Question:
how long should you go without smoking before going under?

   — lottie C. (posted on February 12, 2005)

February 12, 2005
There are lots of surgeons who will refuse to perform surgery on someone who hasn't stopped smoking. It will all depend on your surgeon. You'll want to ask them this question. Some surgeons don't give a hoot if you smoke, others do.
   — Shayna T.

February 12, 2005
Lottie, I know this is bad, but I smoked up till I walked in the door the day of surgery :(. And even after the surgery I wheeled all my stuff with me and went outside :( to smoke, that was because they BUSTED me in the bathroom, so the Doctor oked it for me to go outside. Its better if you can quit, and I no its not easy. I just had to be tested to see how my lungs where before surgery but got the clear. Well GOOD LUCK!!!! Christine Clymire Post-Op 18 months and 151lbs lighter!!!!
   — blainejrjeni

February 12, 2005
Dear Lottie, As a plastic surgeon, I insist that all of my smoker patients quit all nicotine products one month prior to surgery and refrain at least one month afterwards. This really is important for any kind of surgery, in order to decrease the incidence of significant complications. Joshua Kreithen, M.D. www.lakewoodranchplasticsurgery.com
   — Joshua Kreithen, M.D.

February 12, 2005
My doctor would rather you quit all together and will refuse you if you have not quit (they can tell by looking at your "blood gases" before surgery. (Blood work) But the anesthesiologist wants you to quit at least 3 weeks out since it will take that long for your lungs to heave up and expel any built up crud in your lungs. You can speed up the process by using an inspiratory incentive device. As your respiratory therapist about one!
   — MagickalMom

February 12, 2005
From what I have heard, you should at least stop smoking one month prior to surgery. Your body and lungs need to be okay with the anestisia. If you do not stop, you might have a bad reaction to the anestisia. Good luck!!
   — Michelle M.

February 12, 2005
Hi Lottie; I smoked for 23 years!!! I heard that I might not be able to have my surgery if they saw smoke in my blood gases so I stopped 2 weeks before I was supposed to have my surgery, although my surgery was postponed for other reasons I still remain smoke free and my surgery is rescheduled for Feb 24th. At first I wanted to die when I quit I was mad about it, but then I thought what did I want more the cigarette or the tool to save my life against morbid obesity, if you want this surgery more than stop, and everytime you think about a cigarette think about how you are going to make yourself healthier after the surgery so start now. I couldnt believe I was able to stop, I loved smoking!!!! But now I love being smoke free and so do my children!! Good luck to you!!!! You can do it!!! Get the crap out of your lungs before surgery honey!!
   — kaligirl1993

February 12, 2005
Lottie, that is a question for your surgeon. Some do not require you to quit, and those that do have different time frames for being nicotine free. ~~Rebecca
   — RebeccaP

February 13, 2005
WLS is all about getting healthy. Smokers literally put their life on the line. More leaks, blood clots, poorer healing, post op ulcers, would you let a baby smoke? your new pouch is like a babys stomach, couging can cause hernias, requiring a follow up surgery. most good surgeons require you to be smoke free for at least a month or 2 before surgery, note these risks are specific to WLS and are beyond all the known risks of smoking.
   — bob-haller