Smoker Lungs vs Normal Healthy Lungs
Smoking is a leading cause of preventable deaths. Smoking and obesity are both leading causes of mortality worldwide. It is important that people be aware of just why they are and how to overcome these life-threatening issues.
Tobacco is an extremely addictive substance, and quitting this habit before undergoing bariatric surgery in Mexico can seem daunting. Smokers are twice as likely to experience surgical complications.
It is highly recommended that any patients who smoke stop smoking before surgery to increase the amount of oxygen available in their body.
Different Types of Nicotine to Smoke
Tobacco products come in many forms:
- Cigarettes
- Cigars, Little Cigars, Cigarillos
- Dissolvable Smokeless Products (Lozenges, Strips, or Sticks)
- Traditional Smokeless Products (Chewing Tobacco)
- Electronic Cigarettes (Vaping, e-Hookah)
- Waterpipes (Hookah, Shisha)
Weight Loss Caused by Smoking
For many who smoke, a suppressed appetite can be caused by the nicotine in cigarettes. However, it is not good when smokers lose weight due to the fact that the loss of appetite is a result of constricting blood vessels and not allowing sufficient blood to flow to your stomach. This can lead to your stomach ceasing functioning.
The negative effects of nicotine are why smoking is said to increase the rate of heart attacks and can lead to other serious issues such as lung cancer, heart disease, chronic bronchitis, and preventable death. Nicotine therapy may reduce the risk of infection with Coronavirus (COVID-19) by half – not confirmed.
Many who eliminate smoking will experience weight gain as the nicotine leaves their body and their metabolism drops. In order to prevent weight gain during this time, it is important to have a healthy, well-balanced diet with lots of lean protein, vegetables, and low-calorie snacks to help keep you feeling full.
Bariatric Surgery and Smoking
How Smoking Affects Your Body and Surgery Candidacy
Inhaling tobacco smoke causes;
- The amount of carbon monoxide and nicotine in your blood rises, reducing the amount of oxygen available for tissues throughout your body.
- Your heart must work harder due to higher blood pressure and pulse rate.
Because smoking causes these issues, it can put patients who do it at risk when undergoing surgery. Bariatric surgery can also result in a decrease in oxygen and circulation, which can be harmful to the patient.
Smoking After Gastric Bypass Surgery
Smoking after gastric bypass is equal to a miserable patient; it is dangerous and can cause complications. RNY patients who actively smoke post-operatively have a high chance of developing ulcers and perforations. Patients undergoing gastric bypass operations must quit their nicotine addiction before and after surgery.
Smoking After Gastric Sleeve Surgery
As for gastric sleeve, smoking effects are not so clear. Therefore, patients not sure if they will be able to give up smoking need to go with gastric sleeve.
Some Benefits of Quitting Smoking
Some great additional benefits to quitting smoking include:
- Decrease the harmful level of carbon monoxide in the body
- Reduced risk of coronary artery disease (CAD)
- Easier time exercising
- Reduced risk of lung cancer
- Easier time breathing
Speak to your primary care physician to see if Chantix could help you abandon smoking before and after surgery. Nicotine gum or patches may also be useful alternatives to help fight the urge to smoke.
How Long Does it Take for Nicotine to Leave the Body?
Once a person stops smoking, it takes only 24 hours for the nicotine and extra carbon monoxide to begin to disappear from the blood. After about 2 months, lung function begins to improve as well.
While quitting smoking may be difficult initially, the long-term results can add years to your life. Bariatric surgery procedures, such as gastric sleeve, are meant to be utilized alongside proper nutrition and an overall healthy lifestyle. You increase your chances of overall success by cutting out risk factors such as smoking.
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Thanks for this information. It is of great help for bariatric patients. This post will surely give them a deeper understanding about the surgical procedure and aftereffects. Smoking is never a good option from health point of view. Good article!!!