Autumn Riley Arnold 92 Posted June 7, 2016 So my doctor found ulcers on my stomach when he did the endoscopy. They're not bleeding and they give me no pain. In fact, I had no idea I had so many. He's put me on meds for them. I've been on them for 2 weeks or so. But do you know if smoking irritates ulcers? I think I read somewhere that it does. I know I have to quit anyway for the surgery but it seems like every time it's my and my fiancee's quit date, we buy another bag of tobacco (we roll them ourselves). So anyone have information on this? Thanks Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Inner Surfer Girl 12,015 Posted June 7, 2016 Yes, smoking can cause ulcers and irritate ulcers. My surgeon will not perform surgery on anyone who has not quit smoking and is committed to remaining smoke free. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Renkoss 420 Posted June 7, 2016 Smoking certainly does bother ulcers, and can even be part of the cause of them. I quit smoking two years ago, and I have never looked back. I used an e-cig to quit, and started with nicotine juice and within 6 months went to no nicotine. I vaped until last October and then that was all she wrote. I wasn't even planning on having surgery at the time I quit. Good Luck. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Autumn Riley Arnold 92 Posted June 7, 2016 Oh wow, that is not good! Ok, this just gives me more motivation to quit! So maybe something good CAN come out of this!! Thanks, guys. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KristenLe 5,979 Posted June 7, 2016 Oh wow, that is not good! Ok, this just gives me more motivation to quit! So maybe something good CAN come out of this!! Thanks, guys.Many surgeons will not perform surgery unless nicotine free for 30 days! Some insurance plans won't pay unless smoke free for 3-6 months! You will not heal well either! Sent from my KFFOWI using the BariatricPal App Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Autumn Riley Arnold 92 Posted June 7, 2016 Oh wow, that is not good! Ok, this just gives me more motivation to quit! So maybe something good CAN come out of this!! Thanks, guys.Many surgeons will not perform surgery unless nicotine free for 30 days! Some insurance plans won't pay unless smoke free for 3-6 months! You will not heal well either! Sent from my KFFOWI using the BariatricPal App Yes, true. I don't plan on getting the surgery or getting approved until August anyway, but this is definitely our last bag now. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Read2016 658 Posted June 7, 2016 No debate smoking is bad... I'm a smoker,it's an addiction... You have to get mentally prepared to give it up... I'm working on that now. "We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them" Einstein Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Autumn Riley Arnold 92 Posted June 7, 2016 True, yeah this will definitely motivate me =)We can do it!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jennmonterrozo 139 Posted June 7, 2016 I had to quit several years ago when I had breast reduction surgery. My surgeon wouldn't touch me unless I was 6 week nicotine free. Which mean no nicotine replacement therapy. I used the medication Chantix. A lot of people can't tolerate that medication but luckily I wasn't one of them. Think I was on it for 2-3 months. Good luck!! It's hard but oh so worth it!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wolfgirl78 266 Posted June 7, 2016 I had to quit smoking a month before surgery, my surgeons requirement. It was the hardest thing I've ever done. I stayed smoke free for two years post op. Unfortunately I started smoking again about two years ago. I'm having trouble finding the same motivation I did four years ago, but keep trying Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
applejenn 173 Posted June 7, 2016 My surgeons requirement is 6 months smoke free and he does a swab test. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Renkoss 420 Posted June 7, 2016 Although it's been 2 yrs since quitting, I can say that there are times when I do still have a small crave for a smoke. It is easily dismissed, but I think that will happen the rest of my life. I smoked for almost 40 years, and yes, it is a difficult habit to quit. But, make sure that you are in the right mindset and that should make it much easier. I quit because I didn't want to lose my eyesight from diabetes, and just the combination of smoking with diabetes was bad. I knew if I wanted to live a longer, healthier life then the cigarettes had to go. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pmanley 45 Posted June 7, 2016 Stop smoking...it is the worst thing you can do after surgery. I work in the OR of a hospital and have seen the most horrible cases of the results of continual smoking after their gastric by-pass. I actually quit 2 months before surgery and up until about a month ago wanted to start and then I seen what the long term effects of smoking were on the pouch...not good...quit...it is very serious the complications. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Autumn Riley Arnold 92 Posted June 8, 2016 Yes, unfortunately I know the lasting effects of short term smoking, too. I've only been smoking for 5 years. 5 YEARS and I was diagnosed with mild COPD in December. I've been trying to quit since then. Wasted a shit load of money on Patches. But I will keep trying. I type all this as I'm smoking a cig =( Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Read2016 658 Posted June 8, 2016 (edited) So far I've met with the primary care and the surgeon, neither has mentioned anything about smoking being a problem... They both know I smoke... I'm hearing so much on here about it, I'm waiting for a visit in the middle of the night from the smoking police lol... I've been cutting back but if I could get off the hook of quitting right now that would work for me... When I'm anxious I'm either smoking or eating, giving them both up at the same time would be kind of hard. I'm curious of anyone had the surgery without quitting???... I know this isn't a question I should be asking "We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them" Einstein Edited June 8, 2016 by nyteacher125 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
