Question:
Can anyone tell me if BTC does a Blood Gas Draw the morning of surgery?

I'm scheduled for surgery in a few days. I had quit smoking and was doing very well until I learned about the death of a member here on Friday. I went out to the bar with some friends and had a little smokefest/piti party where I smoked. Now I'm worried that BTC will do a blood gas the morning of surgery. Does anyone know if they do this routinely?    — April S. (posted on November 8, 2003)

November 8, 2003
april, my surgery is on the 25th at btc and i was told that my bmi wasnt high enough (has to be 50) to do a blood gas. just the reg blood work, etc.
   — JennA

November 8, 2003
My BMI isn't anywhere near 50... I was told they do it to test your carbon dioxide levels and oxygen levels. And to test if you've been smoking.
   — April S.

November 8, 2003
I had surgery with BTC, and I don't recall a blood gas test on the morning of surgery. However, I would really encourage you to stop from now until surgery. I had stopped a full two months prior to my RNY surgery, and I did very well with my breathing afterwards, but even at that, I coughed up the darndest bunch of thick stuff out of my lungs after that surgery. When I saw what I was coughing up, even after having been stopped for 2 months, I was REALLY glad that I had stopped. In comparison, after my recent belt lipectomy (4 hours out vs. 1.5 for the RNY), I had no problems at all with breathing. It does make a huge difference to your recovery. Do yourself a favor and stay quit until at least 8 weeks after surgery. I promise you will be really glad you did.
   — Greg P.

November 9, 2003
I want you to know I was one of those who smoked before surgery I came out on a ventalator and had breathing problems. I ended up spending 9 days in the hospital insted of 4 or 5. Please let your Dr. know you have smoked as far as blood gas nicotien will disapear in 72 hours so if you value your life let someone know you smoked it will be better in the long run.
   — D P.

November 9, 2003
I think alot of people have their blood gases taken and don't even know it, but it is pretty important for them to know especially if you have sleep apnea. I would just be honest and tell them, especially if it worries you. Your safety is more important than anything!
   — Saxbyd

November 9, 2003
For the record :) I didnt make myself very clear. I went six months without ONE cigarette. Friday night I smoked between six and ten. I haven't had one since. I don't even consider myself a smoker. I practice with my spirometer, and practice the deep coughing. I am not smoking now. Didn't want ya'll thinking I was going into this setting myself up to get pneumonia. April
   — April S.