Hello!

I’m getting gastric sleeve in Mexico at a slimmer me on Jan 9th. I’m really hopeful and very nervous. I also have been smoking and wondered if anyone else smoked before and when did you quit? The sooner the better, I know. Also how much are you exercising pre-op? I wonder if I should do more or less depending on my liquid diet ? I am worried of feeling drained during the diet .

I am ridiculously nervous about not responding well to being put under and also blood clots. Anyone have experiences with this?

My doctor won't do surgery on anyone with a history of smoking unless they pass a nicotine blood test proving they're 8 weeks free of nicotine. If you're having surgery Jan.9th...you're really pushing the envelope. You need to stop smoking immediately, particularly if you are worried about blood clots.

My doctor won't operate on anyone who isn't ready to quit smoking for life. A huge percentage of down the road emergency perforated ulcers...are smokers who burn holes in their new stomachs.

There are plenty of risks associated with smoking after gastric bypass surgery. Smokers are at a much higher risk of gastric pouch ulcers which can cause significant pain in the upper abdomen. Smoking can also cause bleeding ulcers and perforated ulcers which can be life-threatening.

Read what these doctors have to say about it...you might want to reschedule.

https://www.realself.com/question/smoking-gastric-bypass-surgery

I hope you're getting presurgical diagnostics done before surgery. Someone with a history of smoking should have a chest x-ray, an EKG, an upper GI and bloodwork at the bare minimum....just for safety's sake.

Tackling BOTH of your vices....overeating AND smoking at the same time might be too much to handle.

This isn't an impulse buy...you are forever changing your anatomy.

Yes I am getting pre surgery diagnostics. My doctor said to quit 3-4 weeks out. I have been smoking for a little under a year. Still not safe , but definitely not a chronic smoker for years. I’m talking a pack a week maybe . I am fully aware of the seriousness of the decision and the life change required . I’m asking what others experiences with smoking are. I am prepared to tackle anything I need to . No impulses here, thanks .

Maybe the Mexico doctor isn't worried about you getting a perforated ulcer from smoking because he won't be the one who cleans up that hellish mess? You'll get admitted to an American emergency room and there will be zero consequences to him...so why worry? Just sayin... Please do some research on smoking and healing...you're playing a very dangerous game.

Most people feel rough during the liquid diet. A few feel great. If you're used to eating carbs, soda, etc...it'll be rougher on you.

You think you're prepared. I did, too. Thinking and doing...can be two very different things. I had the best possible super easy surgery and recovery....and the process was still a hell of a lot harder than I was ever prepared for.

Best thing to do to prevent clots is to get up and walk as soon as you can after surgery. Walk every hour.

You won't do a lot of sleeping after your surgery. You'll need to sip, suck on a tube to clear your lungs, sip, sip, sip, walk. Over and over and over. it'll be your whole day.

The more you can walk, the easier it'll be on you, and the less risk for clots. You will likely get anticoagulant shots.

But smoking...in particular, RECENT smoking....is pretty much the recipe for a clot. (not saying you will get one...but you're upping your odds by not having quit months ago)

Stop cold turkey tomorrow. See if you can.

WHY did you start smoking a yeat ago anyway? Has it solved anything for you?

Throw the cigarettes and lighter away today.? This is serious surgery. I would not be concerned with heavy exercise, just do some walking and make it a habit.

I agree with other posters that you should quit smoking immediately. Not only is smoking going to increase your risk of having the complications mentioned, but it is going to hinder your body's ability to heal quickly and correctly. I would also start walking at least 30 minutes per day now, and drinking tons of water. You want to build up lung capacity, and start getting into shape.

I was already working out 6-8X per week before surgery, and everything was super easy for me. I could have returned to work after 2 days. I smoked for 10 years, and I understand how stress makes you grab for that cigarette. Don't do it though. You are doing this for your health, so why not make a complete change starting tomorrow? You can do this, and will be better off for it.

Good luck to you.

My doctor said minimum 8 weeks smoke free as well. I knew I needed to quit prior anyway. I couldn't imagine going through nicotine withdrawal on top of all the other struggles that come with preop and post op.