smoking

[mac]

Hi.

I am 8 days post opp. and im having quite a hard time with not being able to smoke and stress with other stuff. please dont tell me how bad smoking is and that i should quit. ive heard it all and thats not what im looking for. does anyone know how long after surgery till you are able to have a smoke without doing any serious harm?

thanks alot.

[chicago29]

I don't smoke so I can't give you personal experience here. However, I remember seeing on my OS's post-op sheet that you should not smoke at least until the incisions are fully healed. That typically would be 2 to 3 weeks.

I am sure it is hard, but you should try and hold off until your incisions are fully healed and/or the stitches are dissolved/removed. Tobacco smoke is sure to slow the wound healing...

Good Luck!

-Chicago29

[anaxthema]

Hey, I'm 8 days post op. When I went in I thought not being able to smoke would really grind me, but the pain meds they gave me pretty much lulled me to point where I didn't care.

FF to today, the pain meds are done and when I went in today to have the band removed he denied me and pushed me back a week. Feeling really dejected I decided to rebel, and have a cigarette on the ride home. It tasted completely disgusting to say the least, but it did hit the spot.

If you really NEED to have a cigarette, go easy on them. Have a few drags and walk away. Rinse with salt water, stay hydrated and keep an eye on your stitches. Allegedly (actually fact) nicotine slows down healing. I know it sounds bad, and people will say to just take advantage of the situation and quit, but at the same time everyone also says how important it is to get out of the slump and get back to doing the things you normally do. Well, for me smoking is one of those things.

[marycotter5678]

I am not sure - maybe ask your surgeon?
Just an idea ... why don't you use a nicotine patch in the meantime to at least help with the cravings...