Smoking

I've been to embarrassed to post about this until now, but I'm NEEDING support and I knew I could turn to you guys. I was a smoker before surgery. I started when I was 16 (wish I never had now). I wasn't a HEAVY smoker -- a pack lasted me about 2-3 days. I did quit smoking for surgery and stayed quit about a month and a half afterwards. I started back very slowly. Food wasn't there for me to turn to so I turned back to smoking. I've tried to quit a couple of times since but I haven't really put my "heart into it." Well of course New Year's came and I made the resolution but didn't quit right away -- I had to finish the pack I had..I mean I couldn't waste that money lmbo.... Anyway I had my last cigarette Tuesday night right before bed. Wednesday was pretty easy but yesterday was TERRIBLE. My uncle (he and I are very close) is also quitting with me (he's staying with me for about a month until his new apartment is ready). My period started yesterday so with PMS and trying to quit smoking I made some really really bad food choices (umm snack size doritos, snack size cheetos, snack size milky way, snack size butterfinger, 1/2 bag of popcorn -- all from about 12:00 pm until 4:30 p.m.). I did somehow manage to get in approx 50 g of protein and about 42 oz of fluids. I did try a piece of the nicotine gum last night and that seemed to help alot, but I don't want to trade the cigarette addiction for a gum addiction..lol I just needed to share with somebody, so thanks for letting me get that out. I really want to quit and stay quit this time. I know it is not healthy for me (with or without having the surgery). I don't need to be flamed for smoking I know how bad it is. So on to day 3 without any cigarettes. Mandy

Hey Mandy, I know the feeling only to well. I quit smoking for surgery too but started back up about 2 wks post op and have been smoking every since. I told my surgeon and he said if I continute to smoke that I must stay on the protonix as smoking can cause ulcers to form in your pouch. I have changed so many things in my life so quickly and this is my last vice. A nasty vice but my last one none the less. With all the changes that have gone on and it being a very nasty habit to break I have had my pcp prescribe chantix to me to quit. I have friends who have used it and it seems to work. I have not started using it yet but plan on it in the near future. I will know when the time is right for me. But right now for some reason I just cant let go of it. I dont smoke as much as I used to....far to busy now to even think about it all the time like I used to. But like I said with all the changes and stress it helps soothe me. Once life kind of calms down with the weight loss and reconstructive stuff I am sure I will be able to let go of this last bad habit. I wish you the best of luck and I will be there for you if you need. Kel

Thanks so much. It is good to know I'm not the only one dealing with this!

Ditto, you've both just told my story. Now, Texas has added an extra $1.00 per pack tax, and that isn't enough to shock me into reality. I'm trying, trying, trying to cut way down. It's so different now that food isn't a choice. I'll be here for you guys also. Cindy

Hi Mandy! There's to be no flaming from me sugar, i'm here for support if I had all the answers I'd be slim and workiing out like I know I should be! What do you do to keep your hands and mind busy; knitting, crocheting, journaling, cross stitch, puzzles or some sort? I think the key is to divert your attention until the nicotine craving diminishes or goes away. I'm a non-smoker so i have no idea what that feels like but i knew you needed my help and i'm here for you. Hugs of Support, ANDI

Hi Mandy you'll get no flaming from me. I'm not a smoker so can't say I know what you are going through, but I do want to support you in any way I can. You have done so well with changing your eating habits, I know you will eventually be able change your smoking one when you are ready. Maybe trying to do it at the same time as loosing weight is too much to handle all together? Just an idea - maybe you should wait until you are closer to goal, more in a routine with this new lifestyle and so therefore have more 'space' in your life for another major life change Your body is going through so much at the moment - be kind to yourself. Just as we set ourselves mini goals on our WLS journey, you could set mini goals towards completely giving up smoking - treat it in the same way, rather than quiting cold turkey. I know this is different advice, but we are all different aren't we. Sometimes focussing on the big picture is too much, so we need to break it down into smaller steps.

I'm in the same boat with u as well.. I know I quit for surgery and started again after surgery. I know I need to quit again for ps so I am thinking about it but just havent done it yet. We need to start a smokers support group to keep us all on track and help us stop smoking. lol.

I saw your post and had to reply. I smoked for 22 years, HEAVY, 3 packs or more a day. When my 2 year old son started imitating my smoking I decided it was time to quit. Here's what worked for me. I found quitnet.com. A website very similar to this one. By smokers. For smokers. All committed to quitting. I chatted for a couple of weeks with people in the same boat as myself, and came up with a plan. I bought a carton of smokes, and told myself when they were gone, I was done. That gave me about five days to mentally prepare myself. I finished that carton at midnight, Aug. 13, 2002. I gathered all of my lighters, ashtrays, and other smoking gear, put in in a bag, drove to a local supermarket, and threw it in their dumpster- I knew I'd be tempted to dig it out of my trash the next day. The next day I woke up, grabbed my coffee, and wanted a smokey treat worse than my next breath. I hopped on Quitnet and started pouring out my frustrations to people who'd lived it, and they chatted me through it. The beauty of this system is, it gave me something to do with my hands- besides smoke. I also started carrying "Altoids" in my shirt pocket where I kept my smokes. That way when I went to reach for a smoke, I had SOMETHING to shove in my face. ( To this day the smell of "Altoids" make me nauseous!) Anyway, I got through it. Another thing I would suggest, is skip the nicotine gum, patch, etc. You are a nicotine ADDICT. The sooner the nico- demon goes dormant, the sooner you've won. DON'T FEED HIM. You'll just make him cranky and restless. Good luck with your demons. Time for me to fight mine. DD