Is it mandatory to quit smoking?

[Susan909 52]

My ins does a blood test to see if there's nicotine in your system.... If there is the surgery is cancelled!

[GreenEyes604 753]

My surgeon is on staff at the Maryland Bariatric Center of Excellence and she has made it crystal clear (thank goodness I don't smoke) that any patient of her's that is scheduled for surgery will have both urine and blood tests done the week before their surgery. If any nicotine is detected, your surgery will be cancelled, no if, and, or buts about it.

I can't imagine what its like to have to stop smoking right in the midst of all this craziness.

[kymmiej11 55]

So I just had my doc apt with my surgeon to sign consent for the surgery. I asked him if having nicotine in my system (or the help of quitting smoking aides) was he going to cancel my surgery, he said I only have to be nicotine free two days before.. I can sleep easy now thank you all!

[WL WARRIOR 690]

Only two days before surgery? There is a three month requirement at my clinic. I quit 8 months before surgery before all that crazy and stressful pre op stuff was going on. You are suppose to quit smoking for life if you have bariatric surgery. It just makes sense to quit smoking if you are also committing to this whole new healthy way of living. If I am going to committee to be more active, it just makes sense to also give up smoking. I can't run a mile and then smoke when I'm done. At least not since I've hit my upper 30's. I would be curious how many bariatric surgery veterans are still sucessful , but continually smoke?

[kymmiej11 55]

I have to give up the patch, gum ect two days before, had to quit smoking a month before

[BitterSweet* 835]

I'm really happy for you. =) Good luck with everything!

[kymmiej11 55]

@@BitterSweet thank you very much.

[bobbyswife 862]

Your chances of getting pneumonia are greatly increased if you are a smoker. I quit a year ago and I still worry about my lungs.

[JennsinCA 85]

My surgery is Wednesday the 19th and I smoke. I have cut back a lot this month even quit for 4 days 1 week then 5 days the next. The hospital coordinator called me today and asked me if I smoke. I was scared she might cancel my surgery but I was honest with her and said yes. She said I must not smoke for the next 2 days before surgery because the smoke causes the stomach lining to be irritated. She pretty much said I don't know when your last cigarette was but it was your last.

After surviving the 2 week liquid only diet and losing 30 pounds from it, I feel like I got this no smoking thing. I am ready to be healthy finally. Out with the old Jenn and in with the new!

[bobbyswife 862]

@@JennsinCA love, love, love your attitude!

[IronDruggist 136]

I would highly recommend getting the pneumonia vaccine before your surgery if you are recently quit. Being a smoker qualifies, even if you aren't over 65. Most pharmacies can give these now, without a prescription from your doctor. Better safe than sorry, pneumonia is such a common infection in hospitals.

[MrsMike1 34]

I'm 7 days post-op and my surgeon requested that I be nicotine free 30 days before but I decided to give them up a little bit before that. My quit date was 9/22/14 with the help of Chantix. They are awesome. I needed a ittlel help because I used to be a heavy chain smoker and if I can quit, you can too. Mainly because there was something bigger in life for me than a cigarette, i.e. WLS You an do it. Good luck!

[Bigdogdad 17]

I quit after 15 years. I was up to 3-4 pack a day and it SUCKED to quit, but everyday out it gets a little easier. You can do it. One day, one hour one minute at a time. I can't believe I haven't had a smoke in 14 years.

Good luck and I wish you the best.

[wannaBthinsoon 1,634]

When I made the decision to have this surgery, (in April) I bought a book by Allen Carr. I don't remember the name of it now, but you are supposed to still continue to smoke while reading the book. When you are done with the book, if you have any cigarettes left, you are supposed to throw them away, and never pick up another one. I did it. I smoked for 35 years, a pack a day. I was determined to kick that habit so there would be nothing standing in my way for this life saving surgery. I have not craved a cigarette.I did not use nicotine gum or a patch or lozenges. I did use (and still do) a e-cig with zero nicotine, for the psychological habit. It gets me through stressful times. I gained some weight. I knew I would. But it didn't bother me this time, because I knew I was doing it to save my life. I don't want leaks. I don't want complications. I love, love, love my family and I want to be here a really long time with them. Do yourself a favor.....Don't complain over having to quit cigarettes.....or try to "cheat" in some way. Your life depends on it. Ok, I'm off my soap box now.

[SuperDave 1,115]

My surgeon nicotine tested me twice. I wasn't smoking, but was using nicotine gum and e-cigs. I had to get off of those as well before surgery. It's worth it!