As a patient, you are a part of our team. We think it is important for you to know what to expect before, during and after your surgery. We believe that when you know what to expect you will not worry as much, and you will recover better from your surgery.
Smoking and Your SurgeryIf you smoked before surgery, your surgery has forced you to stop. It is very important to maintain your new non-smoking status. Studies have shown that smoking:
- Increases heart rate
- Narrows blood vessels
- Raises blood pressure
- Scars the lungs
- Causes spasm of the coronary arteries
If you have smoked for years, it will be difficult to stop but the following techniques may help you achieve this important goal.
- Identify why and when you smoke. Sometimes this helps you to develop a plan for quitting.
- Do not set yourself up for failure by dwelling on thoughts of never smoking again or thinking that one cigarette will not matter. Take one day at a time.
- Get plenty of rest. People are more likely to smoke when tired.
- Learn to do things with your hands, like puzzles or needlepoint.
- Keep your home and workplace as smoke free as possible.
There are numerous resources available to support you during the first stages of this lifestyle adjustment.
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