Question:
Did anyone smoke? Did it effect the healing process?
— hlopez (posted on February 27, 2009)
February 27, 2009
Most doctors want you to quit smoking. It can effect your stomach acids
after and there's the basic idea that you're having surgery to get healthy
so start with quitting. It can effect the healing process and it can
aggravate your stomach. Even if someone here posts that yes, they smoke,
it's not what you should be doing.
— Shirley D.
February 27, 2009
I quit the month prior to surgery. I started back. My doctor had a fit
when he found out. He says now he refuses to do surgery at all on a
smoker. It does pose alot of problems related to surgery healing and other
health issues.
— lesleigh07
February 27, 2009
Hi. I probably shouldn't be saying this, but I smoked. I told my Dr. I had
quit, but I didn't. I was out of the hospital in 1 day, and was just fine.
I actually healed quicker that other people I knew who had had WLS, but I
am sure that was not because I was smoking! So while I can not say how you
would do, but I did and it turned out perfectly. Best of luck!
— heidihaaland
February 27, 2009
My doctor also INSISTED that I quit smoking. I did, about one day before
the surgery!! The thing is, I haven't had one since (January 22nd). There
are days that I would like to smoke, but most times, the smell is turning
my stomach.
I would suggest that you not smoke the day before your surgery if you can
help it at all.
Best of luck to you!!
— anitak
February 27, 2009
If you have not stopped smoking at least one month before surgery, my
doctor will not do surgery on someone who smokes. If you are serious about
getting healthy and not having any problems during or after you should
really consider giving it up. You will feel so much better. :0)
— sse032568
February 28, 2009
I had my surgery July 18th 2005 almost 4 years ago. I smoked also. I could
not quit due to my panic attacks and depression. Believe it or not tobacco
is an anti depressent according to my psychtherapists. I honestly tried
before surgery but could not quit. I came through the surgery with flying
colors my doctor told me because they first thought that they are gonna
have to do an open RNY on me. Not the case at all. TG! I healed eventually
but not at the rate I though I should. I had to pack my incisions but
finally healed just fine. I also had diabetes and this makes me prone to
healing longer anyway. I lost a total of 130 pounds and since gained only
10-15 pounds back. My weight has been steady since. I would like to lose an
additional 50 pounds. That is my goal and I think that would be fine. They
also told me if they smelled smoke on me that I would be sent home, but
they didnt but my surgery was delayed from 10 AM to almost 5PM. My nerves
were getting the best of me so I went outside to smoke several times while
waiting, but they did not send me home. I also did not have to do no diets
beforehand either like some people I have noticed now have to do. All they
asked me was to try and lose about 25 pounds. I couldnt do that either.
Listen to your doctor after the surgery though, it is very important and
know some here in my town that did not and have had problems from not
listening. I had a problem right after surgery not listening but decided
that was dumb not to listen to the dieatician. I am fine now.
— trishhooper
February 28, 2009
Hi! I was also a smoker. My doctor made me take a drug test before the
surgery to make sure I had quit smoking. He won't do surgery on people who
smoke. I struggled, but took Chantix and quit. I kept asking myself,
"Why are you having a live saving surgery if you're just going to kill
yourself by smoking?" It helped me when I'd smell the smoke on
someone or when I was really craving a smoke! I don't have to tell you
that you should stop smoking....you already know it.
— [Deactivated Member]
February 28, 2009
The program I am planning to go through says you must quit smoking 4 months
(I think) prior to surgery and that they would nicotine test to see if you
really had quit. They won't do the surgery if you smoke.
— jackiestt
February 28, 2009
If you're going to have surgery to loose weight and be healthy, why
wouldn't you stop smoking too?
— Virginia H.
March 1, 2009
Hi Helen, I am a smoker too and was also told to quit, but did not.
Although the surgery went fine my lungs filled with fluid after. It was
very painful and scary, I wished i WOULD have quit. I know alot of people
who have used chantix to quit, I tried it and didnt like it, but you could
also ask for a small dose of ativan or valiuum to calm your nerves while
your quitting ( again it didnt work for me lol but i know a few people who
it HAS helped when they took it along with the nicotine patch) I hope you
can find a way to quit, I wish you well =)
— Tammy M.
March 5, 2009
hi hate to say this but i smoked. i didn't in the hospital of course and
for a few days when i got home but started having a few a day. i healed
just fine.
— bikermama
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