SMOKING issue and Dr. Cahill

I am SO very ashamed of this, but I have a consult with Dr Cahill at Little Company of Mary Hospital in Evergreen Park, IL, on Tuesday Jan 9, '07...and I have been smoking cigarettes. Not a lot, but smoking is smoking. When I scheduled the appointment, I kept saying, "I will not smoke, I will not smoke", especially after reading so many posts about the smoking policies of the wls surgeons. Has anyone been a smoker at the time of consultation with Dr. Cahill? Should I keep the consult appt.? I am not a heavy smoker but I have my triggers (i.e. coffee, after meals). I want to quit -- that's no issue and I will be totally honest with the Doc. But is it time wasted to keep the consult appt.? If anyone is familiar with his policy, please, PLEASE let me know. Thank you.

Dr Cahill will be the one that will make the deciding factor as to your smoking, keep your appointment. You are not the first patient that has gone to a doctor still smoking. Was there a requirement when you make the appointment that you were to stop smoking or was it a pact that you made with yourself? For now do not beat yourself up over the issue but do yourself a favor and put the wheels in motion to stop. Chris

Thank you, Chris, for your encouragement. Nothing was said to me about smoking, although the question is asked on the form that I received in the mail (which isn't unusual when giving a medical history). Today I bought a box of the patches instead of buying cigarettes. Even though I am not a heavy smoker, I admit that I do need a boost. Again, thank you. Doranna

Hi, Doranna! I am also a patient of Dr. Cahill. I do know he is very strict about the smoking issue. I would keep my consult appt. with him. I know that he will tell you though that if he suspects you are smoking when it is time for your surgery he will not touch you. So, just go and hear what he has to say and maybe it will give you more incentive to quit. He is an awesome surgeon and very honest. It is definetely not time wasted to keep your consult appt. Best of luck and hope to see you on the losing side soon. Mellisia

Thank you, Mellisia. I started using the patch and I feel fine. At least I'll be able to tell him that I've already quit. I am looking forward to a healthier "me" all the way 'round. I still think about cigarettes at certain times, but the patch keeps me from running out and buying them....and the fact that I don't want ANYTHING to come between me and this surgery! Thanks, Doranna

Be careful of the patch, it does contain nicotine....and if he is this strict he may do a nicotine test on you b4 surgery....so beware !

Cams, Thanks for the 411! Doranna