Is a nicotene test always required

[eslmn1 0]

Through this form is the first time I heard about a nicotene test. I just started back smoking during my Dr. supervised diet. I have surgery scheduled for sep 3rd and have decided to quit today (Aug 22nd).

I am wondering is this a "no-brainer always required and I am too late" type of thing? I have called my Dr but he wont be able to discuss until Monday. I am sitting here with a headache due to the pre-op diet and trying to follow it to the letter of the law but, if I am going to get a last minute rejection, I dont want to keep on the diet....or get my hopes up.

Any input (especially from people who have had the surgery and only quit a week or two before) would really be appreciated.

THanks

[Cherishthepast 20]

My doc also required that I stop smoking; I tried repeatedly but found it difficult during the week prior to surgery (pre op liquid diet). I actually had my last cig the night before surgery which was scheduled for 2:30 on Aug 10th. The doc came by to see me prior to the procedure and asked if I had stopped smoking and I lied and said yes, 3 days ago - actually it was more like 16 hrs:blush:.

I wouldn't recommend this to you or anyone else; I seem to be the poster child for bad behavior.

The surgery went as scheduled and I couldn't smoke for a week after. I thought that I could stop at this point but needless to say, I'm smoking again, not as much as before.

Just sharing my experience...

[sweetkissez42061 0]

I know smoking makes things heal at a slower rate. They dont like doing this surgery on smokers.

[RestlessMonkey 7]

What Cherishthepast did was actually just short of life threatening. Smoking severely diminishes your oxygenation etc; things could've gone south for her because of her lie. (I'm sure she knows this).

Odd are your doc will test you (as Cherish's should've done) but if you quit now, you should be ok by 9/3.

They did used to operate on smokers, but then people died while under more often too.

You know the reason isn't to punish smokers, but because it would almost be malpractice to do an "elective" procedure (as this is) on an obese smoker. I used to smoke A LOT so I'm sympathetic. But it's immediately dangerous. Tell your doc you smoked but quit, let him decide.

And Cherish, you were very lucky. I hope you know that.

It is so silly to lie to someone who is trying to sedate you, cut into you, keep you alive, and return you back like they found you.

Anyway OP you'll probably be ok depending on your medical history etc. So smart of you to tell your doc! :thumbup:

[Cherishthepast 20]

Yes, MOM I know

[RestlessMonkey 7]

:thumbup:

I used you as an example for the "other" girls and boys who may read this; in case they don't know. The biggest danger isn't slow healing, but not recovering completely from anesthesia.

AND I am glad you're ok. It's hard to quit smoking but I gotta say it's easier than losing weight. Doing both together is almost unhuman I'd think.

[eslmn1 0]

Thanks All. I have my pre-op appointment with my surgeon tomorrow. I have beeen 3 days without a cig. I figured, as long as I am drinking these lousy protien shakes, I might as well get it all done.

My biggest fear is the anestesia and i will do whatever it is my doc says.