Smokers: How long did you quit before your surgery. I am having a rough time at it. I believe my surgery will be sometime in January if my insurance approves it (crossing fingers, praying). I know, I know, I better quit very soon if not sooner!

I don't smoke but a friend who had the surgery quit 3 months prior. Her doc ran nicotine tests preop and would not do surgery on anyone who tested positive. There are going to be a lot of changes for you to make all at once immediately postop, so best to knock out the smoking ASAP so as not to add one more thing to deal with.

And not to freak you out, but she said the diet changes were actually harder than quitting smoking, so be prepared!

I quit one month before. My doctor didn't make any no nicotine demands, but preferred I quit. Most people are asked to quit 2 months to 6 weeks before surgery. I quit and I'm still quit. It feels good! You can do this!

I didn't quit and still haven't quit and I hate it. But if you can do it, now is the time. I wish you all the luck in the world with the quitting and your surgery. :-)

My surgeon also does testing for nicotine and will not do surgery if you test positive.

I quit a three-pack-a-day habit back in February 2005, with the help of Wellbutrin. If I can do it, anyone can!

Good luck!