Length of pre-op non-smoking period?

OK, I know this is a stupid question, that once I quit I quit forever, this should make no diff but I'm struggling.

One of the major barriers to surgery for me is my challenge of quitting smoking. I've done it before with non-smoking periods of 6 years and 3 years. I do truly believe that after surgery I won't want to resume. But the Legacy requirement ot be smoke-free for 6 months is a real barrier. I've quit for up to 3 months in the last year and a half, no longer.

Anyway, long story short, what is the OHSU requirement? I have to go to a COE, and would prefer not to travel to Coos Bay.

OHSU does not have a no-smoking requirement. I was in the same boat and when I asked, it bascially comes down to you taking responsibilty for your own health.
You most likely already know the complications that can arrise from smoking while having a major surgery (I know I do) including the horrible throat issues after the tube, the headaches, the complications in healing slower because of the restritcted blood flow and so on and so forth. I've been stopped now for 2 weeks and going strong. I keep telling myself this one HAS to be forever, not just a temp stop. It's not been easy but it's been do able.

Best of luck to you,
Beth

I totally agree that this time has to be for life. The six month requirement at Legacy was really depressing me, though, but then again, some folks have to do a 6 month diet.

Time to pull up my big girl panties and get this done.

Patty - as I'm sure you know, the longer you are smoke free before surgery the better.  Have you tried Chantix?  I've heard it's been a tremendous help for many people.  I quit cold turkey in 2001 (right after I came home from Italy) and have been smoke free ever since.  I admit there are days when I pass someone smoking a particularly fresh cigarette and it smells so good, but then most of the time, someone who has just smoked walks by me and I want to gag!    I wish you the very best in trying to give them up.  As you know, it will be the best thing for you!

Blessings!
Linda

I'm already on Chantix. I've been able to cut way back to 1-2 a day, but not totaly quit. This morning DH informed me that he had quit as of bedtime last night. I had one on the way to work, but none since. I have 2 left. I think once I get home tonight, I'm back on the wagon.

Yeah Patty!  You go girl!  You are already doing so well.  I'm proud of you and know you can kick the cigs.  We're all cheering for you.

Linda

OHSU does ask that smokers stop smoking prior to surgery, but it does not seem like a requirement.  Patients, staff, and faculty are not allowed to smoke anywhere on the OHSU campus.

Better to quit smoking NOW if you want to have WLS.  Smoking can cause post-anesthesia complications that may require a stay in the SICU.  If you resume smoking at any time after surgery, then it may cause ulcers in your new pouch or stomach.

My mom smoked 3-5 packs a day for more than 40 years before she quit cold turkey.  It was too late for her, as she died a year later.  But many of her close friends quit smoking cold turkey because of her and most of them are still alive more than 20 years later.

If my mom and her friends can quit smoking cold turkey, then so can you.

I know my recovery will be much easier as a non-smoker. Just with cutting back, I see a big improvement when I swim - my breathing is already easier. Hubby is going cold turkey - I have my Chantix. Boy our house is going to be volatile for the next week or so - LOL!

Just my 2cents.

I have "stopped" several times in the past for 2 or more yeras at a time. Each time, I have just decided "i'm done" and walked away.  This time what has made it difficult is that I HAVE* to quit. It's almost like a feeling of that rebelious teenager. The adult will win but wow is that teenager trying hard!

As far as the Chantrix goes, it DOES work. I was actually part of the clinical trials but had to stop when my blood pressure went crazy (unrelated to the Cantrix, PCP did not have my dosing right)