Although I am meeting my Surgeons requirement of quitting 30 days prior to surgery (just barely), I wish I would have quit much sooner, at least 3 to 4 months.
This is because the biggest side affect of quitting smoking for me has been a lot of weight gain due to a major increase of appetite. in the last 20 days I have gained 12 pounds. Now I have to work like crazy to get back to near where I was on my last recorded weigh in or it may result in cancelation of my surgery. This is because I was told by the nurse at my surgeon's office that gaining weight just prior to surgery is very dangerous and could result in cancelation of my surgery.
Because I had lost 5 pounds between my last weigh in and quitting smoking, all I have to do is to loose about 7 pounds in 9 days. A huge undertaking none the less, which may have to involve fasting ever other day for the next 9 days.
I just wish I would have quit smoking so much sooner, which would have allowed me more time to loose the weight gained during the first 3 weeks of not smoking.
Now there's another major stresser added to the list just before surgery.
Katie
I gained 30 pounds in only a few months after stopping smoking. I know what you mean. :( Good luck, you can do it!