Here in Ottawa it was 6 months they told me - but I have been smoking before and after surgery so I wouldnt worry!!!! They are hiprocrites themselves cause the surgeon here in Ottawa Dr Mamazza is actually a heavy smoker - met him at esticiiana nd we had one together waiting outside to get our feet done!!!! Dont owrry having 1 or 2 or 3 every blue moon is nothing - it wont stay in your blood stream!

Are we talking about going into surgery as healthy as possible to have the best outcome possible or finding a way to scam the health professionals?

While I'm very glad that everything has worked out well for you with your choices, I really don't think this is "good advice" to be giving others.

Personally, I don't care if my surgeon smokes or doesn't smoke - that's his business & his health.  I quit smoking 3 & 1/2 years ago because I wanted to try to be a healthier person. I was a bit too late - I have COPD, even though I quit. You don't say how long you quit prior to surgery & how long after surgery you started smoking again, but I simply wouldn't want to risk the possibility of complications due to smoking. I guess that you were fortunate that they never tested you for nicotine in your system or you'd still be waiting to have surgery.  I know that it's your personal business but I just know how tough it is to quit & I can't imagine quitting & then starting up again.  By the way, even having "1 or 2 or 3 every blue moon" can harm you - it's not just the "pack-a-day smokers" who get cancer, COPD, strokes and so many other illnesses from smoking.......

Deb

When I consider the many people waiting to have this life saving surgery and then read your comments, it makes me think how unfortunate that someone with your lack of commitment made it through the screening process

Edited to add - these comments are directed at BigMomma - not the OP

In 2009 there was a lady on here who was to have surgery.  She was all prep'd and ready to go to surgery and they denied her because she told them that she was a smoker.  Obviously I can't recall all the details perfectly.  The lady never did come back to post on OH if she ever got her surgery.
There are plenty of reasons to quit, especially for surgery.

Good luck!

Yea I was told you had to be smoke free for three months before they would even give you a surgery date. So I am not sure, maybe you should call and ask..

The issue with smoking is that it increases your risk to developing ulcers and it delays your healing. Let's not talk about the risks postop of lung issues following anesthesia and blood clots. At TWH it is 6 months. They can tests via blood work. I do know of some who did not quit and yes did have their surgery but is it worth the increase risk to problems post op?

Sorry for the rant but it is the nurse in me (been a nurse for 30 yrs.). Seen to many smokers have problems post op.
Leslie

 Just my two cents...whether the surgeon smokes or not is not the issue...he's not the one going into this surgery, you are.  What he does on his time really isn't our concern, it's his life...you sound like you already know the answer, go with it.  I wouldn't want to be the "one" they tested and denied based on having one or two once in a while, I would so kick myself in the ass.  After everything else you have done for yourself to get here, do this for yourself too...it will only contribute to your healthier lifestyle after anyway.

I know that quitting smoking is the hardest thing I ever did for myself, it's also one of my proudest accomplishments.  I am now about 10 yrs smoke free, and remember thinking I wouldn't be able to do it.  YOU CAN DO IT!!!

Lori

Hey Brandy, in Hamilton we were told 6 months for SMOKING and DRINKING.