Question:
I'm 6 days away from surgery, I had to quit smoking 3 weeks before surgery .

I have smoked a couple here and there. if I go 6 days with out, am I still ok if they decide to give me the ABG test right before surgery?    — Maribelle C. (posted on October 2, 2003)

October 2, 2003
yes you should be fine, but don't smoke anymore before surgery....not even after they give you any tests. i thought i had all my test done and boom! the day before surgery they had to do more. good luck
   — franbvan

October 3, 2003
Speaking for the hospital I went to... they are EXTREMELY strict on quitting smoking. Period. Now they even make pre-ops sign a statement saying they have quit. Completely. I know it is hard - I have watched my hubby quit many times - but why take the extra risks? The WLS is to prolong your life. Start right away! At my hospital, they will literally postpone the surgery if you test positive for somking. And if they cannot fill the surgical slot, it costs them a lot of money. Someone could've taken that place. So it is better to be honest upfront with your doc so they can fill your slot with someone who is following their guidelines if they don't think you are ready after the test. They don't have the rules to be jerks- they want you to have the best possible outcome.
   — kultgirl