I've been doing a lot of reading and research and in everything I've come across, it says that you must quit smoking before getting any type of bariatric surgery due to the possibility of ulcers. I'm a little surprised and confused because both my doctor and surgeon know that I'm a smoker and have not said anything to me about this...

Of course, I'm trying to stop anyways (I have at least 6 months to wait before I can schedule the surgery due to my insurance requiring the supervised diet) so might as well try to get completely healthy before then. I guess my question is has anybody else been told to quit smoking pre-op or has anybody just taken it upon themself to quit?

I'm a little bit scared because smoking has been my crutch during other diet attempts and now I won't be able to eat or smoke my blues away, LOL. I know that my health matters more- I guess it would just help to know that others are going through this as well.

I quit smoking December 26th. I got the prescription for Chantix and it helped a lot. I am now smoke free and was finally sleeved May 29th. Originally I thought I would just quit and then smoke again after surgery but I am really enjoying being smoke free now! I am proof that it can be done since I was a smoker for 30 years. I highly recommend quitnet.com for a good support forum. The chantix club has a great group of people. I still visit once a day! Good luck in your journey

Oh and I was told I HAD to quit by my surgeon. I was nicotine tested twice before they would do the surgery.

I have not heard of the problem being ulcers. I have heard the chance of death is increased exponentially both under anesthesia and post op. If I were you I would quit early so that if you are going to gain the weight you do it pre-op and don't have to struggle with both the liquid diet and quitting smoking at the same time. You are doing this surgery for your health and smoking is every bit as bad as being overweight.

I know this sounds harsh, but if it makes you feel better this is not coming from someone who has never been through it. I was put on the list in October 2011 and quit smoking November 1st. I had to wait until April to have the surgery, but let me tell you it was the best thing I ever did for myself. I will never go back. I bought ecigarettes from esmokeronline.com and purchased the Fluid with 0 nicotine. I went through the nicotine withdrawls, and then had the ecig to puff on when I really felt like I just couldn't do it anymore. I was highly dependent on that thing for about 3 months. Now, I still carry it with me, but will go days and not even remember that I have it. I just thought it would be ironic to permanently change my body for my health and then continue to smoke. I am now 7 and a half months smoke free and will never look back.

I knew I was going to have the sleeve and they would make me quit smoking so instead of being forced into it, I did it myself with nicotine patches I have smoked for over 40 yrs and tried several times (at least 8)to quit for some reason this time it has stuck with me. It is difficult but I am sure if you really put your mind to it you will succeed every day the cravings dont last as long. Good luck

I went to a weight loss surgery seminar on April 14th, 2012. I quit smoking that day using the patches. I had really hoped it would help with my breathing issues, but haven't noticed a difference there (maybe after I lose a ton of weight I will though!) I still have days I really want to smoke, but know in order for me to have surgery, I have to stay off them. I smoked for over 30 years, so I know how hard it is. I go back for the second surgeon visit tomorrow. Hopefully I'll get approved for surgery! Good luck to you!