Smoking Preop & Postop

I quit smoking 6 months before surgery because I know smoking can not only cause serious complications while under general anesthesia, but it can also severely hinder the healing process.

A lot of surgeons require you to be smoke free for a month before surgery and will randomly test your blood for nicotine to make sure you're not smoking during this time.

I've had surgeries as a smoker in the past and I can't tell you how much easier it was as a non-smoker. When I smoked, I was on oxygen for 2 days after surgery because my level kept dipping down. I had issues with my incision healing properly and just overall felt horrible. Since quitting, I've had two surgeries, one for Lap Band and one just two weeks ago for a strangulated hernia. I was a non smoker for both, didn't need oxygen after surgery, and my wounds healed so much faster and better.

You are supposed to stop smoking pre op...my surgeon requires 1 month no smoking pre op. If he finds out you have been smoking, he will cancel your surgery. No exceptions.

There are blood tests to check for nicotine metabolites, and I know my surgeon uses that test for pre op lab work.

Smoking interferes with the body's healing process...never a good idea. Why not use this surgery as an opportunity to kick the habit?

I stopped smoking as soon as I went to my first lapband meeting and he said you couldn't smoke. I stopped for 6 months but started up again after a particularly painful summer. I do plan on quitting again just because its gross and I hate it (and it can cause errosion AND I plan on trying to get pregnant soon) but I will be transitioning to e-cigarettes first

ErinMarie, e-cigs are how I quit. I had tried everything in the past- the patch, gum, even Chantix. Nothing worked. With e-cigs I was finally able to quit, it took me about 2 months slowly weening off the e-cigs. I have't had a cigarette in about 15 months and no desire to ever again.

Sweet! What brand did you use? My friend is going to send me one she used but it is an older version and fairly heavy to hold and I'm sure I would prefer a lighter one

I did a lot of research on these and ProSmoke had great ratings. I thought they were great, plus you can get different nicotine strengths, which really helps as you're weaning off them. The starter kits are really good deals, too. Here's a link: http://www.prosmokestore.com/

E-cigs are awesome, been smoke free since February. You'll love it when you can actually smell how good you smell minus the smoke smell. You will want a cig, but just push through and you'll get through it. I like my ego-c with cartos. I still have to wean off of this eventually, but not till I'm done with my Kona Milkshake and Black Cherry Marshmallow e-juice .

Well, I think I got my answers.. my surgery is Sept. 28th, so Ill definitely have to quit smoking by the first of September. They told us 6 weeks prior is efficient enough, but then I was told by the nurse that she seen patients not stop smoking b4 or after surgery. I need to quit anyway, I've been smoking for over a decade & it's time to seize the nicotine! I deifnitely think I'll try E-cigs! =) Thank you guys for your feedback!!

Excellent!! You will be so happy once you've quit. The quitting itself sucks, but oh my gosh, I love being a non-smoker. You don't realize how awful smokers smell until you quit. Now, I can't stand even standing near a smoker, let alone by someone actually smoking.

I went out bought myself new perfume and Bath & Body Works goodies as rewards for quitting smoking.

Plus, you'll feel better. You're getting the band now soon to be an ex smoker, just think how wonderfully healthy your body is going to be!!! It's exciting!!

You are so right Mis73!! =) Thanks for the encouraging words!! I'm getting super stoked about my surgery... less than a month away!!