Question:
I have seriously cut back on my smoking, but have a few here or there, what's going
to happen to me if I can't totally stop. I am afraid of having serious complications — gloria M. (posted on May 22, 2002)
May 22, 2002
i smoked like a pack a day and cut down to maybe 4 to 6 ciggs a day up till
about 2 weeks before surgery then i quite completly
— chrissy T.
May 22, 2002
Gloria, A few of the complications associated with being a smoker are (1)
higher chance of having respiratory complications (2) due to lack of good
oxygen flow you may have a prolonged healing period (incision, etc.)
(3)also due to lack of good blood flow, you have a higher risk of clotting
(embolisms, etc.). Try to cut down as much as possible at least 4-6 weeks
before surgery. That is if your surgeon will even do the surgery if you are
still smoking. Mine won't... and he orders lab work that can prove to him
whether or not you have actually stopped. GOOD LUCK!!!!!! Hugs, Kathie (in
Hawaii)
— KathieInHawaii
May 22, 2002
I didnt quit before my surgery and everything went fine. I dont advise this
but I know i was one of the lucky ones. I smoke heavy too. Like 2 packs a
day. I had a very high bmi and suffered no complications. try your hardest
to quit though. Good luck,
— C. L.
May 22, 2002
I didn't quit either, not that I reccommend it. I was a fairly light
smoker to beging with, and then cut down to three to five ultra-light cigs
a day for about three weeks prior. I am young, had excellent blood
pressure, and aside from my weight was otherwise quite healthy, so I
wasn't super worried. I didn't have any problems and made it through
surgery and recovery quite well. I did quit for a month before my first
surgery date was canceled back in November, but couldn't seem to do it for
my second (and actual) date. In anycase, try your best to quit - if you
can't, cut down significantly. By the way, I quit smoking the day before
surgery and still haven't started again at over three moths post-op!
— PaulaM
May 22, 2002
Hi i decided i wanted to have surgery in january and the Dr. told me i had
to quit i smoked up to 2 packs a day with bad asthma and bronchittis(sp)I
quit January 18th and going this thursday to set a date for surgery i'm
glad i quit because now i can sleep through the night with out waking up 2
or 3 times for inhaler.You can do it all you have to do is put your mind to
it the first 2 days are the hardest it gets easier then your grateful when
you reliaze you don't stink of smoke all the time lol.good luck i hope you
can do it.Oh by the way i'm only 20 so maybe it will be harder for you
since you probably smoked longer but my mom quit after smoking for 35
yrs.so if she could do it anyone can.
— Sexyhotdevil
May 22, 2002
Hi Gloria...I am also pre-op and will have to quit smoking prior to
surgery. Originally, with the first surgeon I chose, he said that I have
to quit smoking otherwise he would not operate on me and he has had
patients ready to go into surgery and cancelled it because he found out
they did not quit (he does a test right before surgery). I have since
changed surgeons and although my new surgeon does not "require"
it, he did strongly recommend it and highly suggests that I quit at least a
month prior to surgery. They are really only looking out for our best
interest and I know that's its for my own health. I've gotten a
prescription to Zyban from my PCP and will start that this coming Tuesday.
My surgery is August 1st, so I really have to quit by July 1st, but I
figure the earlier the better. I want this surgery more than anything and
if having to quit smoking is one of the things that I have to do, then I
will make that happen. I know that its not easy, but its for our own good
so if you could quit smoking, you'd be better off. Good luck to you.
— Giovanna G.
May 23, 2002
Hi! I also had to quit...cold turkey! My doc absolutely refuses to do WLS
on anyone that smokes. He also doesn't believe in anything to help you
quit...if only they knew how hard it is to quit. I was told that smoking
can impede healing and also effects your circulation. Another reason is
that after surgery we MUST cough and deep breathe to prevent
pneumonia...have to have healthy lungs. If I am approved for this surgery,
I will have to see a pulmonary doctor and have "rigorous" test
done...what my surgeon told me. So far so good on quitting, that first week
was hell though. Good Luck!
— Laura J.
May 23, 2002
I quit smoking one year and seven months ago. You know you need to quit.
It is the healthiest thing for you to do and you have an added bonus......
you do not have to worry about the weight gain that comes from
quitting!!!!! You will have the surgery to cover you there. My advice on
how to quit? KNOW IT IS DIFFICULT. I treated myself like I was really
sick the first week or so. It was the hardest thing I have ever had to do
and I accepted that and I think that is why I was able to succede. USE
ANYTHING THAT MAY HELP. I used the patch and a bowl full of candy that I
actually carried around with me for two weeks. Sunflower seeds, licorice,
hard candies, water, whatever it takes. KEEP YOU MIND, MOUTH, AND HANDS
BUSY. It is very important to know that not only is this a physical
addiction, it is also a mental addiction. Fight it on both levels.
REMEMBER IT DOES GET BETTER. The cravings will lessen in strength and
frequency with each passing day. IF ALL ELSE FAILS SIT ON YOUR HANDS! I
have had to do this a couple of times while driving. Good Luck
— Red T.
May 24, 2002
As everyone else has said, there are more risks for complications. But I
can tell you what I've been doing. I cut way down and am smoking about 6
ultra lights a day. When I get my surgery date, that's when I will cut
down to nothing. I never WANTED to quit smoking before, so this gives me
the motiviation! When I got pregnant, I quit smoking without a second
thought and had no cravings. So I think when doing it for a more immediate
purpose (other than the bad long term effects) it is easier (but not easy!)
— emilyfink
May 24, 2002
Hi! I started the patch in February and am now no longer a smoker. I know
I feel somewhat better (can breath better) and everything smells and tastes
better. My husband and I started on the patch the same day and have both
not smoked since February. He and I made promises to each other that we
would think of the other one when we were tempted to smoke. That's worked
pretty well. I know you can do it too! Good luck!
Melinda
— Melinda R.
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