If you’re considering weight loss surgery, one of the key factors to ensure the success of your surgery and improve your long-term outcomes is making the right lifestyle choices before and after the procedure. One of the most critical choices is avoiding smoking and vaping.

Smoking can significantly impact your ability to heal after surgery and even increase the risks associated with the procedure itself. In this blog post, we’ll explain why smoking is a serious concern for bariatric surgery patients and why quitting can improve your health and surgical outcomes.

The Risks of Smoking Before Weight Loss Surgery

For anyone undergoing surgery, whether elective or not, smoking has a major negative impact on your health. For bariatric patients, the effects of smoking are especially concerning. 

Smoking narrows your blood vessels, reducing the oxygen supply to tissues and impairing circulation. This can lead to slower wound healing after surgery and increases the risk of infections. For bariatric surgery patients, this can mean a longer recovery time and a greater chance of surgical complications, such as:

• Increased risk of infection at the surgical site.

• Poor wound healing, which may lead to scarring, dehiscence (wound reopening), or other complications.

• Blood clots: Smoking increases your risk of developing blood clots, which can be life-threatening, especially after surgery.

If you’re considering weight loss surgery, commit to quitting smoking at least 6 to 12 weeks before surgery. This includes no vaping, nicotine patches or other smoking alternatives. It is important to be nicotine free. This gives your body time to heal and reduces the risks associated with smoking.

Quitting smoking is one of the most important steps you can take before bariatric surgery. Smoking not only increases your risk of complications but also interferes with your healing process, your ability to lose weight, and your long-term health. By quitting smoking, you’ll give yourself a better chance for a smooth surgery, a speedy recovery, and sustained weight loss.

If you’re planning to have bariatric surgery, talk to your GP or Surgeon about quitting smoking, and start taking the necessary steps to improve your health today. It’s never too late to quit, and your body will thank you for it.

The information provided on this website is of a general nature and should not be considered a substitute for individualised medical advice. It is essential to consult a qualified medical practitioner for personalised advice regarding your health, diagnosis, and management. The content on this site is for general informational purposes only and does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.