Dr. Caruana, Buffalo NY

Hi all!
Does anyone know if Dr. Caruana tests for nicotine metabolites before surgery?

why would you tempt fate? if you smoke it could cause serious issues with the surgery why would you look for someone who wouldnt ?

Why would you wonder? Well same reason I did. I am a smoker and could not quit the butts. I tried and tried, patches, gum, healthy snacks, exercise, and so on. I managed to cut waaaay back, but never completely stopped. Synergy Bariatrics eluded to a nicotine test and I was nervous as hell about it. Then after I had my pre-op labs, I called to have results faxed to me and no nicotine test was performed. That was 1 1/2 years ago and their testing could have changed since then. All that said, you REALLY should quit or at the least cut back as far as you can. As a smoker we are well aware of all the deadly possibilities. We don't need anyone to tell us, however nicotine is a ***** to stop. Best of luck to you, Ape

I just came from having my pre-op testing done at Sister's Hospital for Dr. Caruana. They did an EKG, chest X-Ray, bloodwork (they said it was for chemistry, clotting, CBC, and type and screen) and they did a urinalysis. They didn't say anything about the blood or urine being tested for drugs or nicotine (and I believe that they have to inform you  if they are testing for these things), so I would think that they don't routinely test for nicotine. That being said, however, I would stronly urge you to do whatever it takes to quit smoking well before your surgery date. You must know the risks of having this major surgery when you are a smoker.