Question....smoking and LAP Band surgery....

Ok, if this is a silly question please forgive me but in reading some of the profiles for people who have Lap Band surgery scheduled they talk about having quit smoking and not had a cigarette for X amount of days. I have my consultation a week from today and am ready to get the ball rolling asap. Does a person have to have quit smoking for a certain # of days in order to have the surgery? I will be paying cash for the surgery so there will be no insurance red tape....anyone know ??? Thanks. Janell South Bend IN.

Quiting smoking is urged by almost all surgeons no matter what the WLS procedure. Depending on your surgeon's personal procedures is how many days preop he/she wants you off of cigs. THey'll more then likely tell you during your consultation. But if not make sure to ask. Good Luck Jodi

Many surgeons won't touch you if you haven't been off cigarettes for at least 2 months. Certainly, ask them at your consult. Many of the surgeons will do a bloodtest to confirm no nicotine in your system. The biggest reasons are because smokers heal much, much slower, they have an increased risk of pnuemonia, and in increased risk of complications. So...do yourself a favor and come up with a stop smoking plan. Easier said than done, yes....but it is possible. I was a 2-3 pack a day smoker. I quit July 19, 2004 after smoking for 31 years. I did it with the help of Welbutrin & the patch...and a goal date. Good luck, Sherri