Has anyone had to take a nicotine test in order to get surgery?

[talkalot1981 5]

The reason I ask this is because I will have to take one. What kind of a test is it? Blood, urine or the skin test? I am just so curious because I officially quit smoking March 21st. Well I used the nicotine gum. I have to be smoke free for 2 months. Well it comes to find out that I couldn't even use gum or Patches. I stopped the gum Apr 6th when I found out we were going to be tested. Ok Which date should I go by? I officially stopped smoking Mar 21st but Apr 6th was the last time I used nicotine because of the gum. I tried cold turkey but had to use the gum a couple days after. I am affraid if I used the 21st then I might fail the nicotine test. Even though it only stays in your system for up to a month. If I use Mar 21st is it cheating? I use Apr 6th now but my mom said I could use Mar 21st. I don't know what to do. Someone please help....LOL

[azuredreams 0]

Just be honest with them about it... I quit smoking for my up coming surgery and yes I had to do a Nic. Test too. Its blood BTW,

Good luck on it, and like I said just be honest tell them about using the gum and any cheating you might have done... Im sure they have heard every story out there and as long as you have quit and are totaly quit them im sure they will still do surgery.

[BigAli 0]

Dear talkalit1981, My program says one month nicotine free and does blood test, BUT I was told last night that the Program will be switching to 3 months nic free very soon. Not a problem for me, I'm a non-smoker but that sucks for smokers!

Big Ali

[wootsie73 0]

My surgeon did not mention a nicotine test. I sure hope they don't do that, since I am a smoker. Maybe I should try to quit. I don't have a surgery date yet.

[DownInSocal 12]

Nicotine has a 2 week half life. If you last ingested it in the begining of April(by gum, patch, smoke, whatever) it is long gone by now.

I have to have a nicotine test. Just to be safe I am holding my breath when I have to walk through smoke. I don't want someone elses addiction ruining my surgery plans.

Congrats on quiting. 8 month quiter here.

[DownInSocal 12]

My surgeon did not mention a nicotine test. I sure hope they don't do that, since I am a smoker. Maybe I should try to quit. I don't have a surgery date yet.

As I stated above x-smoker here.

I honestly feel so much better quit than I ever did smoking. The cravings get better over time I promise! You can go without cigs despite what they make your brain say to you.

Also smoking makes your recovery much harder and increases your risks for stomach complications. They showed a picture at a class I went to today of some guy who has a drain in his stomach because he got ulcers after WLS and it ate through his stomach and out his skin. Ugh.

[BigAli 0]

Wootsie73, Our group was told yesterday that a blood test would be done before surgery and if nic was present - NO SURGERY! That stinks, but, they are thinking of you and your recovery! This is the beginning of a healthier life for you - do it right! (Easy for me to say, I've never smoked! Good luck on your journey! Big Ali

[talkalot1981 5]

UPDATE!!!!!!!!

Well I have officially switched surgeons. I didn't do it because the previous surgeon required me to be smoke free and wanted me to pay out of pocket, I did it because with the insurance I have pays for the surgery 100% (Tricare) My new surgeon isn't making me pay out of pocket and I have decided to stay smoke free. I am much more happy. So you won't see anymore post on here asking questions about nicotine tests or smoking LOL:tt2: Thanks for everyones input Jennifer

[BigAli 0]

Oh my God - that'd great news, a win-win situation!!! I hope I didn't come across as lecturing you the other day! It's the mother in me...I can't help it. You have made my day - God has blessed you. Best of luck and blessings sent your way. Big Ali :thumbup: :w00t:

[talkalot1981 5]

BigAli- I didn't think you were lecturing me. I think this was a blessing in disguise. I wanted to switch surgeons when I found out he made me quit smoking but I stuck in there and almost made it to my 2 month mark. It will be June 6th. I am very proud of myself. I know that if I can quit smoking and stay with it then I know I will have great success with the band.

Edited May 15, 2009 by talkalot1981
typo

[wootsie73 0]

As I stated above x-smoker here.

I honestly feel so much better quit than I ever did smoking. The cravings get better over time I promise! You can go without cigs despite what they make your brain say to you.

Also smoking makes your recovery much harder and increases your risks for stomach complications. They showed a picture at a class I went to today of some guy who has a drain in his stomach because he got ulcers after WLS and it ate through his stomach and out his skin. Ugh.

Believe me, I know what it's like to be an x-smoker. I've quit and started back several times. I've even quit for as long as a year and started back. I know I can quit, that's not the issue. It's staying off of the stupid things that's the problem for me. I have a lot of stress going on in my personal life right now that is making it very difficult to quit. I'm going to give it a try though. Hopefully I will kick the habit forever this time.

I'm glad you changed doctors. Hopefully you will be much happier.

Joan

Edited May 16, 2009 by wootsie73
left something out

[lingling 0]

Be honest with your doctor. Please do not lie. They have to adjust the anesthetic if you have been smoking so please tell the truth.