Smoking denial?

[AR40 88]

M still preop and waiting to hear an approval from insurance. Has anyone been denied for disclosing that they smoke? I was very honest w my doctor/psych/nutritionist about being a casual smoker(1x/week) but now I'm worried this could cause a denial...

[MN_Thin0211 17]

They will probably require that you stop smoking well before surgery date. Some surgeons do a nicotine test preop, and they won't do surgery if you fail....ymmv

[Momonanomo 534]

Yes you should go ahead and quit -- get your oxygen levels and lung function up to par. And it shouldn't be too too hard since you are only a casual smoker.

Number one risk with smoking and surgery is blood clots. And of course you want your lungs in the best possible shape for going under anesthesia. And during your healing time, cigarettes can interfere with circulation and keep you from healing properly. It's just too much of a risk to not give up the smoking if you're going to have surgery.

I was a half pack a day smoker up until about 4 months before my surgery. 9 months post op, and I have recently started up again a little.....I am being the 'casual' smoker you describe yourself as

But please, give yourself every possible chance of having a successful, complication free surgery and recovery. Go ahead and stop ASAP. This is in your power.

[TheWigster 70]

The program I am in requires that you quit smoking before surgery. I am not a smoker so I do not know how long you have to be off the smokes before surgery, but they said that if you are a smoker you will be denied. Sorry. I know that's not what you want to hear. Good luck.

[readyanxiousscared 57]

Hi! I am..correction..was a heavy smoker (1pk daily). I was very honest with my doctor about my smoking and he informed me that smoking after the surgery could very well kill me, therefore I needed to be nicotine free for 3mo before he could perform the surgery. This decision is based solely on your doctor and insurance plays no part in this decision. Because my insurance usually goes through quickly I wonder if my smoking is the only thing that pushes me back til June.

#18dayscigarettefree

[kellyann1 7]

My Dr. Required 6 weeks smoke free. Blood test to prove your nicotine free. Second Hand smoke can make your test come back positive.

[jdillon 355]

I quit smoking 6 months ago but I do have a vapor cig. I am down to 12mg of nicotine. I haven't been told about the smoking thing yet. Hmm.

[wwled 38]

I'm a smoker, and was not denied surgery because of it. I stopped smoking the day before surgery. I was given a nicotine patch in the hospital.