Smokeless in NC

Well, had my first appt with Dr. Voellinger. Everything looks fine but need to be smoke free for 3 months. One month down, two to go. So probably looking at a surgery date in February sometime. I was really impressed with Dr. V. and his staff. They're all very helpful. Hope everyone has a good week and great holidays. - Bobby

Bobby Keep up the no smoking thing - great job. I know it is tough as I quit 10 years ago. Anyway, I just had my RNY surgery with Dr. V on 10/25. I am down 21 lbs since then and 43 since 10/1. Good Luck! Chris

Thanks for the encouraging words Chris! Glad to hear your surgery went well. Sounds like you are well on your way to meeting your goals. - Bobby

Hello Bobby~ By any chance, when you went to see Dr. Voellinger did he mention a blood test that they do to some how check to see if you have been smoking? I too am/was a smoker and had to quit before Dr. V would even see me, my first appt was actully Sept 22, but they called to cancel because they saw that I was a smoker. Now my first appt is Nov 28th, I'm ok with the smoking and actully quit cold turkey and have done very well. Anyway sorry if I seem to babble. Best of luck to you Donna

Hi Donna, yes he sure did mention that test. He said he didn't want to see my lab results until Jan. 15th; 3 months after quitting. Wonder which test it is and what they actually measure. Regardless, a small price to pay for being able to have WLS. Albeit, there are many times at work I wish I could light up. - Bobby

Bobby, Congrats on your decision to have WLS. My dr does the test to make sure your not smoking, I cannot remember if they do it at the physical and at the preop or what. There are several other's who've had to quit smoking prior to surgery. I'm sure all the dr's follow this protocal. I know several people who've had DR V and I"ve heard pretty good stuff about him. It's my understanding his practice is growing and he's not really able to keep up with the demand. GoodLuck on the journey. Jennifer

The whole smoking thing is so worth it!!! Hang in there and stick with it. The test is a blood test, Carboxy I think is the name of it. Not 100% sure on that. Good Luck!!!!

Keep it up! Second to losing weight, quitting smoking was the hardest think I ever did! It has been 4+ years for me now and wouldn't go back to smoking if ya' made me! Just wait until you become the dreaded "reform smoker"!