Why is smoking not recommended when getting WLS

I know this might be a stupid question but i've heard people been asked that or have read it while filling out an application and I wanted to know why if you are a smoker, you automatically do not qualify for the surgery although you have plenty of co-mor? What affect does cigarette smoking have on the surgery and if one is a smoker, how long should they wait after they stop to start with the WLS procedure?

sorry, i put this on the wrong post but if anyone can comment, i will be glad to read about it or any information.

Natalia: Don't quote me on this, but I have a feeling the answer to your question has to do with damage to your lungs that smoking can cause. There is already a concern with operating on overweight people - and apparently, there is the same amount of concern operating on smokers. When you put the two together, it's a big mess. I've heard that breathing can be difficult after surgery, specifically trying to take deep breaths. You might want to ask your PCP about it - they could probably give you some more information that makes sense! Hope this helps a little!

Lisa; the main reson why the surgeons ask smokers to quit is mostly because the chemicals in cigarettes massively reduce your healing time after surgery. You were correct on the 2 reasons you gave though. I had been smoking for over 30 yrs. and quit 10 days ago. Even though they advise you to quit 7 days before surgery; I feel it's easier to just try to quit ALOT sooner to better your chances.

They say it takes more med to put you to sleep if you smoke unless it's emergency they ask you not to smoke at least a week before surgery, Harriett