I had a sleeve surgery on Feb 4th making it today to 2 months and a little over a week. Is it OK if I smoke hookah occasionally?

Question

Ali Solmaz, MD · Answer

Since you're only about 2 months post-op from your gastric sleeve, it's strongly recommended that you avoid smoking hookah, even occasionally. The reasons for that is:
1. Delayed Healing – Smoking (including hookah) reduces blood flow, which can slow down the healing process of your stomach and increase the risk of complications.2. Increased Risk of Ulcers – Nicotine and other chemicals in hookah can irritate your stomach lining, leading to ulcers, gastritis, or even perforation.3. Dehydration & Acid Reflux – Hookah can contribute to dryness and acid reflux, which are already common post-VSG. This can cause discomfort and even damage your new stomach.4. Carbon Monoxide Exposure – Hookah involves longer smoking sessions, exposing you to higher levels of carbon monoxide, which affects oxygen delivery and can interfere with healing.
I suggest waiting at least 6 months to a year before smoking anything, including hookah.

Ariel Ortiz, MD, FACS · Answer

I would not recommend it. Having a bariatric procedure  is not just because  because you want to  lose  weight,   but also to  improve your health,  hookah  preparations have been shown to have  chemicals  such as nicotine and heavy metals. There is link to the American Lung Association website that explains  this in detail. 
AMG

Pablo Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello, After your surgery there is an increased chance of blood clots forming in the legs. These clots may travel to the lungs and may be fatal. Smoking, even Hookah increases the chance of these clots forming and can also slowed wound healing among others complications. I wouldn't recommend it.My best wishes,

I had a sleeve surgery on Feb 4th making it today to 2 months and a little over a week. Is it OK if I smoke hookah occasionally?

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I had a sleeve surgery on Feb 4th making it today to 2 months and a little over a week. Is it OK if I smoke hookah occasionally?

Answers (3)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.