I have noticed that there are a lot of people talking about quitting smoking before being banded because of requirements. Anyone start smoking again after being banded?

If you stopped, why would you want to start again? And, remember, smokers don't heal as well as nonsmokers so why risk your recovery?

Why would you want to start again? Think of it as a fresh start!

i had to stop smoking in order to get the band. It had been 3 weeks. Only have to wait a month and 1 week left, then I can schedule appt with my surgeon. I don't plan on starting back but I also didn't plan to start back after I quit while I was pregant. BOTH times. This time I am hoping it will be easier since my DH stopped as well. I actually talked myself into thinking that just because I cut down to 5-6 cigs aday wasn't really smoking since i used to smoke more than a pack a day. All I can do now is just take it day by day. Just having my kids happy for me not smoking is enough not to start again.

i had to stop smoking in order to get the band. It had been 3 weeks. Only have to wait a month and 1 week left, then I can schedule appt with my surgeon. I don't plan on starting back but I also didn't plan to start back after I quit while I was pregant. BOTH times. This time I am hoping it will be easier since my DH stopped as well. I actually talked myself into thinking that just because I cut down to 5-6 cigs aday wasn't really smoking since i used to smoke more than a pack a day. All I can do now is just take it day by day. Just having my kids happy for me not smoking is enough not to start again.

I quit smoking on November 30, 2008. I was a smoker for 22 years. I was banded on April 16, 2009. The nicotine is completely out of your system after 24 hours of quitting...the rest of it is psychological. I recommend Commits losenges if you're still craving nicotine. Do not start again. It will nearly negate the benefits of being banded...this is such an opportunity for an entirely new life. You know...I have the tendency to judge people sometimes. I hate that I do, but I do...it is very ironic to me that you often see the obese person sitting at the bar doing shots and smoking. 3 addictions in 1 place...stop numbing and start feeling. (I'm not incinuating that you do shots) I have and what a ride it's been!

Edited April 24, 200917 yr by Stephanie1972

It's hard to quit. They always say "nicotine is gone after a day or two"...well yes, and then your body that was conditioned to operate with nicotine SCREAMS for it. Some suffer for a while before the body gives up. But if you've gone a month (or more) without it then the worst is over for you, whether you are a lucky one who doesn't miss it much, or an unlucky one who almost would kill for a cigarette. It is healthy for you...put the money from cigarettes into a "you" fund to pay for clothes, a makeover, whatever!

Not all people smoke or eat (or do shots LOL) to "numb" themselves but whatever your reason, if you can quit for good you'll be doing a great thing for yourself and your family...think of what a great role model you'll be for your kids?

Hang in there!

I don't want to start smoking again, but just the other person mentioned. I didn't plan on starting again after I gave birth and was done breastfeeding. Nicotine actually takes 72 hours to be completely out of your system. As for the cravings, every body is different. My father hasn't smoked in 12 years, but according to him he still craves one every single day.

As for me, it's not so much an addiction. I enjoy smoking. Not the actual smoke, but it's relaxing. I have never been a consistant smoker. I smoke when I have a beer, or when I'm really stressed. Or even at times when I just want to join my husband out on the porch.

I just want to know how it effected people that already had the lap band and started smoking again.

If your lap band is healed and you are sufficiently post op smoking will have the same deleterious effect on a "lap bander" that it does on a non-lapbander.