Question:
Is Chantix ok after surgery?

I have recently started taking Chantix to quit smoking. It has really worked so far. I know nausea is a side effect but for me it happens after taking it whether I eat with it or don't. Has anyone else experiences this? Is it this bad because of my gastric bypass? Is it safe to take it after surgery? I need to know if I should stop taking it and try a different method to quit.    — posprudence (posted on January 19, 2008)

January 19, 2008
This is a very good question and one which should be addressed to your surgeon. They can tell you exactly what ca and can't be taken before and after surgery. They would also know alternatives. Perhaps if you've quit smoking before your surgery ( which is required, isn't it) then maybe you won't need it anymore anyway. I just had my surgery on MOnday, and I thought "I'll never stop drinking coffee" and yet it's been 1 week since I've had any and I have no desire for any. I guess my point here is that the surgery changes a lot....some things that you wouldn't expect.
   — cjjordan

January 19, 2008
I'm really surprised your surgeon agreed to do surgery if you were still smoking. I know my surgeon WILL NOT perform the surgery on anyone who is smoking. The smoking can irritate part of the surgery, causing ulcers, which may cause additional procedures to be done. I highly suggest you stop smoking ASAP, as you're only increasing problems from your RNY surgery. You might try a hypnotist to stop smoking. I tried that in 1991 and it worked great.
   — Dave Chambers

January 19, 2008
Cassandra, My RNY surgery is in February and I took Chantix for about 6 months. I did have the nausea feeling also, but you get used to it and it went away for me. I go for pre-op and lab work next week and was worried that it might affect the blood work, so I asked my Dr. and he said it wouldn't affect it. I should be off the chantix by the time I have surgery in three weeks, but it has been a lifesaver. I didn't think I would ever be able to quit smoking, but I really don't miss it at all and I smoked two packs a day. If you have any questions be sure to ask your own Dr. Terridez.
   — terridez

January 19, 2008
Hi Cassandra, hope this will help.. i was a smoker for 30 yrs. maybe more :( no way no how would my surgeon even consider this surgery untill i was at least 8 wks. smoke free. i tried on my own, and did pretty good, but the Chantix was my lifesaver. since i had my surgery 11-26-07 i had stopped all together not smoking :) without chantix. BUT a wk. ago i was craving a smoke, so i had one, or two, and then i realized no no cant do this.. so i am now back on the chantix and doing quite well. no more cravings. and surgeon said it was fine...good luck to you...........congrats
   — kimcrain