Hi everybody!

I'm scheduled to get banded April 2 in Richmond, Virginia by Dr. Bautisto at St. Marys Hospital. I am so excited, but I am a smokerFor you smokers out there, did you stop smoking for 3 months prior to your surgery? If not, was the cardiologist or anybody else able to tell?

Hello, slim. I am getting my band in March and I went to the Seminar in mid-January and stopped smoking the next day. I really don't know how I was able to do that... but I want this band so badly, that I found some strength. It's been pretty easy, but when I want a cigarette, I focus on the band and loosing the weight... Actually, I think I focus on the surgery. I don't want to add to any complications during surgery... so maybe that's my incentive? Good luck to you, though...

Hello there....I smoked all the way up until I had my surgery and even now. No problems...good luck to you!

Hey Slim,

I am glad you asked that question. I have been wondering the exact same thing. I am hopefully having my surgery the first of April. I have been afraid to stop smoking because every time I try all I do is eat. Good luck with your surgery!!!!!

I don't think it's necessarily about your heart (though quitting couldn't hurt for that reason). I think it's more to do about the healing process, when you smoke you take longer to heal because smoking does something to your blood vessles, capillaries, etc. that isn't conducive to healing.

I had a friend who had to get reconstructive breast surgery after breast cancer. She couldn't quit for the 6 weeks they told her to and the operation didn't take (basically she never healed right). I guess people can tell you they smoked all the way up until the operation and were fine but you asked so I assume it concerns you even somewhat. At any rate, whatever your decision I wish you the best of luck!

Thanks everybody for your input. I'm still trying to stop, but will cut back little by little each day. Hopefully, I can stand that!