Guest guest Posted August 27, 2001 Report Share Posted August 27, 2001 Carol I used the prescribed meds called Welbutrin to stop smoking. Welbutrin is the same as the advertised version (Zyban), however many insurance companies will not pay for Zyban but they will for Welbutrin. It works by coating the receptors in your brain that receive the signal that your craving nicotine. I took it as prescribed for 10 days and then stopped smoking. I never had even a remote craving for a cigarette even though I was around many smokers from day one. I was a die hard smoker so it was miraculous for me. The only side effect I suffered was that it made me feel depressed. Welbutrin and Zyban are the same formulas and Welbutrin has always been prescribed for depression.It had the opposite effect on me and made me feel very blue. Walking helped relieve the depression.I also had some strange nitemares which my DR. said was common as well. I don't belive I could have quit without it, so it was wonderful for me. Renae Yiatras 2/28/01 245 lbs Currently 180 lbs >From: MsMystic1@... Reply-To: duodenalswitch To: >duodenalswitch Subject: quit smoking Date: >Mon, 27 Aug 2001 06:31:51 EDT > >OK, how many of you out there had to quit smoking for the surgery? I know I >have to quit and I was wondering if any of you have any tips on how to do >this and anything that helped you. I know quitting smoking is necessary for >health reasons no matter what, but moreso for this surgery. I just need to >understand all the reasons. I am thinking it has something to do with >calcium needs, plus having clear lungs for the surgery. Give me some pep >talks, reasons (regarding surgery specifically) and methods used. I know >there is a prescription one can take to supposedly help. Did anyone use >this? Or am I the only one who has this nasty habit and has to get rid of >it? Carole > >---------------------------------------------------------------------- To >unsubscribe from this list, send a blank email to: >duodenalswitch-unsubscribe > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 27, 2001 Report Share Posted August 27, 2001 In a message dated 8/27/01 6:33:13 AM Eastern Daylight Time, MsMystic1@... writes: > OK, how many of you out there had to quit smoking for the surgery? Carol, I quit smoking on May 24th. I was a pack a day smoker since the age of 14 and I'm 32 now. For me, the only way to seriously quit is to go cold turkey. It's easier to go through the horrible withdrawal over a few weeks time than drag it out by using drugs. I used Zyban and it wasn't for me. I also tried the patch in the past and to me that was just like slow torture. You asked for reasons about quitting for surgery so may I just say PULMONARY EMBOLISM! That scared me into believing that I really had to quit. Also, this is a major surgery. I was told that if you continue to smoke, there is no way your wounds will heal well. You oxygen saturation will also be poor with anesthesia and afterwards too. Enough reasons! ) Now I know this is easier said than done but this surgery is a great motivator. I still have days where I really struggle. I have had one last week when I got so upset over my surgery but it was just one and I am right back on track. Quitting is something that has to be worked on day by day. I wish you luck on becoming a non smoker. Don't wait too long to quit. The sooner you quit, the better for your recovery. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 27, 2001 Report Share Posted August 27, 2001 however many insurance companies will not pay for Zyban but they will for Welbutrin>>>>> Zyban is terribly expensive compared to Wellbutrin. Zyban cost my son $112 a week!! (and its the same drug with a different name) Judie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 27, 2001 Report Share Posted August 27, 2001 Unfortunately I started smoking again a few weeks after surgery. >>>> Kim, I hope you can quit for good......I was told that our smaller stomachs would make it more susuptable to stomach cancer later on if we kept smoking......I quit 2 months before surgery and even though it wasnt easy, I too, had to have things in my hands to keep me busy (and eating) but after surgery I havent desired any more. I just dont think of it......Occasionally, a thought will cross my mind but then quickly goes.....I will never smoke again! Judie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 27, 2001 Report Share Posted August 27, 2001 Hi All, I'm new to the list but had to respond to this thread! First of all, I had an open DS on 7/24/01 by Dr. in Winston-Salem, NC. I was a long time smoker and even though everyone told me to quit before surgery I kept putting it off. I tried to cut back but actually ended up smoking more. I no longer smoke and probably never will and the reason I don't is I REMEMBER the terror I felt when they couldn't get me off the respirator...I REMEMBER the feeling of not being able to breath when they did remove it. I don't ever want to experience that again. Take it from someone who knows how hard it is to quit and also how hard it is on you if you don't....for your sake and possibly your life....quit them as quick as you can. Anita Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 27, 2001 Report Share Posted August 27, 2001 Carol, I also agree with GABS 12992 about quitting cold turkey. I quit on May 1st and boy was it tough but if you work through those few minutes where you feel the urge for a cigarette, it usually subsides. I also keep thinking of the positive aspects of quitting like, white teeth, no cigarette breath, clean smelling clothes, saving money, living longer (A BIG plus!!!) and the list goes on.... Good luck to you in your quitting and the surgery. Both are major milestones but YOU can do it!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 27, 2001 Report Share Posted August 27, 2001 I quit smoking a year ago this month let me tell you somethin I am glad I did. I went through this surgery so I could be healthier and live longer and smoking doesnt promote either of those goals. Lisbeth Dr. Macura June 25, 2001 Lynn Fahey wrote: Carol, I also agree with GABS 12992 about quitting cold turkey. I quit on May 1st and boy was it tough but if you work through those few minutes where you feel the urge for a cigarette, it usually subsides. I also keep thinking of the positive aspects of quitting like, white teeth, no cigarette breath, clean smelling clothes, saving money, living longer (A BIG plus!!!) and the list goes on.... Good luck to you in your quitting and the surgery. Both are major milestones but YOU can do it!!!! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 27, 2001 Report Share Posted August 27, 2001 Carole, For what it's worth, you're not the only one. I, too, have to quit smoking and am officially announcing my date: September 4th!!! Having tried this before, I fully expect to be a raving mad b*tch by September 5th. Now we get to see how much the DH really loves me...LOL!!! I've taken the prescription medication (bupropion) before and it has no effect on me. I've loaded up on patches in case I need them. As far as why, you're right. We need to quit smoking for general health reasons. Smoking does inhibit the absorption of calcium. Nicotine also constricts bloodflow, especially in smaller vessels (capillaries), which can impede healing and exacerbate scarring. That said, I had my gallbladder removed last year and never stopped smoking (except when I was in the hospital). My tiny little scars don't look worse and I healed very quickly. I've also had other surgeries in the past and never stopped smoking more than a week on either side of the surgery. The DS surgeon won't do the surgery unless I am a non-smoker for at least six weeks (and they WILL know), but that isn't the reason why I've decided to really quit now. I know, from past experience, that I can't be as active as I want to be if I don't quit smoking...my lungs just can't keep up. I once walked a 7-mile race. I could have run it...I WANTED to run it...but my lungs wouldn't allow it because I was smoking. At my most physically fit in my adult life, I could exercise like mad, but I couldn't talk at the same time or I'd pass out. I don't want to live like that post-op. Next year, I WILL run that race! Good luck (for you and for me), Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 27, 2001 Report Share Posted August 27, 2001 Judie, For starters, they'd probably smell it. Other than that, carbon monoxide will show up in the blood gasses and my lung capacity will be impaired. maria > The DS surgeon > won't do the surgery unless I am a non-smoker for at least six > weeks (and they WILL know), >>>> > > , > How will they know? Im curious! > > Judie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 27, 2001 Report Share Posted August 27, 2001 Judie, There is a standard bllod test calle ABG's, or arterial blood gasses that are done before the DS. (or any major surgery) They generally test lung function as well as some metobolic issues. Smoker's results are different, they are, and you can tell by the test results. I dont know how long it takes the values to return to normal after you quit, though. Meli -- In duodenalswitch@y..., " Judie Hensel " <jhensel@c...> wrote: > The DS surgeon > won't do the surgery unless I am a non-smoker for at least six > weeks (and they WILL know), >>>> > > , > How will they know? Im curious! > > Judie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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