Question:
Has anyone used Dr. Wongsa (HOU)..Smoking???

I have my first consultation with Dr. Wongsa 03-10-03. I was going to try to stop smoking before my initial consultation 04-04-03, but my appointment was bumped up!!! Good news, right? Anyways, I am scared he will not do the surgery if he knows I smoke a pack a day!!! HELP    — Stephanie T. (posted on March 8, 2003)

March 8, 2003
Well I dont have that doctor but I smoke a pack a day and my surgery is scheduled 3/31/03 I have been trying to slow down but I am nervous The only thing my Doc says about smoking is after I have the surgery and if I still smoke I may end up getting a hernia so the only advice i can say is talk to your doc and ask him!! I will let you know how it went after my surgery you never know if i dont want food (and this is my fav friend) maybe I will not want to smoke lol GOOD LUCK!!!!
   — Kimberly M.

March 8, 2003
I had to quit smoking (was a pack a day). My surgeon will not do the surgery if you smoke. Plus, if you don't quit in time they said they would postpone my surgery for 6months. I just quit to save the hassle. You can quit if you want to. When you have the surgery for an incentive its definitely easier. I quit 2months ago and am having surgery March 11th. Recovery is suppose to be easier if you don't smoke-Good Luck to you-Tonya
   — Tonya M.

March 8, 2003
I have seen two different surgeons in two different states and both said I had to quit at least 1 month prior to the surgery. Evidentally there is a test that can tell if you have nicotine in your system. I went ahead and quit in January even though I don't have my surgery until May, 2003. It is hard but not as hard as trying to lose weight!
   — Dana W.

March 8, 2003
My surgeon s concerned about smokers. Did you know they get more leaks? It appears they heal slower as well. Yes they can test and tell if your cheating. The info on smoking and leaks in on the online support group meeing you can see and hear it with realplayer. See februarys meeting. Hey you will even see me:)<P>http://www.upmc.edu/obesitysurgery/monthlySupportGroup.htm
   — bob-haller

March 9, 2003
I can tell you that Dr. Wongsa is pretty strict. If he doesn't want you to smoke and you are he will definately be upset with you. He will aslo be upset if you don't loose your 10% before and will threaten to not do the surgery. However, I think he is a great surgeon. His aftercare stinks though. I had surgery on 7/2/02 with Dr. Ferrari at Neweigh and I co-facilitate the NW Houston Bariatric Support Group which has many Wongsa patients.
   — Danna B.