Any smokers out there?

Okay, I'm a little ashamed to be on here talking about this, but I think it's an important topic and I can't find it out there anywhere. Sorry so long. I started smoking almost 20 years ago when I was 10 years old (not a typo), but my surgeon will not perform surgery unless you have been a non-smoker for at least 90 days. So on December 4th I quit, and I passed my first urine test on February 24th and was doing fine for an entire month after that too. Then March 24th came along and I realized that I was ONE MONTH OUT and with each passing day/hour/minute/second/blink, I crave cigarettes more and more. I have to take another urine test on the day before my op and if I test positive, my doc will NOT perform the surgery (and good for her), but I can't lie - I've smoked a couple in the last week. I would like to think that it's more than just a self-destructive thing that I'm doing. I mean, I'm ready in every other way (seeing a psychologist on-going, nutritionist weekly for a year, bariatric counselor for a year, pre-op diet), but the anxiety has kicked into high-gear and I can't get the cigarettes out of my head. I have smoked capri menthol ultra lights for years and the other day I found myself smoking a camel filter. OMG! For those of you who smoke, you realize how drastic a situation has to be to make that kind of choice. I might grow hair on my chest from smoking a camel filter. I am trying so hard not to do this to myself, but I just need to know - am I the only one?

You're not alone. I am not a hard core smoker but I smoke under stress and this whole process has definitely been stressful. My doc wasn't as strict with me, he just told me to stop. I haven't smoked since February 21 and my surgery is in about 8 hours. I live with smokers though and right now I am staring at a pack..... but there is no way that I'll give in now. Think of how much time and work you've put into this and how disappointing it would be if they denied you. I still fear that I'll walk in this morning and there will be some loose end I forgot to tie up or something I did wrong.... but we do our best. Hang in there! Its all going to be worth it!!

Bless you for taking the time to answer my post just 8 hours before your surgery. I have a feeling that I will be doing exactly the same thing the night before my surgery - up all night reading posts! I am about to go to bed here on the west coast and will be saying a prayer for everyone of our A-listers that are heading to the losing side this week. My very best to you for a safe procedure and a speedy recovery. Looking forward to hearing from you when you get back home. Shana

I Smoke for 20 years and I quit this last July for the surgery.. Just throw it all away and tell your self this is going to be the part of a new you !!!

I quit using Chantix (newest RX out).. It worked I quit in 2 weeks... and I smoked for 10 years 1 pack maybe 2 aday....

I have smoked since I was a kid too. I had Aricular Therapy done. It works for the most part, but I want a cigarette. My surgery date is 4/9. I quit just for this surgery. I know I will start back after the surgery.

I smoked like a tire fire for 22 years. 3 pack-a-day man when I quit in 2002. Wellbutrin and quitnet.com did it for me. Unfortunately, I just traded my Marlboro lights for Whopper, jrs. That's what got me where I am today. Hopefully, after my RNY I'll learn to eat and live like a responsible adult. Good luck. You can do this, but you have to be strong. DD

Yes there are smokers out here NOT! I quit in November.....two packs of Marlboro a day.....cold turkey for me...I gained another 20 pounds maybe...what the hell..I didnt quit for the doctor or my impending April 16 surgery.....I did for ME....my children....FOR LIFE...OH OH OH....I smell my wife after she smokes..and oh do I want one..I know if I smoke just one...well its all over...like a junkie...*Laughing* Stay strong and DON'T SMOKE...you can do it....hell if i can..anyone can.. GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Eric