Question:
any quick removal of nicotine

My surgery date is in two weeks may 20th. Today the nurse gave me a nicotine script to check my urine. Yeah i am still cheating with cigaretes and this can to me as a surprise. Is there anything i can do for quick removal of nicotine. I don't want this surgery delayed i've waited so long.    — debra49 (posted on May 6, 2008)

May 6, 2008
My surgeon claims the right to cancel the surgery based on that...All you can do is come clean and see what they will do. I don't think they will do the surgery while you are smoking or in nicotine withdrawal so you might have to wait... Bummer but good luck!!
   — [Deactivated Member]

May 6, 2008
have someone do it for ya
   — delaney7

May 6, 2008
Sorry that was not to be on this I was answering someone I was emailing something to SORRY DISREGARD THAT
   — delaney7

May 6, 2008
If you really wanted this surgery, stopping smoking is a MUST. I have not heard of any surgeon who does it on a smoker. This forum has discussed this before, and many surgeons do test for nicotine. I really don't know how long nicotine stays in your system, so your surgeon may or may not find evidence in 2 weeks time. My surgeon will not do surgery on anyone who has not smoked for at least 30 days prior to surgery, by testing, period. Maybe you should check with a pharmicist about these tests?? Nicotine acts like an irritant and can delay proper healing of your surgery, or even cause ulcers. Nobody buy yourself to blame if the surgery is delayed. Many people cannot get the surgery at all, and you have the chance to have it, and you jeapordize it. There are many restrictions you have to follow in the post op period.
   — Dave Chambers

May 6, 2008
Debra - I agree with the last poster. It might seem harsh ... but it is the truth. I had to pay cash for my surgery and I would have done back flips if they required it. You are making a decision to have surgery to get healthy .. that does not include smoking. Do not think I am being judgy .. I too was a smoker .. I stopped because they told me too. You have to know that you are going to be making HUGE lifestyle changes .. this is only one small one .. if you cannot stop the smoking .. then maybe you are not ready for surgery PERIOD! You need to be honest with your doctor. It could cause MAJOR complications in healing ... you need to go into this with the right attitude and hiding smoking is not it! Good luck to you!
   — ItIsMyTime

May 6, 2008
My nicotine test was possitive and I had been quit for 3 weeks. I was so scared they would cancel, but they could tell it had been a while. It is imperative to quit before surgery, for your health. They know what they are doing. You have to do this to the letter for your own good. You can do it! Good luck to ya!
   — lesleigh07

May 6, 2008
I just read a post about a woman who almost died because of an ulcer...She said "I had a bleeding perforated ulcer - on the side of the stomach facing the liver - my stomach contents had contaminated my insides. " When I asked her what caused it, she said that smoking and drinking too much coffee and tea...Here is the thread if you'd consider the reason that smoking needs to STOP if you are going to have surgery...There is NOTHING good that can come from smoking...Her story is heart breaking... http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/wls_grads/a,messageboard/action,replies/board_id,5491/cat_id,5091/topic_id,3602189/
   — .Anita R.

May 6, 2008
If you've made the commitment to quit and you want to clean out your system before surgery, what about looking into a detox? I would go to a reputable health food store (the smaller the better) and ask a knowledgeable clerk. The reason I say small is I find that in the larger chain type stores, many people are working there but are not necessarily knowledgeable, whereas in smaller stores the few that work there seem to really be up on the products they carry. Also research the internet to compare what they have to say. If you are still CHEATING, don't bother. It would the better part of wisdom to give up the cancer sticks for good. Lying and increasing your risk factors so significantly is just plain foolish. I agree that if you are unwilling to give up the cigarettes you are not ready for this surgery because the surgery is not magic. It is an awesome tool but there is still much work and change involved and that takes sacrifice and effort, don't kid yourself. Be honest with yourself. You'll be glad you were. All the best, Laura
   — waterlover

May 6, 2008
I feel so very, very sorry for you. I agree with all the other folks who have posted a response to you. Sweetie, if you think having this surgery is a walk in the park and that you can magically take something which will disguise the fact you are continuing to smoke, then, you absolutely are not ready for this surgery. Having this surgery is, in my opinion, and I'm 3+ years out from my RNY and 135 lbs lighter, is but the start of a completely changed lifestyle. You will become a nutritionist, I dietician, a doctor, an exercise affucianato, an authority on health issues, and an authority on what you absolutely cannot do. With such anguish I pray for all those who so desperately want this surgery and their insurance companies won't authorize the surgery. And you? Your insurance company has agreed to allow you to have the surgery, and you want to lie your way onto the surgical table and perhaps to die because you live to smoke cigarettes? And, yes, I also smoked 3 packs a day for the longest time. I quit many years before my surgery and I quit cold turkey without one singular minute of withdrawal symptoms. Debra, I know we all sound as though we are being hard on you. Well, we are being hard on you. Your life hangs in the balance. Blessings to you in your decision.
   — Christine Gibson

May 6, 2008
How about just quitting? The reason you need to quit is that it puts you at risk for the surgery because of the decreased lung function that smokers have. It's not something to try to cheat at. And yeah, I know it's hard. I quit six years ago because I wound up in the hospital not able to breathe. Work hard to quit, not to find a way to snow the nurse. You're working hard to get a surgery that will prolong your life. Cigarettes have no part in that. I wish you good luck and strength. YOU CAN DO THIS.
   — Shirley D.

May 6, 2008
I was told to quit for three months before surger. My surgeon did not test to keep me honest and of course I didn't even slow down on the smoking. Too much stress worrying about surgery, so not a good time to quit. Well, I developed pneumonia from the surgery (third time I have had it). I was in the hospital for a month (intnsive care for three days) and on oxygen for a month after that at home. Talk about stress! Not only couldn't I eat or smoke, I hurt twice as bad from the pneumonia. Two words for you...JUST QUIT! Kim
   — kcox1960

May 6, 2008
I have never heard of such a thing. I smoked the morning of my surgery
   — Joanc

May 6, 2008
Wow, some people are very, very judgemental aren't they? Everyone who has had WLS of any kind did so because they had an addiction to food that they could not control without surgery. And yet they think that it's easy to put down cigarettes? There are lots of rules to follow post surgery and I'd be willing to bet my lap-band that not one person on this board follows EVERY rule EVERY day. Honey, stop smoking now and within 10-14 days your system should be clear of the nicotine. And IF POSSIBLE don't start back. If you do, don't beat yourself up over it. Yes, we have this surgery to get healthy and to stop smoking completely would be fantastic, but realistically, it's very hard to stop eating and stop smoking at the same time. Take one step at a time. I wish you the best of luck. Feel free to email me if you'd like at [email protected].
   — Carla_B

May 6, 2008
Wow, some people are very, very judgemental aren't they? Everyone who has had WLS of any kind did so because they had an addiction to food that they could not control without surgery. And yet they think that it's easy to put down cigarettes? There are lots of rules to follow post surgery and I'd be willing to bet my lap-band that not one person on this board follows EVERY rule EVERY day. Honey, stop smoking now and within 10-14 days your system should be clear of the nicotine. And IF POSSIBLE don't start back. If you do, don't beat yourself up over it. Yes, we have this surgery to get healthy and to stop smoking completely would be fantastic, but realistically, it's very hard to stop eating and stop smoking at the same time. Take one step at a time. I wish you the best of luck. Feel free to email me if you'd like at [email protected].
   — Carla_B

May 7, 2008
Sorry, but they do that test for a reason. They want you clean well before surgery so they know you did not cheat. If you failed the test two weeks before usually they will can and cancel then. It is was a small trace then they might figure yuou are still withdrawing. This will make a new you. My doctor and hospital off free stop smoking programs. You might need to find a class and take it. They give you drugs toi help. Best of success to you.
   — William (Bill) wmil

May 7, 2008
I was told I had to quit smoking 6 months prior to my surgery. My surgeon did not check and I smoked all the way through until the day of my surgery. I wasn't a heavy smoker and cut way back but I did not quit. I never had any complications with my surgery. It is a precaution they take. I still smoke to this day. I never had any breathing problems or any other respiratory problems after surgery. Guess I just may have been lucky. I am not one to judge others and I won't. You have to make your own decisions. It is up to you, you are the one having the surgery and no one can have it for you. I also had a RNY they do NOT do anymore, which was 9 years ago. So mine was more evasive than most of what the people have had here. Good Luck to you!!
   — nascar_angel_3_2003

May 7, 2008
i am gonna give yu a different take. i did not quit smoking all the way before my surgery. my doc knew that i was trying to quit and never asked me again so i never offerred. i did tell my ansteleogist and he said based on the amt i smoked i will do fine. i came though ok but now i am home from the hospital and do not plan on smoking again.
   — bikermama

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