Some help please!!!

Hello Everyone: I am just wondering if anyone out there smokes and if that had any impact on surgery or if you are required to stop smoking prior to surgery. I am starting the process and was just curious. Also wondering if anyone with asthma had any problems with the anestesia. I have asthma and always have problems with anestesia when having surgery of any kind. That is one of the main reasons I have held off on surgery for 2 years. So I need some advise please. Thanks Patricia

Hello There Well have to say that I do not smoke but do know that our surgeons require that you stop smoking before they will do this surgery... Gosh hon.. don't let this stop you or delay your "road to recovery" with weight loss.. am so glad that had this done and feeling so good about myself.. made for a wonderful New Year ahead.. good luck to you with whatever you decided to do.. Do stay in touch and let us know how you are doing .. that is what we are all here for.. Take care now and best wishes.. a big Hug to you, Fran

Hi Pat, Keep in mind you are doing this to improve your health. I probably think that most surgeons would want you to quit before surgery. But that is just one more step to a healthier you. I did not have asthma, but I did have poor lung function due to the severity of my obesity (430 pounds). IT was a concern of the surgeon *****quierd me to lose 30 pounds before surgery, I did and I survived surgery!! I am now at 354 and feeling fantastic, 12 weeks later! Good luck PS I am a former smoker, quit 10+ years ago when my father had a heart attack.

Joan, Did you have to lose 30 pounds before surgery because he thought it would help your lung function or just as a prerequisite to surgery?? Just curious?? Carie

Hi Carie, He told me to lose the 30 pounds before surgery for several reasons. One is it softens the liver, makeing the proceedure easier, and with 30 pounds already gone, the trama to my system would be less (lung function in particular and lesson blood pressure issues). At 430, it was not easy for me to monitor my weight (most scales max out at 300-350). But all month, I ate nothing but lettuce salads with some form of protein on it. On the morning of surgery, I was very nervous, not about the proceedure, but that I had not lost the 30 pounds and he would turn me away. When I stepped on the scales at the hospital before surgery, I was shocked to see I had lost 27 pounds.

The smoking is to quit because it takes the oxygen away from healing tissue. You don't heal from a surgery like this very well if you smoke. Plus the anesthesia doesn't go well because of the asthma and smoking. You may have to be in intensive care for a day after surgery. Sleep Apenia puts you in intensive care after surgery. The surgery is WELL worth it!!! I would do it again. I've lost 100 pounds in 6 and 1/2 months. Still have 50 or 60 to go but my life has changed for the better!!!! Yours can to!!!! You can do it!!!!! The surgeons in Wichita are awesome! Doreen