Many of you who smoke have been told about the risks. You might have even tried to quit before. It can be frustrating, and maybe you may still be working towards quitting. We’re here to support you.
Stopping smoking before your surgery can have a significant impact on the success of the operation and your recovery, and it will also improve how you feel for the rest of your life.
Smoking affects your health, both before and after surgery. When you smoke, you’re more likely to:
Stopping smoking is one of the best things you can do for a quicker recovery.
For more details, see the Smoking and Surgery Factsheet (in PDF).
Aside from improving your surgical outcomes, quitting smoking has long-term health benefits:
The simple answer is: right now. Stopping more than 8 weeks before surgery can improve your recovery. But even quitting for a short time before surgery helps.
Here’s how quitting at different times can benefit you:
Quitting smoking can be tough, but we know it’s possible.
Remember that each craving lasts only 90 seconds, and withdrawal symptoms (like irritability) usually decrease after two weeks.
There are lots of ways to get support. Here are some things you can try:
Studies show that people who use Stop Smoking services are three times more likely to quit successfully. These services offer free advice, support and encouragement.
You don’t have to quit on your own. You can get support in south east London from these Stop Smoking services:
You can also reach Stop Smoking London for additional support — tel: 0300 123 1044 (7 days a week)
For more information, visit the NHS Quit Smoking website or download the NHS Quit Smoking app (from the App store or Google Play) to track your progress.
It’s never too late to quit smoking, and there are plenty of ways to get the support you need. Take the first step today: your health and recovery will thank you for it.