Question:
Has anyone here smoked prior to surgery? What are the Risks?

I am sceduled to have surgery on Friday, but because I told the Doctors office I am still smoking they might have to cancell me and my Insurance cancells the August 23. I would really like to know what the dangers are of smoking and surgery. I am 39 I smoke about 2 packs a day and I am having a hard time quitting. Please if anyone can tell me if they have smoked prior to surgery and the amount let me know. I also would like to hear if anyone had complications from smoking and the surgery. Thank you so much, Tammy Brinegar [email protected]    — Tammy B. (posted on July 26, 2000)

July 26, 2000
The risks are easy--Death. A friend of mine is a surgeon's assistant. She told me that they almost lost a patient the other day because the patient lied to the doctor and said she quit when she hadn't. We are already at an increased risk because of our weight. Smoking increases it further. I know it's difficult to quit, but the risks are very real! You can do it!! Good luck to you!
   — [Deactivated Member]

July 27, 2000
I'm 46, and smoked 2 packs a day prior to quitting 10 weeks before surgery. Since it was the 4th time I'd tried, I know just how hard it can be. Even with 10 weeks between my last smoke and surgery, I had a much harder time than those who don't smoke. Deep breathing was very difficult, my lungs gave me fits and I refused to let them take away my oxygen until the day before my discharge. Smoking and WLS are not compatible. The good news? I'm down 139 pounds (only 30 pounds from goal) in 7 months and still smoke-free. I wish you the same!
   — Duffy H.

November 11, 2000
I just had my consultation and was approved. I told my surgeon that I smoked and asked if I MUST quit. He, of course, said smoking is not good for you but he would not ask me to quit. He said that I may heal slower than others but it was my decision. I've chosen Lap RNY, not the open. HE ALSO SAID THAT HE HAS NEVER HAD A DEATH FROM SMOKING.
   — Linda K.

January 18, 2001
I was told by my Dr that the main reason they want you to quit smoking prior to surgery is because under general anesthesia your oxygen levels automatically drop (even non smokers).As a smoker,your oxygen level can drop dangerously low.My Dr has had to bring two of his patients back up from the anesthesia and postpone thier surgeries for this reason.
   — AngelNTx65

March 28, 2003
My surgery is scheduled in 7 days. I smoked about a pack a day up until 2 months ago when I started taking Wellbutrin. I smoke about 3-4 cigs a day now, and I asked my surgeon AND my anesthesiologist if I had to COMPLETELY stop smoking prior to the surgery. My doc said that he would PREFER that I completely quit, but he would not cancel the surgery if I still was smoking 3-4 cigs a day. My anesthesiologist was thrilled that I had cut down that much and said that there is a higher risk than a non-smoker, but that I should be okay. I think that the 2-3 days I'm in the hospital not smoking will push me over the edge to completely quit, but right now I still want the few I have, I guess like a security blanket. I highly recommend Wellbutrin... it really cuts the craving and withdrawal symptoms.
   — Laura R.