SMOKING AFTER SURGERY

I HAVE NOT DONE IT YET,BUT I WAS WONDERING OF PEOPLE WHO HAS WENT BACK TO SMOKING AFTER SURGERY. I'M TRYING NOT TO ,BUT HAVE BEEN TEMPTED AT TIMES. I'M REALLY TRYING TO BE STRONG AND SAY I'M TRYING TO BETTER MYSELF NOT GET WORSE.

Tracy, I don't smoke, so I don't want to sound like I am on a soap box, here, ok? But the thing that comes to mind is that we are all making a huge committment to changing out lives for the better, healthier way we know we should strive for. Substituting one unhealthy habit (eating) for another (smoking) doesn't really move us along the road, does it? I have been tempted many times since surgery to do things that are self destructive as an outlet for the anger, frustration and neediness I feel right now. But I am trying to focus on changing the whole me, instead of just my weight. Does that make sense? Does it help?

I have to hang my head in shame and admit that I never did quit. My Dr wasn't pleased that I smoked nor the anethetist. And two days after surgery I was outside the hosptial having a cigarette. I do want to quit but I don't think right now is the right time for me when I am going through these beginning stages of surgery. Patty

Patricia, I am right there with ya!! I smoked until 3 days before my surgery and started again a couple of days after I left the hospital. God knows I tried to quit before surgery, but the nerves and anxiety weren't any help. Now smoking helps calm my anxiety down and stop thinking about food as much. Good Luck and take care!!

Hey Tracy, I smoked for years, but quit when I found out I was pregnant. After I had my baby I considered taking up the habit again, but I figured why start it up again when I had gone for so long already without one????? I know the past few weeks have been stressful, etc, but if you want to quit eventually, why not quit now???? You've already made it this far, and you know the 1st few weeks are the hardest. Why give in now? You can do it girl, stay strong! In a few more months you will be even more beautiful AND HEALTHY!!!!!!! (not to mention not stinky!) Good luck! Dawn

Tracy, I quit smoking on June 6th because my doctor required me to be smoke free for 30 days before the consult. My doctor was very strict and said if I go back to smoking he will not operate. Well to this day I am still smoke free. It was very hard for me to quit and I think about having a cigarette often. But I have come so far. I don't plan on going back just because it has been so long and it is pointless to go backwards. Good Luck on staying smoke free, I know how hard it can be. --Marianne

Marianne - I quit on June 7th and haven't had once since either. But, it was very easy for me. I guess I had fought so hard to have this surgery and my doctor said no smoking or he won't operate, so which did I want? The surgery. Congrats!!! Cyn

Okay, I was smoking a pack a day and more since I was 14 years old. I quit 4 days before surgery. My surgeon said I was to quit at least 2 weeks before but I just couldn't do it. My husband went to jail the day of my surgery and did not come home until I was 9 days post op. Then a few days later he had a drug relapse and got our car towed and I have not seen him since (12 days ago). I have 3 children and no real income. I think if anyone is under enough stress to feel the urgent need to smoke (or have a drink) it is definitely me! But guess what--I refuse. I feel like this--I have went through a risky surgery in order to lose weight for health reasons. Not to mention it cost a lot of money. Why do all that if you are going to continue to engage in other activities that are unhealthy??? I want a cigarette at least 10 times a day, but I do not endulge myself. We have to take control of our health. The surgery was a good step, staying away from cigarettes is very important too! Look, I am under sooooooooooooooooo much stress right now I cannot even express it in words........And I have none of my previous comforts to turn to... I have been sober from drugs for 3 years so no drugs, no cigarettes, no vodka, and definitely no buttercream birthday cake. Somedays I feel so forlorn with nothing to turn to for comfort, but I know that I will be so much happier eventually without all of those things and eventually I will find other things to comfort myself when stressed. So please, please try not to start smoking again. I know it is hard. You have already went through the physical withdrawal phase, so at this point it is just a mind thing. Your mind wants a cigarette. Don't give in! Good Luck, believe me I know how hard it is!!! Joy Lap RNY 8/31/04 391/360/150

I just wanna say kudos to all who were able to quit and STAY with it. I quit for quite a while before my surgery, just as my surgeon wanted. However, as soon as I got in the car to go home from the hospital, I quickly lit up. My two big vices in my life have always been FOOD and CIGS. I know myself well enough to know that I can only deal with one of those at a time. BUT, in this process of making myself healthier, as soon as I am well versed with the food issues and they are under control, the smoking is going. My mother has also made this pact with me to do this with me. All who have been able to stay off.....GOOD JOB!!!!!! That is my NEXT goal.