Smoking after WLS? - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

Michie · 07-01-2009, 08:01 PM

I thought of this as I was reading another thread about people quitting before their surgery to reduce complications during the procedure and recovery. But what about after that? Do people resume smoking? Other than the obvious risks of smoking alone, is it worse to smoke cigarettes after you've had WLS? If so, why?

Sue0609 · 07-01-2009, 10:05 PM

I believe it's pretty standard for doctors to require you to quit a certain amount of time before surgery. It's not just for WLS, many (most?) surgeons won't perform elective surgery on smokers. There is a much higher risk of complications, including issues with wound healing. Re: after, smoking is related to an increased risk of ulcers, and since people with GBS have a higher risk of ulcers, people who have had GBS should never smoke again (not that anyone should smoke, but you get what I mean).

Josephine · 07-02-2009, 02:36 AM

Many people who smoke after GBS end up with ulcers. Sometimes these ulcers will actually cause a hole in the stomach or intestine and food and fluid start leaking out into the body. Very dangerous and DEADLY. I won't smoke after surgery. No way!

Phoenixfire · 07-02-2009, 03:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michie

what about after that? Do people resume smoking?

Only if they're hell-bent on self-destruction

Crimson Kittie · 07-02-2009, 03:41 AM

^^^ that pretty much sums it up

RIXterra · 07-02-2009, 06:47 AM

I know my Dr. required that I stopped smoking a few months before the surgery. So my thoughts would be. If you stop smoking for that long why start up again? Plus think of all the money you'll be saving on the smokes + food..

poet_kelly · 07-02-2009, 09:06 AM

You shouldn't smoke after WLS due to the risk of ulcers. Well, along with all the other reasons you shouldn't smoke at all. I'm sure some people do resume smoking after surgery, but it's a very bad idea. It doesn't make much sense to me, either, that you'd go through major surgery in order to get healthier while doing something so unhealthy as smoking.

Kelly

Michie · 07-02-2009, 07:04 PM

Ulcers... That answers my question!

For the record, I'M not a smoker. I just thought of it when I was reading another thread about people having to quit.

JodyGK · 07-02-2009, 09:40 PM

I'm continuing to record all the money I'm saving from quitting smoking to justify to myself the money I'll be spending on my new wardrobe. This may work so well that I never stop recording the $$ savings for future wardrobe replenishments indefinitely!

Seriously, I have no intention of ever going back to smoking. I know I'm only one puff away from a full blown addiction, so I will just continue to never have another puff. I read about all those complications that can occur if one takes up smoking after bariatric surgery. Not worth it to me.

Jody

szmalik · 07-07-2009, 07:22 AM

Hi,

I knw i probably shldnt admit this, but i sometimes do smoke. i had my surgery feb 26,2008 and have reached my goal weight a few months back. i know its not healthy, but i recently suffered a broken heart a couple of months ago n it hurts like hell n smoking was always there for me in the past when things were hard. i divorced almost 3yrs ago n met someone last year n it ended a few months ago, first time i fell in love n trust me, its gonna be the last time, if this pain is any indication. anyway i know all the risks associated with smoking, so i am aware of it.

sasha
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