Smoking with Lap Band

AudreyZ · September 17, 2004

Hi, folks. I was talking to a friend about the Lap Band the other day. She wanted to know if you had to quit smoking, before you get one. I told her I had no idea, that I would ask you all when I had the chance (she doesn't have internet access right now, or she would have joined here and asked herself).

I looked around the site and I haven't seen any topics about it, if it's been discussed previously, I apologize. Thanks!

AudreyZ

La_madam · September 17, 2004

I did not quit before surgery but however for 3 weeks after surgery I had no desire while I was on the liquid stage and had all the gas and swelling.

leatha_g · September 18, 2004

I quit smoking 8 months before I got my band. I have heard of some docs who say they won't band a person who is still smoking. I've also heard of docs that at least require them to stop smoking for some period before the surgery due to healing issues. Smokers simply don't heal as quickly as non-smokers. There is also a larger risk of complications with anesthesia and post op breathing problems, which is another reason they require someone to at least stop before surgery.

Being an ex-smoker, I understand the addiction, so I'm sure not going to knock anyone for doing it. I even miss it sometimes, but once you've had blood clots in your legs and lungs, there not any good way to rationalize it any longer. :mad: lol.

I would think it would be easier to tackle long before or after banding as trying to break TWO addictions at once is pretty nerve-wracking. The only thing I could think was that if I truly wanted to improve my health. I had to start with the most obvious: my smoking and my weight.

To answer your question. Except for surgery risks and long term risks of smoking - there is no reason a person who smokes could not have a band and I know of quite a few who do.

Iluvharleys · September 18, 2004

I watched a medical show the other night that said exactly what you said Leatha. Some Doctors won't operate unless you have not smoked for a month.

Betty

GeezerSue · September 18, 2004

Yeah and...once she loses the weight she'll want plastic surgery and THOSE guys are sticklers about it, because smoking REALLY compromises not only the surgery, but the healing process.