Question:
I'm a smoker. I just stopped about a week ago. I'm having plastic sx in August.

I would like to take a product like a colon cleanser to help cleanse my system for the next few weeks prior to sx. I'm a little afraid because don't they swell in the stomach? Being a post gastric bypass patient, that makes me a little nervous. Can anyone assist?    — DA C. (posted on July 10, 2005)

July 10, 2005
My only suggestions is to talk with your Dr. about what should be taken, As a gastric bypass patient we have to be more careful about what we put into our bodies,certian things are not made for us be very cautioned, and I wish you all the luck with you surgery and a speedy recovery,my God bless you and you family. Brenda Camp
   — Brenda C.

July 10, 2005
Honestly its probably better to delay plastics, to give your body a chance to clear the toxins naturally. I doubt anything you can injest will clear your lungs...
   — bob-haller

July 10, 2005
definatly talk to your doctor. I am very wary of stuff like colon cleansers anyways, WLS or not. Ant thing that is "flushing" out your colon is taking fluids and electrolytes that your body needs. You dont want to play with your health prior to surgery. I know from my own personal ewxperience that I did not have a clue as to how very difficult the plastics would be on my body, my energy level etc. You must not risk going into it with your electrolytes etc out of balance from this stuff. Your ps may be ok with you quitting somoking several weeks preop. otherwise do not hesitate to delay til you are totally healthy.
   — **willow**

July 11, 2005
I would take to your surgeon. On what his policy is on 'no somoking' prior to surgery. When I had my PS - my surgeon stated the only time he EVER had complications was when his patient was a smoker.... Im sure you dont want complications and nor does he... talk to him.
   — star .

July 11, 2005
Amen. Smoking is a MAJOR contributor to poor healing...and its the nicotine that is the problem. I want my patients smoke-free for a month prior to surgery. Every surgeon has their own preferences, so check. You also need a very clear idea from your doc what the increased risks are...even former smokers still have healing problems too.
   — DrL