Amanda 3.0

Wow, what a turn of the thread.
If any smokers get suicidal when they put down the smokes for a few days, and I hope that comes out at the psychiatric evaluation. Also, the severe eating disorders are supposed to be discovered at that time. People should not be having this surgery until they have worked on their addiction issues, of all types. An out of control binge eater should be well on their way to recovery before ever setting foot in the operating wing of the hospital, and that was addressed during the quailification process, at least with my surgeon's team.
My surgeon won't even knowingly operate on an alcoholic or drug addict.
No one here answered irresponsibly, insensitively, or inappropriately. I do personally feel that it is irresponsibly of a patient to ask for internet forum advice that overrides that of a medical professional, but we see it all the time.
It amazes me (although it shouldn't anymore) when someone asks a question on the internet and then gets upset when a non-coddling answer is given. The internet is not a magic place where you get to ask a question and only get answers that support your side. Once a question is thrown out there, everybody gets to answer, and the answer is usually worth exactly what was paid for it.
Anyway, smoking: Of course it is far better for a person not to smoke after the surgery, and if someone wants a different answer than that, maybe they ought to find a pro-smoking forum and pose it there. We all have the phone number to our surgeon's office, and if we really wanted the honest answer, we would call up and ask. I would say that most surgeons are actually going to be pretty honest about what will and won't kill us, and most surgeons are going to tell you that if you absolutely must smoke, then go ahead. But at least discuss it with the surgeon instead of being upset at people on an internet forum.
On a side note, many people are able to make multiple health improvements at the same time, and for many, it is a great idea. We are already leaving the hospital with what should be a new outlook on life. It's an ideal time to try to turn over a new leaf. I actually gave up booze, cigarettes, and started an exercise regimen all on one day. I did great for a while, then fell off the exercise wagon. Never smoked again, and now I do drink a bit here and there. The smoking was hard, but a great accomplishment.
I do feel sadness when I see a patient sitting in their hospital gown in front of the hospital, smoking. It is getting less and less common now, as most hospitals in our area do not allow smoking anywhere on the grounds.

The guy took time out to answer your post. I don't think he was rude.
Just because someone else smoked afterward with no problems doesn't mean you won't have problems. And, what if problems come three years down the road instead of immediately?
Disclaimer: Ex-smoker here, 1-1/2 packs for 25 years.
It is well documented that smoking impedes healing. Some doctors, especially cosmetic surgeons, will not operate on smokers. Their wounds do not heal as well or as nicely. Your wounds are mostly on the inside.
My insurance will not even pay for this surgery for smokers. I had to take multiple blood tests to prove I am not a smoker in order to be approved.
I understand it is hard to quit, trust me. I tried more than once before succeeding. But instead of looking for reasons why it is okay to smoke, why not do whatever you can to stay off the smokes? You will never regret NOT smoking.

I am in my mid/late 40s and I wish I hadn't spent so many years yo-yo dieting and hating myself. When I was in my 20s, people were still getting their jaws wired shut to lose weight. If you have been overweight for a period of time and are willing to do the work, much of which is in your head rather than your stomach, then go for it. If you are 255 pounds at age 20, you would probably benefit a lot from the surgery rather than battling this demon for another 10 years. Heck, keep those years of your life.
As a yo-yo dieter, I can tell you that for me, skin was much more forgiving when I was younger. But the loose skin is a small price to pay for being more normal in size.

Dr. Cribbins is in Plano. See my post above. While still a "pre-op diet" it was very easy. I was very pleased with all aspects of my experience with Dr. Cribbins' office and Texas Health (Presbyterian) Plano was a wonderful experience as well.

I have plenty of empathy. I also know that coddling and agreeing with every bad feeling never solved anything. Logical thinking is not a bad thing. Warm fuzzies aren't very effective in most cases.
I also know that people will do what they are going to do. But if they come online and ask a question, I am going to assume they are logical and really want an answer. I know, silly me.
I hope you remember what it is like to be in a smoker's shoes too. What that has to do with whether or not smoking against doctor's orders during recovery, I am not sure.

No, I didn't take your points completely out of context. And, my entire post isn't just about what you posted, or I would have quoted you and addressed your points specifically.
The original poster came on here looking for validation that it was okay to smoke following the surgery. There are discussions all over this forum started by people looking for "permission" to deviate from their surgeon's program. When the original poster got advice she didn't like, she accused the very people who took their time to try to help of being rude, and then she flounced off.
Fact is, at the time of surgery, WLS patients are not supposed to be battling the food addiction for the first time. They should be well on their way to recovery. They should be able to handle a few days (or more) of not smoking, without becoming suicidal. That sort of issue should have come out in the psychiatric exam.
I smoked rather heavily for 25 years. I totally get that it is addicting. I surrounded myself with smokers as friends, because smoking is one of those deal-breaker habits when it comes to hanging out with people. All but two of my friends have quit. It is not an intelligent or considerate habit and I wish I had quit earlier. I had to clean my life up to give it up. Yes it is hard.
Regarding bias against overweight people and smokers: Yep, have been on the receiving end of both of those. Is there bias against smokers in this thread? I don't see it. Facts are facts: It can cause complications in recovery from surgery. Many surgeons advise against it because it is unhealthy and can cause complications. That isn't bias.

My insurance coverage required that I have two blood tests for tobacco, one at 45 days before surgery and one the day of surgery. They don't cover this surgery for smokers. Period.
Regarding surgeons requiring patients to stop smoking, I am not sure now many actually require it. I don't think mine required complete quitting, but then it was a non-issue for me so maybe he did.
There are plenty of WLS "mills" out there though who will do anything for a buck and just go through the motions as far as prequalification. My surgeon's team was not like that at all. My psychiatric evaluation was rather grueling and I even had to see a counselor for several sessions. She insisted that I buy and read several book suggestions (not her own books) before I would receive a letter of recommendation. All addiction issues were addressed, not just food. Also addressed was how well I was equipped to handle life as a thin person - would my marriage suffer, etc.
I guess my point is that while the smoking and other behaviors should be addressed well before surgery, I don't think they are in many cases - whether it is through deception on the patient's side or apathy on the surgeon's side.

What a great list, thank you very much.
I would like to add from past experience that if you take your own pillow(s) from home, use a brightly colored (or at a minimum, non-white) pillow case so that they don't take your pillow accidentally.
When my husband had surgery (not WLS), the hospital tried to give him at huge cost every medicine, Vitamin, and supplement that he listed on his admitting paperwork. The list of everything that you've taken recently and assume is for them to avoid complications, NOT so that they can give it to you and charge you!
I had to send them away with the overpriced Vitamin C tabs, etc. every single day. Plus, we took his meds from home, and they still tried to bill our insurance hundreds of dollars for meds we did not receive, or meds we brought from home.

What a great list, thank you very much.
I would like to add from past experience that if you take your own pillow(s) from home, use a brightly colored (or at a minimum, non-white) pillow case so that they don't take your pillow accidentally.
When my husband had surgery (not WLS), the hospital tried to give him at huge cost every medicine, Vitamin, and supplement that he listed on his admitting paperwork. The list of everything that you've taken recently and assume is for them to avoid complications, NOT so that they can give it to you and charge you!
I had to send them away with the overpriced Vitamin C tabs, etc. every single day. Plus, we took his meds from home, and they still tried to bill our insurance hundreds of dollars for meds we did not receive, or meds we brought from home.

I've been married for about 12 years now. I am still very physically attracted to my husband, although he has gained some weight. His weight fluctuates though.
Prior to my marriage, I lived with a guy, and even relocated 1500 miles to be with him. Here is what I learned from that:
If you are not married, and you are not attracted (physically) to your mate, you should move on. You can say you will rely on him being a "nice guy" or having the best sense of humor, whatever, but in reality, physical attraction does matter. Especially in the early years.
You have to decide what is important to you. If an attractive and trim mate is important, then you should seek that.
If he plans to get married in Antarctica, and you are not sure, then the trip sounds like hell for both of you.
$3,000 is a lot of money for a trip, but in the big scheme of things, you will recover from the $3,000 loss pretty quick. Don't make a life decision based upon $3,000.

My insurance coverage required that I have two blood tests for tobacco, one at 45 days before surgery and one the day of surgery. They don't cover this surgery for smokers. Period.
Regarding surgeons requiring patients to stop smoking, I am not sure now many actually require it. I don't think mine required complete quitting, but then it was a non-issue for me so maybe he did.
There are plenty of WLS "mills" out there though who will do anything for a buck and just go through the motions as far as prequalification. My surgeon's team was not like that at all. My psychiatric evaluation was rather grueling and I even had to see a counselor for several sessions. She insisted that I buy and read several book suggestions (not her own books) before I would receive a letter of recommendation. All addiction issues were addressed, not just food. Also addressed was how well I was equipped to handle life as a thin person - would my marriage suffer, etc.
I guess my point is that while the smoking and other behaviors should be addressed well before surgery, I don't think they are in many cases - whether it is through deception on the patient's side or apathy on the surgeon's side.

I have already completed menopause, and am eight months post-surgery, and have not lost much hair. Knock on wood. I still take Protein supplements every day though. I like having hair!

I do feel this way, I think. I find myself getting something to drink instead of eating though. I am afraid if I give into the eating that I will pick up the habit again, so I usually just have some Crystal Light or occasionally a little prune juice or a V-8.
Cooking is kind of sad for me now, where it used to be a joy. Now it seems like a lot of work for nothing. I feel sad for my husband because I have lost my cooking joy and I just scrounge together stuff for him.

Totally agree! I even add two teaspoons of Benefiber to my coffee and Protein.

Hmmmm... is Dr. Kim your surgeon? I think I heard that about him regarding the Protein Powder.
My surgeon is Dr. Cribbins of Plano, and it has been a great experience. My surgery was at Presbyterian Plano, which was a great hospital experience. Very hotel-like and accommodating for my husband, who stayed with me the whole time. I highly recommend!
I see you are in Granbury. My family and I love to visit the Brazos Drive-In when we can! We were out there just last month.
Your signature in your post, about being in pictures: That is my goal too. I can totally relate!

Low sodium V-8 (not regular) is the best potassium source I have been able to find. One 11.5 ounce can has 1180mg of potassium.
A banana is only about 450.
Regular V-8 has about half the potassium of the low sodium.

Low sodium V-8 (not regular) is the best potassium source I have been able to find. One 11.5 ounce can has 1180mg of potassium.
A banana is only about 450.
Regular V-8 has about half the potassium of the low sodium.

I did not take them ahead of time, but when I was in pre-op and started to lose it, as in I wanted to pull the IV out and run away, the nice nurse gave me a couple of valium. If she hadn't done that, I don't know that I would have made it to surgery. Definitely ask!

Totally agree! I even add two teaspoons of Benefiber to my coffee and Protein.

Even if we don't have comorbidities "now", that doesn't mean they aren't coming later. Sorry, but 200+ pounds on a 5 foot frame doesn't work well when you get older. I didn't have comorbidities, but who is to say that next year I wouldn't be pre-diabetic, or have a back injury? In my 40s now, my knees were feeling it. I was terrified to get down on my knees to clean something because it hurt to get back up.
Now, eight months post-surgery, I have to remind myself that I don't hurt anymore, crawl under that desk and clean the dust bunnies! I didn't even know how many ways this weight negatively affected my life until I started to lose it after surgery. And, I haven't even always been fat!
If you are unhappy, and you have really tried other means, and you have a doctor supporting you, I think you should go for it if you want it.

Even if we don't have comorbidities "now", that doesn't mean they aren't coming later. Sorry, but 200+ pounds on a 5 foot frame doesn't work well when you get older. I didn't have comorbidities, but who is to say that next year I wouldn't be pre-diabetic, or have a back injury? In my 40s now, my knees were feeling it. I was terrified to get down on my knees to clean something because it hurt to get back up.
Now, eight months post-surgery, I have to remind myself that I don't hurt anymore, crawl under that desk and clean the dust bunnies! I didn't even know how many ways this weight negatively affected my life until I started to lose it after surgery. And, I haven't even always been fat!
If you are unhappy, and you have really tried other means, and you have a doctor supporting you, I think you should go for it if you want it.

I agree with all of the above. People will say you don't need it because they love you as you are, or they are worried, or it is a way to minimize you referring to yourself as fat, whatever.
But the facts are that you qualify, and you want it.
Like Rootman says, no need to suffer for 30 years before you decide to take the bull by the horns. My beginning stats were similar to yours, and I cannot tell you how happy I am now, and how even people who loved me just the way I was love the different person I am now.
It is your personal choice, between you and your doctor.

I've had a cup every morning since 1 week out with no issues. An added benefit is that it helps keep you regular

I went with the family to Sea World, Orlando. I took my granddaughter to the Manta, the huge and terrifying coaster. They have a seat outside to test whether you are too hulking to get on the ride. Grampa jumps in, pulls the restrainer down,... click...with room to spare! Last year at this time I wouldn't have even tested it.
So we waited the 45 minutes in line, got on the ride, and away we went. Coming down the first hill and twist nearly brought up the miniscule contents of the Bouncer,(my sleeve). But I relaxed and talked back to the intimidating boneshaker: "Is that all you got?" "Give me some more!" to impress my granddaughter. To top it off, I tried to talk her into getting right back on, a perk for our platinum annual pass. She was quite content with what she had already experienced. Macho, skinny grampa rides again!

A really fun NSV surprise for me today. I was in our office kitchen eating lunch and noticed that I had my legs crossed. I did it without even noticing. I haven't been able to cross my legs in years! Woot!