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The Effects of Smoking on Gastric Sleeve Surgery

By Fernando Garcia on August 18, 2014 So many patients come from the United States and abroad to see Dr. Fernando Garcia at his practice in Tijuana. The reasons for this are many: not only does Dr. Garcia's team provide accommodations and a private driver for all transportation needs, the bariatric procedures are all performed in a full-service, state-of-the-art hospital. This level of care means consistently performing successful gastric bypass, gastric banding, and gastric sleeve surgery that helps patients battle obesity and live healtheir lives.

Success really starts with the patient, however, and making smart choices that can impact the recovery process in a positive way. One of the smartest choices you can make going into weight loss surgery is to quit smoking and using other kinds of tobacco products.

Smoking Is Bad for You, and Worse If You're Undergoing Surgery

We all know that smoking is bad for your health, leading to increased risk of respiratory disease, heart disease, hypertension, and even dental problems. On top of all of these issues, smoking also leads to issues with your overall healing experience. That's right, smoking can cause you to heal slower and can also make you more likely to experience serious complications as you recover.

Studies Show an Increase In Risk for Smokers

While complication rates for gastric sleeve surgery are usually 5% or lower, research has shown that the chances of complications increase with smokers. Some studies put the rate of complications around 18% for smokers, which is a dramatic increase and a reason why patients really should not be smoking when they are considering bariatric surgery of any kind.

Quit Smoking Before You Undergo Bariatric Surgery

One of the key pre-operative instructions given to patients is to refrain from tobacco products for a few weeks before surgery. This will help your body be in a more ideal condition to heal, and just one of many things that patients can do to prepare for the surgical recovery ahead.

A Gastric Sleeve Is a Great Excuse to Quit Smoking After Surgery

Gastric sleeve surgery represents a major lifestyle change for patients. Not only will patients be losing weight over the course of the year, but they will also have to adjust their diet, increase their activity level, and make other improvements to their lifestyle in order to ensure good overall health.

In essence, bariatric surgery is a new beginning, and it presents a great means for patients to focus on quitting smoking. It may not be easy, this is true, but there are so many health improvements to come from weight loss surgery that losing bad habits such as smoking is a good idea as well.

Seek Help with Quitting If You Find It Difficult

As we noted, quitting smoking isn't easy. If you are having difficulty with kicking the habit, be sure to speak with your general practitioner. He or she will be able to provide you with ample guidance with regard to quitting smoking, which may involve programs, patches, support groups, medications, or other means of making a healthier life a reality.

Contact Our Weight Loss Surgery Center

If you would like more information about gastric sleeve surgery and how it can help you achieve a healthier body mass, be sure to contact our weight loss surgery center today. Dr. Garcia and his team look forward to your visit and helping you achieve better health through safe and effective bariatric surgery treatment.

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