I'm quitting smoking

Well everyone today is the day. I bought the patch and decided Saturday was the day I was going to quit smoking. I know this is something I have needed to do for years and finally decided If I am going to go through with my surgery I will need to be smoke free prior to having a date. I have submitted all my paperwork and PCP referral to Dr. Thoburn's office and am paitently awaiting a call from Shirley to schedule my initial consult with Dr. Thoburn. I wish she would call. I'm not good at this waiting game. But I'm trying and figure my no smoking should occupy most of my time waiting. I can't seem to get my blood sugar below 152 in the mornings. I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong but have a follow up appt with my PCP on monday so she can see the results of my 2 week recordings. Then they will decide if I need medication for the diabites or not. Crosss your fingers that I won't . I will keep you updated on my quiting. Send a few prayers my way please, I can use all the extra help I can get with the no smoking thing. I have been smoking now for 33 years. Thanks Marilyn

Marilyn.......... I HEAR ya. I too am a and also have been for 33yrs. And, I am planning to be DONE smoking by July or August at the latest.....with my surgery scheduled for Dec 1. BUT, being a diabetic as I am.....i can also tell you that smoking CAN increase your bloodsugar if your inclined to run a higher than normal bloodsugar. So quiting smoking may be all that you need to bring your bloodsugar down. Atleast.....it's certainly worth the try. My surgeon REQUIRES that you quit smoking or he won't take you to surgery.....motivation enough for ME. Also, ...I DO know that smoking significantly slows the post op healing process.......again, incentive enough for ME. Good luck.....I'll be right behind ya. PS....I also look at it this way. If I can't have enough strength to qjuit smoking......how will I ever have the strength to endure this surgery and the life-altering changes that come along with it. I MUST do this for myself. I know you will too ! Best of luck, Kathy (a wanna-be loser)

You can do it!!! free for 4 years after smoking for about 18 years. The patch is the most wonderful thing. But, please follow the directions completely and use the patches for as long as they tell you to. I tried to cut corners and stop using them once I felt like I'd quit three times. The forth time I decided I would follow the directions to the letter and here I am today-smoke free. GOOD LUCK! Christie

good for you Marilyn!! I know that it is not easy to quit! I quit smoking 5 years ago this September. I also used the patch, did the steps. I smoked for 20 years. Way to long You'll be in my prayers If you want to talk, or just to vent to someone please feel free to email me. Take care! ~Vanessa -87lbs

Hi, good for you! You might try this if your game. My son says the patches are a waste of money. He went to the health food store and picked upTea Tree Australian Chewing Sticks $3.00 [they're tooth picks]. Really they work, he hast't been a crab or any thing he's not smoked for 3 weeks, a pack a day smoker. Dusty Baker on the CUBS, go go! chews on them all the time because he can't use tobacco during games. they come in different flavors. Good luck I quite 20 years ago best thing I ever did. Doris

Good Luck I quit in January, after 23 years of smoking. I have tried many times before, and always craved really bad. My hubby is still smoking, but this time around just to smell it on people or in the air makes me gag. No cravings this time at all.

Marilyn: Congrats on your decision. It's as important as WLS for your long-term health. I was a pack-a-day smoker for 19 years. I quit two weeks before surgery and am now 2 weeks post-op. Make sure to take your patches with you to the hospital OR ask the nurses for them. They provided them for me when I was in the hospital. Now that I can't eat, not being able to smoke is driving me crazy, but I will survive....AND SO WILL YOU! Good luck.