Question:
Is quitting smoking a month prior to surgery enough time?

My surgery is first week of December. I just quit smoking today.... :( 3 hours so far...lol. Will I be okay during/after surgery with only one month being a non-smoker?    — [Anonymous] (posted on November 4, 2001)

November 4, 2001
I tried to quit for months prior to surgery. I didn't actually succed till about 2.5 weeks. I was fine. Every day you go smoke free will just help you that much more post-op. I only read about some of the problems that anestesia can cause (chest tightness, shortness of breath etc.) I can't imagine doing going through it while still being a smoker...especially since I had those symptoms before quitting. 3 hours is a great accomplishment, just keep it going!!!! Remember, it's easier to excercise w/o smoking, so if you can excercise effectively, you'll lose more weight! Good Luck to you!
   — Kristin R.

November 4, 2001
I'm in BIG trouble!!!! My surgery is November 16th... it is now November 4th, and I've tried cutting down to quit, without much luck, I'm afriad... I saw this question, and grabbed for my cigarettes. I know this isn't a good excuse, but I told my nutritionist that I'm giving up food... I can't give up everything. I smoked to stop eating and I eat to stop smoking. The biggest upset about it all is that blow-pops (which I would use instead of smoking) has 12 g of sugar... If it had 6 g, she said I could still have it. Looks like I'll have to eat it in two sittings. Back to the smoking thing... Not all doctors make it a requirement. Yes, it will be harder to heal, and I already know that... okay... I'm gonna stop typing now, because I seem to be rambling... sorry! :-)
   — [Anonymous]

November 4, 2001
I found it very difficult to walk away from the smokes, especially because my husband smokes as well. I didn't smoke the day before my surgery, and for a full week after and I was fine. Of course, I had twice daily breathing treatments in the hospital because my O2 levels weren't as high as they would have liked, but I came through just fine. I would say that as long as you don't tend toward chronic bronchitis or have a touch of asthma, you should be okay. But do your self a favor, try to give them up at least one week before and one week after.
   — Dee P.

November 4, 2001
I hear you. Giving up smoking is not fun, and I wondered how much it would really effect me. But, my doctor requires it. I even started to think there would be no way he could tell, so I might as well not bother quitting. But...I began to feel guilty. I've convinced myself that I have quit for a reason. I don't think my doctor is making me do it for HIS health. Also...I've noticed on myself, and have since read it, so I know I am not crazy, but one of the side effects of quitting is that at about 2-3 days, the cilia in your lungs begin working a little better and therefore allow you to cough up the gunk a little easier. Frankly, I'd like to be through that stage by the time I am in the hospital. :) I have had two nights since quitting where I smoked two cigarettes. Both times were on the weekend after a few drinks. Am I perfect? No. But, I am proud to say that I have managed to survive this (the first of many) exercise in self control. That alone makes me feel better! Good luck to you!
   — PaulaM

November 5, 2001
Gosh I hope so! My surgery is on Dec 6, and I'm still puffing away. I've cut down a HUGE amount, and only smoke a maximum of five a day, usually less, once in a while, one or two more, but compared to the pack a day I was on, think I'm doing better. I'm going through a really stressful time at work right now, and it's just so so hard to quit, but I plan on it ASAP, right after this pack! LOL, how many times have I heard that before? But seriously I have to. We'll be allright, we may have a harder time recovering, but we'll get through! Good Luck!
   — Deborah W.

November 11, 2001
I know this is awful to say, but I smoked even on the way to the hospital the morning of my surgery. I didn't have any problems. Not at all saying this is a good idea. I have smoked for 26 years and if I could stop for a month, I could stop forever, but I can't stop. Good luck!
   — [Anonymous]

November 11, 2001
I know that my doctor will not do the surgery unless you have quit smoking, and there is a blood test that can determine if you are still smoking, (even ONE cigarette) so there is no point in lying.
   — [Anonymous]