Do they really give you a nicotine test?

My surgery is tommorrow.  I have basically quit smoking but  I did have a cigarette a few days ago...am I going to have a problem?

I don't think so. My surgeon said they just check electrolytes and stuff like that. I was concerned about alcohol in my system ( from a few days before surgery) and asked him if it would be a problem and he said no. I did see on Dr. 90210 that then canceled a girls plastic surgery because the Dr told her to quit and she didn't and since he warned her he gave her a test cause he didn't believe her.
Anyhow I think you'll be fine. They just checked my blood, weight BP and gave me an EKG at my pre op and the morning of surgery they check my bp and that was about it. Don't sweat it!!

I'm not a smoker but I also wasn't aware there was a nicotine test which people had to take?

I think a lot of it has to do with if your surgeon is aware that giving up smoking has been a problem for you.  From he sounds of it, my program doesn't automatically test for nicotine, but when I went to my first info session someone was complaining how her sister had the surgery and didn't quit smoking so was it a big deal if she did.  The surgeon was very clear that he would NOT do surgery on someone who was still smoking at all.  She had the audacity to ask how he would know, and he said they would definitely test.  It really is in your best interest to give up smoking completely.  Your lungs have enough work to do after surgery!  (but I'm sure you're already aware of that)

depends on the the surgeon and how strongly they feel you should be smoke free for surgery. I'd be honest with them and tell them you still smoked.

Yes, some folks have had their surgery canceled by still having certain nicotine levels in their system.

I agree with Mischelle that you should probably tell them.  If you are honest that it was just one cigarette a couple of days ago, they may not be as concerned.  If you don't tell them, and they test, they may be more bothered.  It really depends on your surgeons views of smoking and surgery.

MANY surgeons test for nicotine prior to any surgery, especially elective surgery.  Believe me, you really need to quit smoking at least 6 weeks prior to your surgery.  As a nurse, I take care of post-surgical patients and smokers have the hardest time with recovery.  Their lungs are crap and they don't heal as well.  You really don't need pneumonia or an infection, just for a few puffs on a cigarette.

It really depends on your surgeon, but mine does those for people who quit smoking during the program.  It really is important to your healing process that you be nicotine free.  Someone please correct me if I am wrong, but isn't smoking a no-no forever for us RNY patients? In addition to the healing issues, there is also the ulcer issue.  Please take care and be safe.

They didnt test me and I'm a smoker...my surgeon didn't even ask, but it is best to quit. Trust me, you won't want to smoke when you are in the hospital after surgery anyways. Talk to your doctor about it. After the anestesia...you have to do those breathing exercises or you could get pnemonia.

I have never smoked, but yes, my surgeon said no smoking 6 weeks before and NEVER after. He said it would affect you even down the road in life if you start smoking. Make sure you kick the addiction, and unfortunately the origional poster seems to still have a problem if she wasn't able to go without that 1 cig. I know I prob have no right as a non smoker to comment, but apparently it is a HUGE issue healthwise for the long run! There are lots of things out there, my brother stopped smoking with prescription meds.