any smokers out there?

any smokers out there that already have had the surgery,tell me if they had to stop smoking before surgery or anything??

Hello Atonio; I don't smoke but do know most Dr's require their patients to quit smoking at least 2 weeks prior to surgery. It will be up to your Dr. Just wanted to let you know what ever you have to do it will be worth it. I know it will be hard to stop smoking but it will be for the best. Hugs!

Dr. Hornbostel requires you quit before surgery....I dont smoke either..but he told me anyway....lol....I know it is hard my husband smokes..Vesta

Atonio I quit 1 year before surgery. But that was a personal decision. It didnt have anything to do with surgery. Approx 3 months after surgery I started to smoke again. Too much stress and family issuses going on. Didnt want to lean on the old friend the food cruch so I went to my dearest friend Mr. Smokie. Yes, before ever gives me a rashing of s--t I know that it isnt healthy for me. I just laid them back down over a week ago getting ready for my up and coming surgery. Best of luck to you I know how hard it is to give them up!!! God Bless Melissa

Studies have shown that daily smokers and those who smoke within 24 hours of surgery had more indications of restricted blood flow to the heart than nonsmokers, or smokers who did not smoke for extended periods leading up to surgery. Smokers who undergo general anesthesia have a higher occurrence of EKG abnormalities associated with restricted blood flow to the heart than did those who did not smoke prior to surgery. Wound infection rates are higher among smokers than nonsmokers. Because smoking changes blood-flow patterns, it delays healing and slows recovery. One battle at a time, but it is my personal opinion that smokers who are taking the drastic step of WLS in order to improve health and prolong life should also make a commitment to quit smoking on a permanent basis. Having WLS is major surgery and a life-changing event - smoking cessation assists in patients are getting full benefit from surgery immediately after surgery and long-term. Put down the cigarettes and slowly back away! Cards Fan Springfield, MO STEP OFF THE SIDELINES AND GET IN THE GAME!

Hey Tony I quit smoking 26 years ago, I was a two and a half pack a day smoker, that was one of the best decicions I made for myself. I agree with CardsFan and Dr. Hornbostel will tell you to quit so since it is so hard you might start now cutting back so it won't be so hard before your WLS day or two weeks before, whatever the time may be. I did it cold turkey and NO it wasn't easy, but you will do better for your surgery if your lungs are clear. God bless you! Barbara T. in KC

I just wanted to thank you all for support on the info that was giving to me,Now i know what must be done so im goin to try and put it away even tho i've never tried to quit before.I do know the doc who checked my lungs a couple of months ago said he was supprised knowing i was a two pack a day smoker,Said that my lungs looked good,but still i know i must quit so im goin to give it a try. I do thank you all again for your support and plz if possible say a lil prayer for me thank you and Godbless

Tony, I just had my surgery on October 30 and I was a pack a day smoker prior to surgery. I was trying very hard to quit and got it down to maybe 2 or 3 smokes a day. But, since surgery is over I can't stand the smell of cigerette smoke, I want it to stay that way. When I smell it I still get nausus. (SP) Hang in there you can do it...... God Speed ahead. Linda

Atonio, I feel so bad for you! I quit smoking 4-5 years ago but took wellbutrin (Zyban) to do it. It's the only thing that helped me. I'd tried numerous times to quit and was never successful before the zyban. I had my RNY in Mexico back in March and a month or two after my surgery, I did what a lot of WLS pt's do.....I traded addictions. I gave up my food addiction but replaced it with smoking again! I am very angry with myself for starting back up. It's crazy...but I was rehooked after that first cigarette and what started out as "i'm just gonna have a couple" was a full blown pack a day habit within 5 days! I'm going to go see my doctor and get wellbutrin again. It's the only way I know for ME to kick it. Everyone is different. Some people can just walk away from them....cold turkey so to speak, but I couldn't. Fortunately, you have a great motivator. The tangible possibility of your surgery may be all you need. My mom is being worked up for WLS now (in Nevada) and her surgeon is requiring 8 WEEKS smoke free. All that stuff that the "cards fan" guy said is true plus.....a huge risk for blood clot formation leading to MI (heart attack) CVA (stroke) or a PE (blood clot to the lung that can be fatal). Obese folks are at a high risk of clot formation as are any surgical patients.....at to that the smoking and it's a pretty lethal combo. Hang in there! If you need to vent about "jonesing" for a cigarette, I'm here and I'll be trying to quit soon myself. Hang in there!