I am a smoker, will I need to quit before the surgery for the doctor to go ahead with it?

My doctor and most reported here will not go the surgery if you smoke. The risk of complications is said to increase and the healing can be prolonged. Look for a thread called tested positive for nicotine. A pre- op urine test can get your approved, scheduled surgery cancelled. I'm not a mean finger pointing ex- smoker. I have quit a few times cold turkey, by choice. Once for over a year and I liked smoking BUT I did not like how it impacts my body and I have quit again for this surgery ( a lot out of fear) but I really plan not to go back. You should be clean about 4 weeks minimum before the surgery. I already had to do a six month diet supervision and I won't let a smoke wreck my plans... I'm scheduled for May 19 and I am still on the wagon. You can do it.

Why not quit just because it's so bad for you?