Darn the Monkey

Hi all! I am what ya'll call a lurker. I have been reading the posts for a long time. Evelyn- thank you for bringing up the smoking cessation thing. I didn't know that doctors would not operate on you if you smoked and also please update your weight loss. I have really been paying attention to your weight loss because you were the closest size to me now.  Now for the monkey- I have not had a cigarette since 10 pm Fri. night.It may not be a long time but after smoking for 17 years, I think it is awesome. On my way to work this morning, I got my first craving of the day and I laughed when I realized that I had been up for almost an hour and a half. That was pretty cool. It came down to a decision I had to make. It was either smoke and be miserable for the rest of my life or quit smoking and get the surgery that I need.  Thanks for letting us lurkers hang around. You inspire even when you don't know it.

Hi and welcome!  Congrats on quitting smoking...I know its a difficult thing to do.  I've never smoked but know many people who have/do...it was hard for the ones who have quit and for the ones who haven't, well I guess they just don't want it bad enough. What type of surgery are you having, do you have a date yet?  I see you're a Dr. Gibbs patient, so am I!  You'll be in good hands.  Let us know if we can answer questions or help in any way.

I can definately understand about the smoking. I also was a smoker for over 20 years. My husband & I decided to quit at the same time. That was 3 years ago and I don't miss that nasty smell at all! I might suggest that you take a straw and cut it in half (it is about the same size as a cigarette). You can use it to chew on while driving or after eating. It helped me so much. My husband used the straw also....Funny thing....I would sometimes catch him flicking his ashes with the straw!  It is a very hard thing to kick and you might also try Sugar Free hard candy. I wish you success. When I was with family and friends and had to smoke, I recall telling them "I am going to feed my Demon". Glad today I don't have that Demon anymore! Best of luck to you! Rhonda T

Hi and welcome to the board! Congratulations on starting this AMAZING journey and also on quitting smoking. I'm sure it is a very difficult thing to do. Just keep your mind set on the finish line and I'm sure you will be successful. Take care and feel free to post anytime. We love sharing and reading about each others triumphs. Have a great day!   Karen

Welcome & good job on no cigs since Friday! Best wishes with kicking that habit and with surgery!

I don't have a date yet. I have been to Dr. Gibbs seminar and I am in the process of being approved. I just had my review board meeting 2 weeks ago and the lady told me that the longer it takes for me to hear from them- the better. If they are going to deny me, they are gonna do it fast. So say a little prayer for me. I have a question. Everyone always says to get your 64 oz of water in daily. Do you mean specifically water? I tried a little experimant of my own. For 2 days I drank 64 oz of water. I was never hungry. That is a good thing but my point is after the surgery, my stomach will be smaller. How am I gonna fit so much water and supposed to be able to eat too. On top of that, I couldn't stay out of the bathroom. It seems I was in there every 15 minutes.

Hi there, and welcome!!! I'm a Gibbs patient too, and agree with Denise, you'll be in good hands. As far as the water is concerned, yes, you do need to get in 64 oz of LIQUID a day, but that's NOT soda (ever) or caffeine.  You'll never do it right after surgery, but the idea is to sip all day long, stopping 30 minutes before you eat and up to 60 minutes after you eat. You just keep sipping through out the day and it get done....sometimes more! Congratulations on stopping the smokes. Gave them up myself about 20 years ago and never looked back.  Anyway, you'll need that money to buy new clothes!! Take care