Surgery & Smoking

[YngGram 73]

Did anyone's Dr. require them to stop smoking in order to have surgery done?

[RestlessMonkey 7]

I don't smoke any more but as I remember my surgeon requires it. Most of them do, I think. Honestly, if they don't, they should; it makes anesthesia more dicey (especially for people who are obese...as are we band candidates) and it impairs healing post op.

[noosagirl 0]

I would say a definite yes! Maybe give up two months before and two months after surgery so that your healthy going into surgery and you can heal properly afterwards. I'm sure you know the effects of smoking so I don't need to crap on about it. I like a cigarette now and then but luckily I really hate the smell on my clothes and hair.< /p>

[MicheleK 8]

My doc requires that I quit at least 2 days pre-op, but he prefers 2 weeks. I've been "cutting down" for months but still haven't managed to give them up completely. I have went from a pack a day to a pack every 3-4 days.

[gentylwind 1]

I do not smoke but my surgeon does require that one be completely over addiction to nicotine before he will consider doing any kind of WLS.

[MISS.SUSAN 0]

yeah, i just started this journey a couple of months ago, and my surgeon said "why should i try to fix the number 2 killer for you if you are going to continue smoking when its the number 1 killer"?? so i told him when the pack i had in my purse was done - that was it - i was done. of course he didn't believe me. but i haven't had a cigerette since that day when i ran out. its been since 10/1/08. i can't wait to see him again to tell him. the last 2 visits has been with his nurses and assistants. maybe next month! the first week or so - i wanted to kill somebody. but it did get better. its not as hard as you think. kicking heroin was much worse. there is great info on the internet about what you exactly go through when quitting. http://whyquit.com/whyquit/A_Symptoms.html

but it is true, and they are soooo expensive. and i am sooo tired of these stupid things having a hold on me. i don't know why i have had sooo many additions in my life, i am 40 and i want some kind of a life. so now i am learning to play guitar! and it really does keep my mind and hands busy!

just do it! its scary but you get over it pretty quick, just stay away from people that smoke (thats the worst) thats how i started up again.

good luck

susan

[YngGram 73]

I thought about this and when I finished the pack on last Sunday, I didn't buy more. It's really not that hard, when I have been ill or driving for hours with a non-smoker I don't smoke and am OK. I am a stress, and oh my hands have nothing to do smoker. I play pool league 5 nights a week and that will be hard to get used to. When my shots are off I reach for a smoke to clam my nerves!! :smile2:

I went to another seminar on Monday and have first appointment on the Th, hopefully I will be able to say that I have already stopped smoking and by the time all the paperwork is processed I will be at least couple of months free:teeth_smile:

Edited November 5, 2008 by niterun

[thinkingslim70 0]

My surgery is the 17th. I have 2 left in my packet and I have promised myself I wont buy another packet. I only smoke a packet a week so its not a huge habit to break but I think it'll help with the surgery and the recovery.

[Ladybug21 0]

I am scheduled to be banded on Dec 3rd. Dr. Bowers and Dr. Lynch at mayo in Jacksonville Florida are my surgeons. They require that you quit two months before. I tryed Chantix and it worked. It's a little expensive but not anymore than buying a pack or two a day. It's worth it.

[wvgal33 0]

I did nicotine Patches a couple of weeks before surgery - it worked!

[kobryant 0]

My doctor requires that you must be free of all tobacco products for 30 days prior to surgery. They will not schedule your surgery until then.