Wow its here

I have mine Sept 4 2007, I am so scared now. I am a mother of 4 and the thought that something would happen and I would'nt be here for them. I know it will be ok. I just want it to be done and over with. DOES ANYONE SMOKE CIGS AND WENT THROW THE SURGREY??? IF SO WAS EVERYTHING OK?

Does your surgeon know you're a smoker? I hope you have quit already - if not I'd let your surgeon know. If you follow their instructions on smoking you'll be fine. There is a certain amount of time before each surgery they want you to not smoke. Be sure to listen, because it is very important. Good luck!

Hi, I am sorry I do NOT smoke I was asking for my sister she does not want them to know she smokes because I guess OHSU won't do the Gastric bypass unless u quit for 4 month. How do I go and edit what I put on the message board?

They don't let you edit on this board for some reason, but yes let your sister know there's a reason they don't want you to smoke. It makes it harder to wake up from anesthesia, and can cause all sorts of problems. 4 months is a long time, but it's best to be safe!

Hi Angela, PLEASE make sure that your docs know that you are a smoker...i smoke, and my doc said that as long as they know they can account for it when doing the anesthia... in this case, honesty is the best policy!

I quit smoking 20 years ago, but my friend who had the surgery did have to be off the cigs for 2 months prior. Doc & team warned her that if she even smelled of smoke the day of her surgery, they would cancel. Not sure what it involved, but I guess they also could have tested her that morning for recent tobacco use, just to be sure she complied. My thought is to 'fess up...my doc warned me of all the potential complications if I were to start back up afterwards (discussed because of the prior history). My friend thought she wanted to start back up after the surgery, but she became so ill when she lit one up, that it became the definite end to a difficult habit to break -- been there, done that. I wish you well :-) ~ KimmyG

Every surgeon is different. I would have thought that they would have discussed the smoking cessation early. BTW there is a urine test for nicotine. I had to sign something as part of my acceptanct of being in the program that I understood. "Stop smoking. Smoking always injures your stomach and intestines. By agreeing to have surgery, you agree to quit smoking forever and at least 6 weeks before surgery."