Smoking and ulcers

[mousecat88 2,279]

Can someone explain why a bypass patient is more likely to develop an ulcer than a "regular" person if they smoke? I can't figure out the connection. Is it because there's no protective stomach acid anymore? I can only find the "don't smoke" mantras... but all doctors say that. Why is the predisposition higher?

Yes, I will admit I've smoked about 4 packs or so since surgery. I know I'm not supposed to. And at my 6 month I told the doctor's office and they're like "you may get another ulcer" and I was feeling bitchy that day and was like "that's fine because I have leftover Carafate from my last one". I'm a stubborn ****** but I will complain when it bites me in the ass.... at least I'm honest. lol. I'm trying to quit again.

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[mrblond 56]

Always hard to say what will happen after they been up in your guts. My opinion, which is worthless, is its your body.. do what you like. just be ready to accept the consequences if you do.

Most doctors will always err to caution I think.

[AZhiker 2,251]

I saw yet another patient this week who was 1.5 years post gastric bypass. Lost 150 pounds, and developed an ulcer. I asked one of the GI docs about why it happens and he said that the protective lining is gone and so anything that causes inflammation or irritation of the tissues can lead to an ulcer. This includes alcohol (extremely irritating to tissues) and smoking which increases inflammation. Regular acid reducers cannot reach the area of the ulcer, which is why Carafate is used. Yes, ulcers can heal with the medication, but ulcers can also kill you if they perforate and bleed badly.

[New&Improved 1,780]

Cigarettes contain many known chemicals and poisons so they affect every organ in the body so of course it will hurt your new stomach....

[Sosewsue61 3,185]

Also the bypassed stomach portion can still produce acid in response to the inflammation with no way for medicine to reach it. Not promoting nicotine addiction but switch to Juul, taper off and quit, sometimes it takes 3 attempts. Your body will heal a lot slower while still smoking, reduces oxygen to tissues.

[mousecat88 2,279]

Also the bypassed stomach portion can still produce acid in response to the inflammation with no way for medicine to reach it. Not promoting nicotine addiction but switch to Juul, taper off and quit, sometimes it takes 3 attempts. Your body will heal a lot slower while still smoking, reduces oxygen to tissues.

I can quit whenever I want cold turkey. Like, I will buy a pack, smoke it, not buy a pack for 4 or 5 months. Decide to buy another pack. That kind of thing. I'll go for a year without smoking or more. Then start again. I dunno. It's just a casual thing I occasionally enjoy, especially on long drives. I don't smoke when I am home... only in my car or out socially (which is rare).

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[New&Improved 1,780]

THEN WHY THE FK waste money and possibly cause problem with your surgery if you say you don't need it?

Why would you do anything to hinder your progress?

You may as well open your wallet and set it alight or at least donate the money to charity?

Good luck

[mousecat88 2,279]

5 hours ago, Mikeyy said:

THEN WHY THE FK waste money and possibly cause problem with your surgery if you say you don't need it?

Why would you do anything to hinder your progress?

You may as well open your wallet and set it alight or at least donate the money to charity?

Good luck

My question was specifically why bypass patients are more at risk than those that haven't had the surgery. I was trying to understand the science behind that, and not be berated.

Also, cigs are like $3 a pack where I live and with the frequency in which I purchase them, it doesn't exactly break the bank so I don't even understand that last comment.

Edited May 10, 2019 by mousecat88

[Briswife15 889]

Hey, from what I just Googled, cigarette smoking is also known to make ulcers more prevalent in "regular" people as well. I don't know WHY, but it seems to be bad for all populations. Glad you're trying to quit. I know it's hard!

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