Question:
Any smokers that have had the gastric sleeve?

Hello, I am 37 year old female and I am scheduled to get the gastric sleeve within the next 40-50 days. I smoke and will need to quit 30 days prior. However, it still scares me because I've been a heavy smoker for quite some time. Is there any one else out there that were heavy smokers before and/or after having the sleeve surgery? Another question I have is does anyone know the % of fatalities from this surgery? I have two vices - smoking and sugar. Both of them need to go. I am going to work at it and give it my all. However, I want to make sure that I'm not in trouble to begin with. Thanks to all. :)    — Bellegigi (posted on September 29, 2008)

September 29, 2008
I smoked for 20 plus years when I finally put them down. I was a 3 pack a day smoker and quit cold turkey. I must admit it was the hardest thing I ever did. Now, some 15 years later, I am so happy that the habit no longer controls me. Matter of fact, I get sick at the smell of it. Think of it this way . . . one of the reasons you are having the upcoming surgery hopefully is because you want to live and you realize that to continue on the way you are right now will kill you . . . no doubt. The best thing you can do for yourself is lay the cigarettes down and push forward. I wish you the best. It is going to be a hard road for you in giving up all the addictions - but I know you can do it. Just believe in yourself.
   — Breathin4him

September 29, 2008
I had RNY bypass 4 weeks ago. I was a 2 pack a day smoker for years. I knew that I was going to have to quit so for about 30 day I went down to 1 pack a day and just quit. I haven't picked one up since. My husband smokes like a chimney in the house so it has been very difficult for me but I made a choice and I am sticking to it. Acording to my Dr... smoking would have increased my chances of serious complications by 60%. Not a risk I was willing to take
   — phyllismmay

September 29, 2008
So, if you quit 30 days prior, then it should be okay? Or, did you say you cut down 30 days prior? I want to quit! I just need to make a date and stick to it. Thank you so much for your responses.
   — Bellegigi

September 29, 2008
Ellen, When I finally decided that I was going to quit smoking, I made a decision to smoke my last pack and not buy anymore. When I got down to the last cigarette, I just kept it around me and in doing so, I knew that I only had one cigarette left and that when it was gone, there wouldn't be anymore. I finally threw that cigarette away three years later. ha ha ha!
   — Breathin4him

September 29, 2008
I had my surgery in April 08, open RNY. I saw the Surgeon for my first appointment in December 07, he told me I had to quit, I called my PCP ordered a prescription for Chantix and quit January 08. I have not looked back. If you are serious about having this surgery, you need to quit. I loved smoking, and said I would never quit, BUT, I had an insentive, I wanted this surgery MORE than a cigarette. Good Luck, if you really want this, set your mind to it and quit now, do not wait until the 30 days prior...
   — imaswtgrl

September 29, 2008
I quit smoking in January 2007 using Chantix. I started taking it in December 2006 and by the beginning of January I had stopped smoking and haven't smoked since. I didn't have my sleeve until May 2008, so the smoking wasn't an issue there. But my point is, why wait until 30 days prior to your surgery. The sooner you quite, the better off you will be. Regarding the chantix, it can do some VERY strange things to you - I had the most bizarre dreams - but to me it was worth it. Go over all of the side effects with your doctor and see if it is right for you. It does work. Good luck!!! Susan
   — Susan W.

September 29, 2008
Hi, Ellen. I have/had the same vices. Like others, I quit with the help of Chantix. It is costly, but costs about the same as continuing to smoke. It has the highest success rate of any smoking cessation meds, supplements or programs (44%). I quit smoking on June 17, 2007. Sugar? My best friend prior to surgery and now my worst enemy. I wish I could say I haven't touched it since, but that would not be true. (I don't dump). So it remains a continual struggle, but as others have said, I wanted to live more than I wanted to smoke or eat sugar, and it took some time (OK, a lot) to get my head clear on that. Wishing you the best, dana
   — jujuprof

September 30, 2008
Not proud of it but I have smoked for years (about a pack a day) I still smoke about the same as before. I would like to quit too and maybe i will take the others advice as far as quitting. I LOVE MY SLEEVE had it done August 26,2008.
   — Suzanne3333

September 30, 2008
Hello, I have not had surgery yet but I can relate to the stop smoking thing. I really enjoyed smoking I was not a 3 pack aday smoker but i reallllllllllllyyyyy enjoyed it. After a good meal, with a glass of wine or a cup of coffee in the morning. And then I had a life changing experience and I quit cold turkey within a day or two. ( I was in a very bad car accident) I just thought that if I could live through this that I was'nt going to kill myself smoking. This is my story everyone has one but you have to make up your mind what is important to you. One of the things I have always said is you don't need ciggs to live (thats way I am in the prodicament I am now with my weight lol) anyway you can do it just reach down deep pull up your boot straps and get to work you don't have very long before your surgery date and you want to be as healthy as possible. I wish you all the luck in the world on your adventure take care.
   — sse032568

September 30, 2008
Thank you to everyone that has responded. It has made me feel stronger and very determined. I have to find it within myself. :) I appreciate all of the support and well wishes. Take care and thank you so much again.
   — Bellegigi

September 30, 2008
One word: Chantix. Every person I know who has taken Chantix has quit smoking, me included. I smoked from age 18 to 38 and quit in two weeks with it. It is prescription only and it's the best thing I ever did for myself and my family. PLEASE try it. My husband quit as well as several of our friends.
   — 2008Amy2008

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