All obvious health risks aside, is it required to quit smoking prior to having the lap band surgery? I will most likely try quitting soon anyway, but just wondering. Maybe it can interfere with the healing process?

I quit 10 days prior to surgery then couple of days prior to surgery I started again - I told them at the hospital that I had smoke prior to midnight - they still did the surgery - My doc said 3 months but heck I saw him on 5/31 had surgery 7/17 -

I still smoke - There are still a few banders who do ... But just like in the rest of socitey we are frowned upon..

It will depend on your doctor - just like with the band everyone gets diff instructions on what to eat and how to proceed from each food stage.