Smoking and Bariatric Surgery

Smoking raises the risks associated with weight loss surgery (sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass and lap band). Smokers who undergo surgery are more likely than nonsmokers to experience anesthesia-related complications, infections, heart attack, stroke, pneumonia or death. In addition, they are more likely to have a longer hospital stay or be admitted to an intensive care unit. These risks are increased among obese or overweight individuals who undergo bariatric surgery.

Smoking makes it harder for your body to heal because it decreases the amount of oxygen available to your cells. Quitting smoking is essential to a successful bariatric surgery and recovery. You should quit smoking at least 30 days prior to your procedure. It takes at least a month for the lungs to recover.

Weight Gain after Quitting Smoking

When people quit smoking, they often gain weight. One study of prospective bariatric surgery patients found that smokers who had attempted to quit in the past had gained an average of 28 pounds. This tendency and/or fear of weight gain prevents many people from quitting.

Weight gain after quitting is probable, but it doesn't have to be. About 70-80% of people who stop smoking gain weight. Of course, there are things you can do to decrease the possibilities of gaining weight after quitting smoking. As we all know, weight is controlled best when calories are decreased and metabolism is increased. Calories can be decreased with a healthy diet. Metabolism can be increased with moderate exercise. It is very important to talk to your bariatric surgeon before making any major changes in diet or exercise.

Talk to Your Weight Loss Surgeon

Be honest with your bariatric surgeon about how much you smoke. As your surgery date approaches, continue to keep your surgeon informed of your smoking cessation efforts. Quitting smoking is difficult, and there's no reason to do it alone. Your surgeon can be your ally as you begin your journey toward a healthier lifestyle and happier future.

Smoking seems to make weight loss surgery more risky, particularly with respect to development of strictures and surgical-margin ulcers. Obese smokers had a four times greater risk of restriction and three times the risk of marginal ulcer in comparison to nonsmokers undergoing bariatric surgery. Smoking damages the lungs which increases the chance of anesthetic problems, surgical complications, and developing pneumonia.

Why You Should Stay Quit

You can develop serious complications if you start smoking again after bariatric surgery. Allow your body to recover and heal properly. Prior to weight loss surgery, there are five blood vessels that supply blood to the stomach. After the surgery, the number of blood vessels to the stomach is reduced. By continuing to smoke or starting up again, even years later, you may experience other complications, including:

• Scarring, leaking or bleeding

• Gastritis or heart burn

• Inflammation/swelling

• Infection

• Breathing problems and shortness of breath

So quit smoking today and never start back again. After all, the goal of weight loss surgery is to improve your health, right?