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

aesidwell · 12-07-2005, 11:13 AM

I recently gave up smoking because I knew I had to if I wanted to get the surgery done, and was told I had to have a doctor give documentation that I had stopped smoking for at least six weeks (this has to go along with the rest of my stuff to the insurance). Has anybody else had to do this? If you have, how was it documented? I was told a letter would suffice, but any advice on how it should be worded, etc., would be GREATLY appreciated.

trickychick68 · 12-07-2005, 12:21 PM

I was told that it would be better to not smoke prior to surgery, but it certainly isn't a requirement by my insurance company. I would ask your doctor for something to help with quitting - like Wellbutrin or something along those lines. Also, there is laser therapy to help curb the cravings for nicotine, but you have to want to quit and have to break all of the habits too. I wish I had never smoked a cigarette - it's been a lifetime struggle. I am hoping when I am recuperating, I will not go back to them. Good luck with it - it's harder than losing weight, in my opinion.

Mavisavis · 12-07-2005, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aesidwell

I recently gave up smoking because I knew I had to if I wanted to get the surgery done, and was told I had to have a doctor give documentation that I had stopped smoking for at least six weeks (this has to go along with the rest of my stuff to the insurance). Has anybody else had to do this? If you have, how was it documented? I was told a letter would suffice, but any advice on how it should be worded, etc., would be GREATLY appreciated.

I just want to warn you so you can make sure not to have anything disrupted.....at the place I had mine done they actually test your blood for nicotine. If you've smoked even a little they cancel you. I'm sure it depends on the place, but double check.

aesidwell · 12-07-2005, 02:21 PM

Thanks for the heads up on the blood test! This may be a dumb question, but...would nicotine still show up even if I was just around someone who smokes? I live with a smoker, so if that's the case, RUH ROH!

Mavisavis · 12-07-2005, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aesidwell

Thanks for the heads up on the blood test! This may be a dumb question, but...would nicotine still show up even if I was just around someone who smokes? I live with a smoker, so if that's the case, RUH ROH!

I wouldn't think so, because I would think that would be unfair? I'm not sure, I never asked much because I don't smoke, but we were told they check. A friend of mine who had it knows someone they canceled after her pre-op tests, so I know they do follow it!

Nichole · 12-07-2005, 03:30 PM

I smoked and I quit 2 months prior to surgery. When they did my nicotine blood test it came out negative and I live with someone who smokes 2 packs a day so I would say no, it doesn't pick up second hand smoke.