Smoking and Lap Banding

stacy16 · March 13, 2007

I have the gum, its just not doing it for me. But I will keep trying!

Carlene · March 13, 2007

So I'm afraid if I'm told to stop smoking is mandatory for the surgery, what if I can't, since I won't be completely into it..

Find out when you go to the consultation and maybe pick another doc if this one makes you quit? That's the only suggestion I have.

Whatever you do, though, be honest with him because they ALL do pre-op blood work and some really do check for nicotine.

My PCP is so anti-smoking, he won't give samples of meds to smokers. He has this sign up in his office that says if you can afford cigarettes, you can afford to pay for your meds. Sensitive, huh?

Carlene · March 13, 2007

I have the gum, its just not doing it for me. But I will keep trying!

I didn't have to do a pre-op diet. I can imagine how tough it must be. Will the doc give you an appetite suppressant? It wouldn't hurt to ask. Throw yourself on his mercy.

stacy16 · March 13, 2007

I haven't even met him. I've only discussed things with the nutrition lady. My surgery is friday.

Carlene · March 13, 2007

I haven't even met him. I've only discussed things with the nutrition lady. My surgery is friday.

Well.....if you have to cheat, eat something - don't smoke because they might check.

Daisalana · March 13, 2007

I am worried about pre-op diet as well. If nothing is there to help me restrain myself (the band), I will have a very hard time if they do like the liquid diet. And then to not smoke on top of that.. I don't know.

And you're right Carlene, I hate to have to find another doctor, but I've heard people mention doctors in Decatur which is not far from here.. so worst case scenerio if they are hard about smoking, I will call around and find on that won't be too tight on smoking.

I just think the lap banding is enough of a change in my life for one time, I want to be able to put my whole heart into it, not worry about cravings from smoking and wanting to replace it with food, etc. I can quit smoking later, but I need to lose weight right now.

Carlene · March 13, 2007

I am worried about pre-op diet as well. If nothing is there to help me restrain myself (the band), I will have a very hard time if they do like the liquid diet. And then to not smoke on top of that.. I don't know.
And you're right Carlene, I hate to have to find another doctor, but I've heard people mention doctors in Decatur which is not far from here.. so worst case scenerio if they are hard about smoking, I will call around and find on that won't be too tight on smoking.

I just think the lap banding is enough of a change in my life for one time, I want to be able to put my whole heart into it, not worry about cravings from smoking and wanting to replace it with food, etc. I can quit smoking later, but I need to lose weight right now.

Where do you live, Laura? There is Decatur, GA and Decatur, TX. Probably others, too.

Not all doctors require a pre-op diet....mine didn't. I don't know what his policy on smoking is.

Just from reading Bandster posts for the last 3 years, I would say it's about 50/50 on both issues - the diet and the no smoking thing.

Daisalana · March 13, 2007

I live in Huntsville,AL and referring to Decatur, AL.

demsvmejm · March 13, 2007

I've said it many times on this board....Chantix is the miracle drug that helped me stop smoking.

I don't even think about smoking any longer.

I'm being totally serious, I NEVER think about it!

I'm hoping the LB will do the same thing for me, help me to not over eat any longer.

Davyna · March 14, 2007

My doc made no mention to me of stopping smoking before surgery (to be honest though I only smoked about 3-5 cigs a day, not a heavy smoker). My nutritionist wanted me to give it up right away because it removes oxygen from your body (hence why it may hinder healing). I smoked until the day of my surgery, no cigs before surgery.

I have been smoke-free for two weeks now. I didn't want one while I was busy recuperating, and I've healed just fine. I've been craving one for the past couple of days, but it's such a vile habit that I really don't want to pick it up again. So I'm just trying to stay away from it.... :paranoid