I am having surgery on 2.22.10 and I have to quit smoking 2 weeks prior. I am wearing a patch but it doesn't seem to be really working. If I slip up with a cigarette, will it effect me terribly? I appreciate any response.

I quit smoking during the last time I lost over a hundred pounds. Both can be done simultaneously.

Weston, some surgeons are nicotine nazis and will not conduct surgery on you if you have nicotine in your system a week prior to surgery.

I made damn sure that mine wasn't when I first met him.

Iam using Chantix. It is working really good for me. Haven't had a cigarette since10/19/09 If your insurance dosen't cover it it cost about 170.00 for a month supply. If you think about it that is cheap in the long run compared to the cost of cigarettes.

Tricky question. Quitting smoking really does affect wound healing very profoundly. But using the patch significantly decreases this effect; nicotine is a vasoconstrictor, and the goal is to improve blood flow. Your body doesn't much care where the nicotine comes from---the blood vessels respond the same way.

Lung-wise, you're way better off with the patch---your risk of atelectasis and other respiratory complications is much reduced. But in terms of wound healing, you'd be better off without the patch, as well.

Quitting smoking is one of the most difficult things to conquer. Seriously, think about it: how many other drugs (well, other than food LOL) can be used both to stimulate AND relax? Can be subconsciously dose-regulated by the user (taking longer or shorter drags, lighting up more often or less, etc) in order to get a different effect? It astounds me that anyone can quit! Nicotine is a very versatile, very insidious drug.

It's a shame you have to quit at the same time you're facing such enormous eating changes---that would most people fall to their knees, weeping! But you can do it---it's just for a while longer.

(And once you've achieved that, it will be far easier to STAY smoke-free.)

They do a blood test and they can tell if you've even had ONE cig. I used Chantix. It really helps ALOT! But it gives you vivid dreams. You need a prescription for it though. Best wishes to you...

If you're using the patch, the blood test will be positive, too. So if a doctor has okayed that, s/he's not apt to order the test :thumbup:

If you're using the patch, the blood test will be positive, too. So if a doctor has okayed that, s/he's not apt to order the test :crying:

It's actually listed on a scale of 1-5. One and two being a nonsmoker, 3 is a higher rating, and 4 & 5 being a smoker. I believe you can get a score of 2-3 to pass it. I was a 2. I only know because I saw the results explained. They can tell if your on the patch vs. "cheating" per say. I know it's more defined than "pass" "fail". I'm just not sure of the details (if this makes sense to anyone :scared2:). Best wishes always!!!

Thank you all again for your responses. I go see the surgeon on Tuesday and I will see what happens. I can't just quit cold turkey, i've tried that and I obviously relasped. I will see what he says about the patch. I just want to get past this....

I wish you the best of luck. It was hard for me...even on Chantix...keep us posted!!!

i was smoking on the morning of my op and in the car on the way home. i was never told to stop. not sure i would have had the op if they said that. give up food and fags. i dont think so