Are you considering gastric sleeve surgery for weight loss but struggling with the idea of giving up your smoking habit? You’re not alone. Every year, thousands of people make the decision to have this type of bariatric surgery and worry about their ability to quit tobacco use before – and after – the procedure. While it is never a good idea to smoke in any situation (especially when undergoing major surgery), there are some things you should know if you plan on quitting or cutting back your tobacco intake prior to and following gastric sleeve surgery. Read on for more information.
What is Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
Gastric sleeve surgery, or sleeve gastrectomy, is a popular weight loss procedure that involves removing part of the stomach to regulate hunger and promote a healthier lifestyle. Before and after surgery, patients may feel compelled to continue or start smoking due to stress or habit.
However, understanding the potential risks associated with smoking before and after the surgery is essential for optimal results. In addition, if you are someone in the preparation stage, make sure to consult with a qualified doctor for a gastric sleeve in St Louis to discuss the best approach. They will provide you with all the necessary information to ensure that the surgery goes as smoothly as possible.
Risks Pre-Surgery
Smoking can significantly impact the success of a gastric sleeve operation. Nicotine constricts blood vessels, reducing blood flow and oxygen supply to tissue, hindering the body’s ability to heal properly following surgery. The risk of complications, such as infection, can be increased in smokers.
Additionally, smoking can also increase the risk of emphysema, lung cancer, and other respiratory diseases. Therefore, it is important to consult with your doctor prior to surgery and follow any recommendations they may have concerning tobacco use.
Preoperative Smoking Cessation
To ensure a smooth surgical journey, patients are advised to quit smoking at least six weeks before the operation. This timeframe allows the body to clear nicotine and carbon monoxide, providing an opportunity for the lungs to heal and reduce the risks associated with tobacco use.
Doctors and healthcare professionals encourage prospective patients to create a personalized plan to quit smoking, often involving treatments such as nicotine replacement therapy, pharmacological solutions, and behavioral counseling.
Postoperative Considerations
It’s crucial to remember that smoking after gastric sleeve surgery may have detrimental effects on the patient’s health and the success of the procedure. Smoking can impact nutrient absorption and the healing process and may lead to complications such as ulcers, strictures, and leaks. Furthermore, smoking may interfere with the long-term success of the surgery by canceling out any positive effects, reducing weight loss, or even causing weight gain.
Benefits of Quitting
By choosing to quit smoking, patients may experience several benefits beyond reduced complications during surgery. Some of these benefits include improved cardiovascular health, increased smell and taste senses, better lung function, and a reduced risk of cancer, stroke, and heart disease.
Quitting smoking may also contribute to an overall increase in life expectancy, making it an essential lifestyle change for long-term success after gastric sleeve surgery.
To Conclude
While quitting smoking may feel overwhelming, it is a vital step for individuals considering gastric sleeve surgery. Smoking cessation can minimize the potential risks and increase the chances of successful, long-term weight loss. It is an essential component of the gastric sleeve journey, and seeking guidance and support from a reputable weight loss clinic in St Louis can make a significant difference in the outcome. So, if you are thinking of undergoing gastric sleeve surgery, make sure to quit smoking today and start your journey to a healthier life. Thank you for reading!
