Cigar Smoking after Gastric Bypass w/ Heller Myotomy

[koliver20 0]

Hey all,

I am pre-op for a Gastric Bypass with Heller Myotomy due to Stage 3 Achalasia. I have read some posts about cigar smoking after surgery, but haven't seen many with what procedure I am going to have.

That being said, I am not a frequent smoker and I do not smoke cigarettes. I do enjoy an occasional cigar, however my surgeon has stated that there is no way that I can smoke after my surgery. This kind of sucks if I will really have that many complications because of some traditions we have within my workplace as a Paramedic and Firefighter.

My question is, has anyone had this procedure and if so, have you had any complications with smoking a cigar post-op.

Thanks all.

[Arabesque 6,494]

Smoking cigars is the same as smoking cigarettes. Same toxic ingredients, same impact & hindrances on your healing & recovery (slower healing, increased risk of blood clots & breathing issues during surgery), same addictive quality, same impacts on your health in general. Some surgeons will test for nicotine before surgery.

Another concern after surgery is addiction transfer. Your ability to satisfy your addiction to food/eating is decreased so the addiction transfers to something else. Alcohol or smoking are what most turn to instead.

Of course the choice is yours.

[Old Salt 64]

Not sure what effect the Heller Myotomy procedure would have, but I'm almost 5 months post gastric bypass and smoke a couple nice cigars a week. My surgeon told me it would not be a problem.

At my age, the very slight long-term effect is inconsequential compared to the enjoyment of my simple pleasures.

It's like anything else, weigh the options and decide.

[bigswol2 6]

I love cigars. I waited 6 months before I enjoyed a cigar. Give that belly time to heal.

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