Got Smoke?

Other then the obvious reasons...Why is it SOOOO bad that someone smokes that has WLS??? A friend of mine was denied my her insurance only b/c she is a smoker.

1) ulcers - smoking is a leading cause of ulcers in the pouch and stoma as a post-op 2) lung issues after surgery - I had a hard enough time blowing up that damn machine they gave me to blow in - I can't imagine doing it if I was a smoker then 3) Pulmunary embolisms are responsible for a large percentage of deaths directly following surgery - blood clots in the lungs - the healthier the lungs are - the lower the risk 4) Overall attitude towards health and compliance. Insurance companies and doctors feel that we will be more compliant with the post-op lifestyle changes if we are seriously committed to being healthy, and this means that we need to commit to not smoking too. I hope that helped - I think there may be a few more reasons, but those are all I coudl think of right now. hugs, Michelle

Michelle's answers are right on target. Especially the one about compliance. Hugs, trish

I am a smoker. When I had wls thank God I had quit for 14 yrs! Mostly due to the reasons Michelle posted. Even tho I was 14 yr without a smoke I still was on nebulizer treatment post op to keep my oxygen levels up. Now that said when I was stressed and had no food and was very upset I chose to smoke post op instead of drink or take a valium. Not a smart thing but that was just before I joined a 12 step program and my choices may have been worse. I still smoke 2 yr later. I am struggling with quitting. I can only say if the surgery is what you need and want it is worth giving it up. It is hard. Only you know if you are willing to start the journey. I would not say I have a single regret about the wls. Laurie