How do I quit and how much does it matter?

I am a I have to admit that as icky as I know it is that I enjoy a smoke. Now different people say different things. I must. I don't need to. Just cut down. Smoking = No Operation. etc. I know that I stand a higher chance of being on a ventilator.... I know because I called and asked. I have tried the patches, the pills, the lozenges, and cold turkey. I have had six opedrations (4 C-Sections, 1 Gallbladder, and a miscarriage which lead to general anestsia) and faired fine through them all. And while I step outside to light up I'd bemost grateful if someone could throw their ideas at me. Gayle in need of an March 22nd

Hi Gayle, I really have no great words of wisdom for you. I smoked for 27 years before I quit almost 12 1/2 years ago. What finally got me off the smokes was surgery. NOT that I quit before I had a fairly simple procedure that required general anethesia, but the discomfort AFTER the procedure from the irritation of the trach tube. I never really set out to quit, but I was so uncomfortable that I just didn't smoke for days and those days became weeks and after about 6 weeks, I suddenly realized I had quit. Even now after all the years I still sometimes have a craving, but I sure wouldn't want to have to beat it again. You have to want to quit for yourself. Of course, the doctor has the right to say no WLS if you continue smoking and that should be motivation in itself. You and I share a WLS date, I hope that we will be able to celebrate our re-birthdays in the years to come and that you are successful with the smoking issue. Hugs, Mo doin' the 24 days and a wake up happy Mo dance

I quit smoking one year ago when I decided to have this surgery. Here is what I did and it worked wonderfully.At bedtime drink 8 oz orange juice with 1 tsp. cream of tartar mixed in it.It is supposed to take away all cravings and it did for me.I smoked my last cigarette March 9 2002 and it was easy.The first 2 weeks were a little rough but I wish losing weight was as easy as quitting smoking.Of course I dont know how much was the cream of tartar and how much was God but give it a try.Let me know if it works for you...Janine

I have never been a smoker, so I don't really know, but I have enough other addictions that I can imagine how hard it must be. It is hard enough for people who want to quit to do so. It has to be even harder for people who genuinely enjoy smoking. If you don't quit, at the very least, you will have to deal with the discomfort of withdrawal in the hospital. At the worst you could be dealing with some serious complications. I can just say that I will pray that whatever you do -- it will be the best thing for you. Joy (3/1)

Hi gayle, i am going through the same thing , i am still puffin about 6 cigs a day surprisingly i am only really craving one when I have a cup of coffee and after i eat a meal...i use to smoke a pack and a half on a good day, I also had 3 c- sections and 3 abdominal hernia repairs so i know what ya mean its scarry but I am a lil o0lder now...better safe than sorry later! I know it is a hard thing to give up, but we have to stop!