RuthAnn Vester 2 Posted January 15, 2016 I have been honest about my smoking, quit on Dec 1. To be cleared by insurance it says 6 months/puting my surgery in June which is OK, plenty of time to complete everything. My question is, how do they know you quit? Do they take your word for it or do you need to take a test. And how long for you to quit for it to show negative? Ty Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Proud2BMe 1,016 Posted January 15, 2016 (edited) They test you for nicotine. I don't know how long nicotine stays in your body. I had my surgery in Mexico so I didn't have to jump through all these silly hoops. I don't smoke but I vape and I vaped up until the very day of surgery then resumed two days later. Edited January 15, 2016 by Proud2BMe Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JamieLogical 8,710 Posted January 15, 2016 Smoking can be VERY harmful to the healing process, so smoke at your own risk. I had seen WAY too many horror stories back when I was researching plastics to ever even think about smoking right up until surgery. Do some google image searches for smoking and wound healing if you are ever tempted to start smoking again pre-op or immediately post-op! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RuthAnn Vester 2 Posted January 15, 2016 Jami, no I have quit smoking and don't plan on it again. I think you misunderstood my question. Lol Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Miss Mac 6,262 Posted January 15, 2016 I know that my surgeon will not proceed with bariatric surgery if your blood tests positive for nicotine. The materials I was given say : "Patients who use tobacco will be required to stop smoking eight weeks prior to surgery. Blood tests will be conducted to ensure that patients have stopped smoking in order to improve surgical outcomes." To go one step further, my surgeon asked my main man to not smoke around me for at least six weeks. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cindyw41 761 Posted January 15, 2016 They can do a simple swap of your cheek or a blood test. They do this for life of insurance as well. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jboys83 17 Posted January 15, 2016 There is a tool that u blow into like they would with alcohol Share this post Link to post Share on other sites