HELP ME

Ok I know what most of you are thinking but I have to ask anyway! I smoke...about 8 cigs a day and during my group meething with Dr. Bell I think he said we should all try to quit smoking...even if its the day of surgery because when you are in the hospital for three days you cant smoke anyway. Well my surgery is Sept 22nd. I havent quit smoking yet.....is it to late?? Now I am worried that I may have heard Dr. Bell wrong. Maybe he said quit smoking right now. AUGH I am starting to freak out over everything! Can anyone offer some advice to poor old me!

I know that all Doctors are different. Why don't you just call their office and ask about their policy? My doctor will not perform surgery unless you are smoke free for 5 weeks minimum; however, I have read about other doctors who have no policy about smoking at all... Call them and check, it will (hopefully) relieve your worries. Anne

Melissa -- I know it's really, really hard, but you need to stop smoking TODAY. It has to do with your lung capacity and ability to heal. The good thing is you don't smoke a lot, but the sooner you do it, the better your recovery will be. Please, please try really hard to put them out of your life. You can always start again after surgery, but it would be another huge step toward a healthy life if you stayed smoke-free. I know someone who used those nicotene plastic things that look like a cigarette holder, and that got her through quitting smoking after 50 YEARS!! It had the nicotene and the hand action thing going on. I'll pray for you that you're able to make this sacrifice so that you have greater reward. XO Kathy F.

I'm sorry for your situatiuon. The first thing I'm going to tell you is that You MUST call Dr. Bell's office and have this conversation with them. The ABSOLUTELY have to know if you are still smoking. It may not be a problem for him at all, but you have to be sure. This is the kind of thing that can have an effect on your recovery and the surgeon must be informed about your status. BTW- it's NEVER too late to quit. Even if he says you have to delay your surgery because you are still smoking, you'll be that many steps ahead, if you quit TODAY. And think about this...if he said to quit just anytime before surgery and you do it NOW, you'll have that many less breathing and respiratory problems post op. Good luck to you!!! Hang in there, I know it's hard, but if you prove to yourself that you can do this, then you know that you're ready for your new life as a WLS post-op. best, Lisa C

Hi Melissa, Please being honest with your doctor about this and I do not want to see you more problems after surgery with your breathing problems. Please keep posted to all of us because we care about you as our family hugs Kathy K

I just called and I am now waiting a return call! I know that I do not smoke a lot at all. I really just smoke durning the day when I am on break at work. 8 a day isnt that bad but it is bad enough. Dont worry I will tell Dr. Bell everything and I will try my hardest not to light up for the next week. I dont every want to smoke again after this time!!!!!!!!

Great attitude Melissa. You'll feel even better after surgery if you're smoke free. Maggie

Melissa: Have you heard anything back yet? Chryssie

nope not yet but I see Dr. Bell at 9am in the morning so I am sure we will chat about it then! Im a little worried ya know!

So what did they ever say?? Chryssie