Quitting smoking

So, I have to quit smoking. I know, I know.....you want to get the surgery to improve your health, so why would you continue to smoke?? I guess I never thought of it that way, but I was told that I need to quit smoking and they will do a blood draw right before surgery. If there is any nicotine in my system, surgery WILL be cancelled.  Has anyone else had to do this in order to have surgery?? I really want and NEED to quit, but I know it's going to be HARD!!!!!  How long does it take for the nicotine to get out of your system?  Tara

Yep, very common.  If you are still smoking, there are SO many more complications that could happen to you.  Do quit.  Recovery will be so much easier if you do a while before you have surgery. I know there is a new drug out there called Chantix (sp?) that is suppose to be really helpful.  A lady at work was using it before I left to have surgery.  She was doing great.   I quit on my own 3 months before surgery.  I was just tired of feeling yucky at the end of the day and knew I needed to quit for surgery and put a patch on at work after I smoked my last one and didnt' get up the rest of that day or the next.  I didn't go to the store for a couple of days, would send my kids.  After day 3 I realized I hadn't changed the patch and figured I didn't need it anymore.   Had to be God  helping out, I haven't missed it at all.  That was March 14th. I'll send up a prayer for you....God Luck!  *S*

Oh wow Tara....I'm in exactly the same boat.  My quit starts tonight at midnight actually.  I'm scared...but I want the surgery more than I want to smoke....doesn't make it any easier though.  I'll send one up for you...and go to quitnet.com.  It's an excellent site if you haven't already seen it.  Gives you the money you've saved, how many ciggs you haven't smoked, hours added onto your life. I don't know how long it takes to get out...but don't risk it.  My biggest worry was the weight gain.  When I quit the last time I put on 10 pounds in the 2 weeks I was quit.  But...we don't have to worry about that now do we?  LOL  Take care! Claire

Yeah, I heard about the testing thing to see if you have nicotine in your system.  I tell you, I started my WL journey 2 1/2 years ago. My surgeon at the time TOLD ME I HAD TO QUIT 6 WEEKS BEFORE my surgery.  I DID IT!!  Went to my pre-op testing, thought that everything was good. Got home & they called me to tell me that I had a low thyroid level.  SURGERY WAS CANCELED.  I was crushed.  I thought that I would pick up a cigarette, but I DIDN't.  I didn't know how long it would take before I could have my WLS done.  I still am pre-op (you can read my profile to see details) & I haven't had a cigarette since I quit 2 1/2 years ago.  oh wait, I took a drag of one on my birthday, but I thought that I was going to barf.(lol)  If I can do it, YOU CAN TO.  IT's ALL IN YOUR HEAD!!  Be positive.  GOOD LUCK.

I think MOST surgeons require you to quit smoking before surgery.  I've also heard many surgeons do the blood test for it too.  It really does put a damper on how you recover.  It makes your blood circulation not as good...which means blood can't as easily get to your incisions/wounds to heal as fast.  It leaves a bunch of gunk in your lungs to cough out and after surgery you aren't going to feel like coughing while you're in pain.  And those pesky respiratory therapists (like me) will be bugging you  all day and night to cough and deep breathe to help your lungs clear up. It is hard to quit smoking.  The hardest part is the habit of it.  Most people are ok getting the nicotine out of the system but it's the habit of having one after meals or while driving or with coffee...that's what makes it rough.  Oh, and I know how long it takes to get nicotine out of the body  ....but I'm not spilling the beans. What if you went to your doctor (PCP maybe) and asked for Chantix...it's a new drug that helps people quit smoking and I've heard many people say great things about it. You CAN do this, take one day at a time.

Well, I had my 2nd out of 6 PCP appts.  She put me on Chantix!!! YES!!!!!!!!!! Now I just have to wait for our new insurance to kick in so I can get the script filled.  I'm SOOOO ready for this!!!!  I'm also going to go to that quitnet site. Thanks!! Tara