Question:
Is quitting smoking a month prior to surgery enough time?
My surgery is first week of December. I just quit smoking today.... :( 3 hours so far...lol. Will I be okay during/after surgery with only one month being a non-smoker? — [Anonymous] (posted on November 4, 2001)
November 4, 2001
I tried to quit for months prior to surgery. I didn't actually succed till
about 2.5 weeks. I was fine. Every day you go smoke free will just help
you that much more post-op. I only read about some of the problems that
anestesia can cause (chest tightness, shortness of breath etc.) I can't
imagine doing going through it while still being a smoker...especially
since I had those symptoms before quitting. 3 hours is a great
accomplishment, just keep it going!!!! Remember, it's easier to excercise
w/o smoking, so if you can excercise effectively, you'll lose more weight!
Good Luck to you!
— Kristin R.
November 4, 2001
I'm in BIG trouble!!!! My surgery is November 16th... it is now November
4th, and I've tried cutting down to quit, without much luck, I'm afriad...
I saw this question, and grabbed for my cigarettes. I know this isn't a
good excuse, but I told my nutritionist that I'm giving up food... I can't
give up everything. I smoked to stop eating and I eat to stop smoking.
The biggest upset about it all is that blow-pops (which I would use instead
of smoking) has 12 g of sugar... If it had 6 g, she said I could still have
it. Looks like I'll have to eat it in two sittings. Back to the smoking
thing... Not all doctors make it a requirement. Yes, it will be harder to
heal, and I already know that... okay... I'm gonna stop typing now, because
I seem to be rambling... sorry! :-)
— [Anonymous]
November 4, 2001
I found it very difficult to walk away from the smokes, especially because
my husband smokes as well. I didn't smoke the day before my surgery, and
for a full week after and I was fine. Of course, I had twice daily
breathing treatments in the hospital because my O2 levels weren't as high
as they would have liked, but I came through just fine. I would say that
as long as you don't tend toward chronic bronchitis or have a touch of
asthma, you should be okay. But do your self a favor, try to give them up
at least one week before and one week after.
— Dee P.
November 4, 2001
I hear you. Giving up smoking is not fun, and I wondered how much it would
really effect me. But, my doctor requires it. I even started to think
there would be no way he could tell, so I might as well not bother
quitting. But...I began to feel guilty. I've convinced myself that I have
quit for a reason. I don't think my doctor is making me do it for HIS
health. Also...I've noticed on myself, and have since read it, so I know I
am not crazy, but one of the side effects of quitting is that at about 2-3
days, the cilia in your lungs begin working a little better and therefore
allow you to cough up the gunk a little easier. Frankly, I'd like to be
through that stage by the time I am in the hospital. :) I have had two
nights since quitting where I smoked two cigarettes. Both times were on
the weekend after a few drinks. Am I perfect? No. But, I am proud to say
that I have managed to survive this (the first of many) exercise in self
control. That alone makes me feel better! Good luck to you!
— PaulaM
November 5, 2001
Gosh I hope so! My surgery is on Dec 6, and I'm still puffing away. I've
cut down a HUGE amount, and only smoke a maximum of five a day, usually
less, once in a while, one or two more, but compared to the pack a day I
was on, think I'm doing better. I'm going through a really stressful time
at work right now, and it's just so so hard to quit, but I plan on it ASAP,
right after this pack! LOL, how many times have I heard that before? But
seriously I have to. We'll be allright, we may have a harder time
recovering, but we'll get through! Good Luck!
— Deborah W.
November 11, 2001
I know this is awful to say, but I smoked even on the way to the hospital
the morning of my surgery. I didn't have any problems. Not at all saying
this is a good idea. I have smoked for 26 years and if I could stop for a
month, I could stop forever, but I can't stop. Good luck!
— [Anonymous]
November 11, 2001
I know that my doctor will not do the surgery unless you have quit smoking,
and there is a blood test that can determine if you are still smoking,
(even ONE cigarette) so there is no point in lying.
— [Anonymous]
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