Smoking Before and After My Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Smoking before and after Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Weight loss surgeries such as gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy are becoming more popular as people look for methods to improve their health and quality of life. However, these procedures come with several lifestyle changes that must be made to be successful, including giving up smoking.

For example, you may experience dehydration after a gastric sleeve surgery, and smoking can exacerbate this issue. Smoking can also increase your risk of developing an ulcer or hernia after surgery.

Read more: Signs & Symptoms of Dehydration After Gastric Sleeve.

For these reasons, it is imperative that you quit smoking before and after bariatric surgery.

What Are the Complications That Occur Due To Smoking?

1) Blood Clots

After a weight loss surgery, your blood flow changes. This increases your risk of developing a blood clot. A blood clot forms in the leg called a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). A DVT will break off and travel to the lungs, resulting in pulmonary embolism (PE). A PE is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.

2) Wound Infection

Smoking also increases your risk of developing a wound infection. This is because the chemicals in cigarettes slow down the healing process. A wound infection can delay your recovery and put you at risk for other complications.

3) Gastrointestinal Complications

Smokers are also more likely to experience gastrointestinal (GI) complications after surgery. These can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

Smoking can also delay the healing of incisions and increase the risk of infection. So, quitting smoking before surgery is essential to decrease your risk of complications.

4) Bleeding Ulcers

Ulcers are sores that form on the stomach lining or small intestine. Infection usually causes by Helicobacter pylori bacteria or by taking certain medications, such as aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Bariatric surgery can increase the risk of developing ulcers. That’s because the surgery can change the stomach’s acidity and make the digestive system less able to protect itself against stomach acid.

Smoking can also increase the risk of developing ulcers. That’s because smoking reduces blood flow to the stomach and intestines, which can delay the healing of ulcers.

5) Sepsis

Sepsis is the body’s potentially life-threatening response to infection. It occurs when an infection triggers a chain reaction throughout the body. This can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death. Sepsis is a medical emergency and needs immediate treatment.

Some symptoms of sepsis include:

  • Fever or chills
  • Extreme pain or discomfort
  • Sleepiness or confusion
  • Shortness of breath

How Long Should You Avoid Smoking After Weight Loss Surgery?

Most people who have weight loss surgery stop smoking before their operation.

This is because smoking increases the risk of complications during and after a surgery.

If you smoke, it is best to stop at least two weeks before your surgery is scheduled. You should also avoid smoking for at least 12 weeks after surgery.

If you want gastric sleeve surgery in Lubbock, West Texas Bariatrics is the best center. We have various options to ensure you have surgery that fits your lifestyle and weight goals. Our team comprises specialists committed to helping you reach your target weight.

Have Any Questions?

Please contact us here if your inquiries were not answered through email or call.

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