Why do I need to quit smoking before surgery?

Smoking or chewing tobacco or using other nicotine products (vaping devices, e-cigarettes) harms every organ in the body and has been linked to ulcers, blood clots (the leading cause of death after metabolic and bariatric surgery), heart disease, stroke, lung disease, increased risk for hip fracture, cataracts, and certain cancers. It can also increase the risk for wound infection and leaks after surgery.