Question:
I have a problem.

I was never a big smoker, maybe a half pack a day. I have tried VERY hard to quit smoking since I was told by the Center that I had to for surgery. I am now down to 3 cigarettes a day. I am only 13 days away from surgery, do you think they will cancel? I no longer even buy them, and I am totally done as of today (due to all the smoking Q & A's lately) But do you guys think this is enough time to be able to go thru surgery? Please Help.    — crazym68 (posted on January 18, 2006)

January 18, 2006
Hi Marina Have you had your pre-op blood work done yet? We can tell by the blood work just about how many ciggies you smoke a day, because of the carbon M level in your blood- so if asked, tell the lab tech and the doctor the truth. Better to tell them the truth, because if you tell them you have stopped, the lab work will say differently. No all surgeons require you to stop, some do and some dont, however its best if you dont- but some hospitals do ask ( the surgical dept, not necessiarly the surgeon) you not to smoke 2 days prior to surgery, doesnt matter which type of surgery. If you are down to 3 a day, I would stop them now. You can start again when u get home from the hospital, but please be more safe than sorry, most of the post op pneumonia is caused by smoking and I would hate to see you be ill when u could be home post op rather than in the hospital. I always asked my patients to stop smoking at least 2weeks pre op, for elective surgeryi- of course if it was an emergency surgery, the patient couldnt stop. Good Luck Cindi -217#
   — DollyDoodles

January 18, 2006
you know, I was wondering that very same thing! My insurance company (b/c/b/s federal employee program) said one of the requirement for the wls is "proof that you hadn't smoked 8 weeks prior to surgery". I was wondering how they'd be able to tell. Dang, it's hard to up and quit all at once! A friend of mine had gastric bypass and she said back then (about 1 and a half year ago) they didn't require you to quit smoking.-M.B
   — WannaBSlim

January 18, 2006
I can't remember whether or not my partner's surgeon asked her to stop smoking -- I don't believe he did. But I think she stopped during that time any way. I'm glad I want have that problem.
   — the7thdean

January 19, 2006
I realize that 3 cigs a day is not much but boy I would get rid of those too. I know it is hard I am just 3 days out from totally quitting a 2 ppd habit---but i figure in the long run it is better for my system---and you heal quicker if you dont smoke too---So with that being said---you can do it!!!!! Just think about how you are going to look after it all is said and done--no pain no gain---Hugs to you and God Bless Robin
   — antkneemom