a surgery date yet, but I want to prove to myself I can put them down. It will make for an easier surgery and recovery plus if I gain the quitting weight that most people do, i would rather it be gained now rather than in the future. I am using the patch. Today is my first day. I have smoked one cigarette since putting on the patch this morning. I have been smoking about a pack a day for about 20 years. I tried Chantix before but could not handle the awful taste in my mouth that the medicine caused. I wish you lots of luck!

[kari61 128]

I also quit 2 months before surgery (under Dr's orders) and I also used the Logic e-cig..Problem is, that was in January and I still can't give that up! LOL...but atleast it's better then smoking cigarettes I guess..good luck to you, I know how hard it is, but you really will heal better after surgery if your not smoking...

[lizv123 389]

So glad to see a smoking thread that hasn't erupted with drama!!

I smoked before surgery and stopped roughly 2-3 months before hand because that's how long nicotine stays in your system. (Lab tech told me this.). Now with that being said, I've randomly picked it up again. Yes I know the risks. Yes I am trying to quit. I smoke about 1 cigarette every 1-2 days because its the only thing, aside from an enema, that will guarantee a trip to the bathroom. I'm one of those super rare cases that has #2 issues after surgery. Fun stuff

But if you're down so much already it will only get better! Hang in there! I found that anytime I wanted one pre-op I'd chug a bunch of Water or eat ice chips. Helped with the oral fixation and ya know, it's good for you good luck! You can do it!

[DonRodolfo 1,416]

So glad to see a smoking thread that hasn't erupted with drama!!

The thread is only one page long - give it a day or two.

[reno1128 34]

So do you think it will be an issue if I have only stopped smoking for 2 1/2 weeks before surgery?

[lizv123 389]

So do you think it will be an issue if I have only stopped smoking for 2 1/2 weeks before surgery?

It depends on heavily you smoked up to that date.

[Isa Arnett 0]

What is the difference in E,cigs and Vapors ? Can u use them thru pre and post op ? Just asking

[lizv123 389]

What is the difference in E' date='cigs and Vapors ? Can u use them thru pre and post op ? Just asking[/quote']

They both contain nicotine. It's not the actual smoke that's a medical concern for surgery, but the nicotine itself.

[kari61 128]

My surgeon said it was ok for me to smoke the ecigs but not cigarettes, so I assume it is the smoking and not the nicotine..The tobacco and tar and other chemicals in cigarettes are what give you the breathing problems, not the nicotine itself...Even though I had quit 2 months before surgery I still had breathing problems after surgery and ended up in ICU..I'm sure that had a lot to do with my 30 plus years of smoking before hand...Reno, it will all depend on whether or not your surgeon tests you the morning of the surgery...

[lizv123 389]

My surgeon said it was ok for me to smoke the ecigs but not cigarettes' date=' so I assume it is the smoking and not the nicotine..The tobacco and tar and other chemicals in cigarettes are what give you the breathing problems, not the nicotine itself...Even though I had quit 2 months before surgery I still had breathing problems after surgery and ended up in ICU..I'm sure that had a lot to do with my 30 plus years of smoking before hand...Reno, it will all depend on whether or not your surgeon tests you the morning of the surgery...[/quote']

As far as any surgery goes, the level of nicotine in the blood is a cardiovascular concern. Higher risk of crashing on the table, etc. But I've seen other people on here that get away with ecigs. Once they told me the heart was a concern instead of the lungs, I obeyed the nonsmoking orders lol