Smoking ??? Test????

Ok, so we (my girlfriend and I) are checking into wls... We have had our initial consult at Grinnell, and long story short...they require 3 month of smoke free! How can they ....or CAN they tell if you have been smoke free for 1 month, 2 months, or 3 months?????? All in all, is the test that percise they they can tell specifically HOW LONG you have been smoke free??? Three months is a LONG time!

It's called an ABG (Arterial Blood Gas) test and I have no idea how far into your history it can detect it. I'm sorry; but, this IS going to sound a little preachy... If you are willing to get up on an operating table and trust that surgeon with your life, why would you risk your own life my lying to your surgeon? ~~Sherry

They do a blood test - it is fairly accurate -although not perfect! I have seen a lot of plastic surgeons require this before they do any plastics work as well - it not only causes the obvious breathing problems, but inhibits healing as well. Best of luck to you as you begin/continue your journey. J.

one of the reasons they do require you to quit smoking is because it could cause lung problems after surgery and even during surgery. My ex husband had back surgery and was told to quit smoking and didnt. they knew (by a blood test). After surgery he had to make sure he coughed and he would cough up black crap. it was discusting. I think it must be the tar in your lungs or something. If you dont get it coughed up or even try to cough it up you can develop pnumonia. That is what his surgeon told us...and the nurses. I am not a smoker so I cant even pretend to know what its like. I think this is something you need to talk to your surgeon about.....it could turn out to be serious... Good luck in your journey. Billie Jo

I didn't mean it to sound like I wasn't going to follow through with the surgeon's requirements. Just wondered why alot of hospitals require only ONE month of being smoke free while Grinnell requires 3 months?? Meaning if the test shows it ok to do surgery with the test at one month...what more would the same test show at 3 months?

ohhhh...gotcha. I would give Grinnell a call and ask them why....probably because they think that if you have 3 mos under your belt you wont want to start again...you know how those drs are. sorry i misunderstood ya. Billie Jo

They don't do the Arterial Blood Gas test they use a carbon monoxide reader that you breathe in to. Been there, done that. Tracie S.. 341/279/180

Sorry for speaking for all surgeons. Speaking on my experience from Grinnell which is where I went and where you indicated you are going, they do the 'breathalizer' test not the blood test. Sorry Tracie S.. 341/287/180

to clarify- depending on where you go and their particular protocols - and your surgeons particular protocols, they may do a breath test OR ABG's or I have even seen them do nicotine levels. As you will find out- every surgeon has just a little bit different protocol for different things. It is important to just follow YOUR surgeon's advice and "rules" - they all have their reasons. Best of luck to you. J

Hi Amy, Ok, here is what I was told back in January when I had my consult w/my surgeon. He asked me if I smoked, I said yes, and he told me that it stops today. He requires his patients to be smoke free for at least 3-6 months also. He explained that not only will it slow the healing process, but can also contribute to blood clotting (not good!). As hard as it is going to be to cough after surgery, try coughing up the phlem when you can barely cough as it is. My sister had to have a suction tube near her at all times because of her trying to cough up that stuff. I have been smoke free since January, yes, it is tough, but if I'm going to have this surgery to change my life, why not do it all at once? Not a lecture to you, that is just how I was thinking about myself. Yes, most people gain weight when they quit smoking, but I feel the surgery will help on that side. Just a thought.... Good luck on both ventures!! Betty