Any Post - RNY know if Electronic Cigarettes are ok?

 Are electronic cigarettes ok? It's just nicotine and water vapor.

I know nicotine impedes the healing process after surgery.  It's because it reduces the blood flow to the tissue that needs to heal.  I'm not sure about other risks.

It's something you can ask your doc about but many surgeons test patients for nicotine prior to surgery and some will cancel surgery if you test positive.

 I would not chance it before your surgery or early post op, at all.

Food and Drug Administration

In May 2009, the Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) Division of Pharmaceutical Analysis tested the contents of 19 varieties of electronic cigarette cartridges produced by two vendors (NJoy and Smoking Everywhere).^[6] Diethylene glycolwas detected in one of the cartridges manufactured by Smoking Everywhere.^[6] In addition, tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs), known cancer-causing agents, were detected in all of the cartridges from one brand and two of the cartridges from the other brand. The study found that the actual nicotine levels did not always correspond to the amount of nicotine the cartridges purported to contain.^[6] The analysis found traces of nicotine in some cartridges that claimed to be nicotine-free.^[6] Further concerns were raised over inconsistent amounts of nicotine delivered when drawing on the device.^[7] In July 2009, the FDA issued a press release discouraging the use of electronic cigarettes and repeating previously stated concerns that electronic cigarettes may be marketed to young people and lack appropriate health warnings.^[8]

Yes there are adverse side effect and health concerns associated with nicotine. However I have done extensive research (major college project a semester long) in this area and I have found that YES e-cigarettes are MUCH safer than standard tar containing cigarettes. I have successfully switched my fiancé from 1 ½ pack a day real cigarettes to e-cigarettes.  I have talked to medical professionals (as part of my research) and specifically Pulmonologists, respiratory therapist’s who treat COPD as well as surgeons and every single one of them have said, “if you are going to smoke, then choose an e-cigarette over a real cigarette"

The FDA currently has a negative attitude against e-cigarettes since it is a pending court case of if they will have regulation over the e-cigarette market.

If you need specifics or have any questions please PM me.

Nicotine Effects

—  http://www.carolpiercedavisphd.com/files/The_Biochemistry_an d_Physiology_of_Smoking.pdf

—  http://www.news-medical.net/health/Nicotine-Effects.aspx

Regulation issues with electronic cigarettes

—  http://www.wlf.org/litigating/case_detail.asp?id=629

—  http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/PublicHealthFocus/ucm252360.ht m

—  http://www.fda.gov/newsevents/publichealthfocus/ucm172906.ht m

—  http://www.phlpnet.org/sites/phlpnet.org/files/E-cigarette_f act_sheet_FINAL_revised_20111021.pdf

Why do people Use Electronic Cigarettes

—  http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2458/10/231

I quit a 38 year one and one-half pack per day cigarette habit utilizing electronic cigarettes. I started e-cigs August of 2010 @ 24 mg nicotine. When I looked into having RNY performed in August of 2011 I titrated down to where I was vaping 0 mg nicotine by November 2011. I still vape 0 mg nicotine when I'm bored - but now that I'm losing weight (49.6 lbs), I have more energy and less boring down times.
I have had numerous (10+) abdominal surgeries, two of them being as a nonsmoker. Even though I was a few years older, I recovered and healed much faster & easier when I was not smoking.
You can find TONS of info at www.e-cigarette-forum.com/
Best of luck!

I too would agree with the other posters about getting off the nicotine prior to surgery. Some surgeons will test for nicotine, and cancel your surgery if positive. E-cigs are still loaded with nicotine...just different delivery system.