Smoking

You started up after 3 years? I haven't cheated yet. Some weeks are easier then others, but I hope this isn't going to be a constant battle. I went on Zyban for a week and hated it. It made me too edgy, but each person is different. I have been cold turkey since. Good luck!

Why do you have to quit smoking? I have been a smoker and I didnt have to quit before the surgery. I am not really smoking now....I had the surgery 3 weeks ago. But I thought occassionally I could have a cigarette. Is this not so??????????

They want you to quit smoking prior to surgery because they don't want you to get pnemonia while in the hospital. They also want you to quit because something about the smoking keeps your fat in take stuck to you, or something like that. I am not 2 month post op and I have been smoke free almost 4 months. I fight the urge every day. I really hope I get over this hump or who knows, I may go back to smoking. The only thing that keeps me from smoking is the fact that I enjoy being able to smell and taste again. I thought I could before I quit, but I can so much more now.

I too had to quit smoking for 3 months in order to have surgery. (Note: I am still working on approval.) I have cravings every day and it is very hard not to go back, but I'm very determined not to mess up. However, I have had thoughts of going back to smoking if I can't get insurance to approve me.

I have now gone 4 months with out smoking and it hasn't been the easiest. I enjoy not stinking like smoke, but I miss the oral fixation. As I think I have said before in this post, I now say that "today I will not smoke." That has changed from "I never plan on smoking again." It is a constant struggle, but something I am glad to have given up. As far as starting up again if you aren't approved, you need to look deep down and see why you might start up again. Good luck in whatever happens. Dave

Hi Dave. I quit smoking with the help of Nicorette gum 2 years ago. I am now 5 months post-op, and have picked up the habit again . I feel very stupid, as I am aware of the serious risks. This weekend I am going out to the bar, so I haven't tried quitting again this week. However next week it is my plan to try and go cold turkey. If that doesn't work then I will be checking with my surgeons office to see if they can help me with a quit smoking product. I have only been back at the habit for a month now, however I can't continue. I have come too far, and been blessed with a new healthier life - I can't screw it up now!!! Good luck to you, I know how hard it is. Heather RNY 9/01/04 - down 93#

Hey Heather, I am sorry to admit, I have started up again after the surgery. My life has been in a whirlwind lately. I am going through a divorce, and all that stress has led me back to smoking. I hope once I get out on my own I can quit again. I hate that I have to use smoking as a vice. Good luck to you! Dave

Hi, I am not a smoker, but I have family members that smoke and I do know that smoking can cause stomach ulcers. My sister just passed away Sunday and she had COPD. She was only 59! She had to almost quit when she went on oxygen full time. She could only smoke a few a day. But she did have a stomach ulcer and the whole bit. I know it must be hard. My father-in-law had acupuncture and has not smoked in years, so I guess that worked for him. As with all our addictions, we have got to just keep on trying and never give up. May God help us all.

 The reason that you have to quiit smoking before the surgery is because of risks with breathing under anesthesia, after surgery (gastric bypass) is because you can get ulcers in your surgical connections. I am a year post op and am down from 250lbs to 135, i quit smoking for about 6 months and started again, I am deathly afraid of getting these ulcers, I am quitting next week, I am just afraid i have done damage.
Has anyone had any ulcers from smoking?