I quit smoking a year and a half ago using e-cigarettes. I know that many doctors won't perform the surgery if you smoke but what about e-cigarettes? The reason why I ask is that they don't have any of the horrible chemicals and tar that cigarettes have. They still have nicotine but nicotine is about as bad as caffeine. I was really thinking about just telling the doctor that I don't smoke, which is technically true, and then sneaking in a small e-cig with me.

My surgeon does nicotine testing for everyone as part of pre-op labs. So no e-cigs, gum, patches etc. I don't know if that is a common practice.

Hopefully after you have your surgery and a good recovery you can focus on finishing out the fight against nicotine. It does not make a whole lot of sense to go such drastic measures as bariatric surgery and then pick up the smoking habit again. You clearly want to be healthier; that is why you had the surgery. You may as well get heathier in any way you can. I have my vices, too. If my doctor insisted that I stop consuming so many articial sweeteners, I would have a very hard time of it. Anyhow, I do hope your surgey goes well.