Can you get the gastric sleeve surgery if you smoke and are self paying?

Question

Hasan Erdem, MD · Answer

Hello,
Thanks for your question,
Chronic smokers may have problems waking up after surgery; In addition, the leakage risk for smokers is at least 5 times higher than non-smokers.
I hope this answer will help you
Dr.HE

Ali Solmaz, MD · Answer

Yes, you can get gastric sleeve surgery if you smoke and are self-paying, but most surgeons strongly recommend quitting smoking before surgery. Some may even require you to stop smoking for a certain period (usually 4–6 weeks) before the procedure because smoking increases the risk of complications, such as:- Slower healing- Higher risk of blood clots- Increased risk of leaks in the staple line- Higher chance of ulcers and acid reflux post-surgery
Since you're self-paying, you might have more flexibility in choosing a surgeon, but many reputable bariatric surgeons will still require a nicotine test before approving you for surgery. Some may proceed with the surgery if you smoke but will strongly advise you to quit for better long-term results.

Ozgun Akgul, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. 
First of all, both before and after the surgery, it is vital to quit smoking. In your daily life and recovery processes, smoking is one of the biggest enemy against your body. This is really, really important. Please do not underestimate it and give up. Especially, 1 month before the surgery is really significant about it.

Ariel Ortiz, MD, FACS · Answer

You need to stop smoking before surgery.  More then thinking of it as a penalty in order to have surgery, you should consider it the first step to a healthier life.  I won't perform surgery on a patient that hasn't quit smoking at least 2-4 weeks before surgery (no e-cigs or vaping either!)  It makes for a much safer surgery, and better recovery.

Ali Sarac, MD · Answer

Great Question,
It is important that you quit smoking for at least 1 month prior your surgery even if you are self paying for the operation. Smoking increases the risk of the surgery, one of the complications would be not healing fast enough and your stitches won't be able to attach easily after the surgery. We do not recommend patients to start smoking for about 8 weeks after the surgery. 
I hope this answers your question. 
Kind Regards,

Can you get the gastric sleeve surgery if you smoke and are self paying?

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Answer: Smoking and Surgery

Answer: Smoking and Surgery

Answer: Can you get the gastric sleeve surgery if you smoke and are self paying?

Answer: Can you get the gastric sleeve surgery if you smoke and are self paying?

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Can you get the gastric sleeve surgery if you smoke and are self paying?

Answers (6)

Answer: Smoking and Surgery

Answer: Smoking and Surgery

Answer: Can you get the gastric sleeve surgery if you smoke and are self paying?

Answer: Can you get the gastric sleeve surgery if you smoke and are self paying?

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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.