Smoking

Hey everyone..Just how bad/serious is it if you are a smoker..like a pack a day smoker? I know I have to give up my diet cokes, or any caffeine ..this is not easy but I have done it....but I just can't seem to quit smoking and my surgery is scheduled for next week.. Thanks! Kathy W.

When I went for my initial consult, I wasnt smoking (Had stopped 3 years earlier). Well, I started back about a month and a half before surgery. I never told my doctors (big NO, no), and have only smoked once since surgery. The night I came home from the hospital, my husband went out with a couple of friends since our son was at my parents. I went outside, lit a cigarette (feeling horribly guilty), and woke up 30 minutes later. I will NEVER put another cigarette in my hand or mouth again. I passed out on my front porch at 10 pm at night. It's not worth it. If you are willing to change your dieting and eating, then you should be willing to do whatever it takes to stay completely healthy. I dont' know where I would be if I didn't pass out, but I'm thankful I did. It's made me breathe better, and generally feel better. You can do it. If you can give up what you have to for this surgery to work, cigarettes are a breeze. I hope that sounded supportive! I meant for it to! Take care, Ashleigh 251/214.5/140ish

Kathy, I smoked up until surgery and then after surgery, I all the sudden couldn't stand the smell. This lasted all of 5 months. One day I got majorly stressed and I didn't have food to turn to so I lit one up. I have now been smoking again about 3-4 mos about a pack per week. My intention is to try and quit soon but darned if it don't taste so good. Good luck, Kelly Open RNY10/19/04 -138lbs

Who is your surgeon? I'm having my surgery with Dr. Husted and I've been told numerous times that he will do a blood test on the morning of surgery for nicotine. If it's positive, no surgery. You might want to check on that! Yikes.

Hi Kathy, I totally understand about the smoking. They will do a blood test the morning of surgery. It's easier to quit, go outside and stand in the heat while you smoke. Keep them out of the house and car. The next time you will have to decide how bad do I want to stand in the heat just for a cigarette, or how bad to I want to stand in the rain for this smoke? You will find that when you start noticing that you are breathing easier, your home and car smell better, it will be easier to quit. One post-op lied to her Dr. that she had quit. I saw the same Surgeon and he told me about this. He trusted that she told the truth and didn't do the blood test prior to being put to sleep, she almost died, and had to be ventilated for several days in the hospital. Is it worth it? If I smoke outside only, and keep them outside even on the porch, it will take me 3-4 days to smoke one pack. But I manage to do it around my family, but as soon as I get home, near my computer, I am lighting up one after the other, most of it burns up but I am still breathing it in. Plus, because of high sleep apnea, I have to be on 2 liters of oxygen at night, as my oxygen drops from it being in my system and in my room. This surgery is a tool to help us have healthier lifestyles. Smoking only shortens our lives more, we all need to really think about this. For me it's more of a hand to mouth habit. Either I eat or I smoke. I can't snack on raw veggies, I have no teeth now, so I end up smoking more. It's a catch 22 for all of us. We all know about depression, stress levels, eating disorders. We all need to change if we want to live our new or old lives healthier. Sorry to go on. I have been on this board long enough to learn a lot from past post-ops. Only you can decide, what is best. But about 90% of the surgeons will draw blood prior to the surgery to make sure you will be able to breath when you go under. May God help you on your new journey to make the right choices. Love Kathy

Gees..and Gees!!! Thank you all for posting a reply! Here it is 4:30 in the morning..and I am totally freaking out..I mean..even my fingers get numb after awhile ..I KNOW I need to quit smoking,>>>I know it..duh...I am so freakin scared..BUT this is my last chance to lose weight and keep it off... I am probably the OLDEST person on this board...I am not stupid, etc..I know I should quit smoking..but if the truth be known..I am really truly not wanting to..HOWEVER..I also do not want to die in surgery...hmmmmmm I have been having trouble sleeping and everything else..Is this normal??? I just want to get RID OF THIS FAT!! I have tried everything over the years..Lost over a 100 pounds at one point...I just do not have the strength to go through that scene again... Sorry to be so negative..BUT I am wanting to hear encouragement or something from you good people!! HUGS