Not Sure Where to Start

I have finally been approved to see a surgeon.  I went to my seminar at Alta Bates in Oakland which is where my insurance sent me. The hardest part now is to stop smoking, they want me smoke free 3 months before I see surgeon.  I filled out my packet infomation and mailed it the next day, now I cam waiting to hear back from them. It's finally happening.  I could use any words of encouragement, advice, tips anything as I dont know what is in store next.

Thank you!

Karin

I wish I had some tips for stopping to smoke but I don't. I know it is a hard habit to break as I have family and friends who have tried to stop. It is no easier than my constantly trying to lose weight and not being able to. I would say to stay busy while you are playing the waiting game. I think that is the hardest part. Do your research and learn as much as you can before you have the surgery you want to have. Take it one step at a time and Good Luck.

Karin

I am so happy that you are starting your weight loss journey. I Am om My way also. I had to quite smoking to have surgery and i did. I had smoked for many years. I was tough but I did it because i wanted this surgery more than i wanted to smoke. It's been a year since i quit but it gets easier every day. I went in to have  WLS in Oct. 21st of last year but because of a very bad hernia and some liver problems they close me up without having my rny. And boy did i want to smoke after that but i didn't. So i know what a struggle it is to stop but think about what you want more  wls or smoking. Good luck with your smoking dilemma and your wl journey.

God Bless Patsy

First stop smoking. This may be more difficult for some. I know of at least 2 people in on of my support groups who had their surgery postponed twice due to tobacco issues--one guy smoked cigarettes, and the other chewed tobacco. There is one guy in another one of my support groups who just spent almost 6 months recovering from an emergency surgery. He had an ulcer, CAUSED by his old bad habit--he began smoking again. He finally looks pretty good, he was a sick looking puppy for several months.  Patches seem to help most people stop. There are some pills to to help. I stopped smoking around 1991, when these aids were not available. I used the services of a hypnotist, and it's worked for me. I haven't smoked since then.  DAVE

Thank you all for your help & support.  It has been three days w/o cigarettes and I can do this. I want this surgery more than the cigarette and I am comitted, but it is tough!  Any one from around the Benicia area, I would love to talk to someone who has recently had surgery.  I have so many questions.  Has anyone had it at Alta Bates in Oakland?

Karin

I live in Benicia, but I haven't had surgery yet. I am scheduled for a VSG on 8.3010. through Kaiser Fremont. Each program is different. You might go to the Alta Bates website and see what information is available re: Bariatric Program. Did they mention the process during the information session?

 I stopped smoking 18 years ago and it was the hardest and best thing that I ever did for myself. VSG will be the second best thing.

My friend had her primary care doctor perscribed patches and gums to help her stop smoking. It worked and she hasn't smoked in over a decade. I wish you much luck and hope it's not a completely difficult experience. I had another friend just chew millinos of pieces of gum and eventually she didn't need to chew gum so much, but she quit smoking permanently.

Take Care,

MsBlues

Chantix is used for smoking cessation, but the side effects can be hard on some people. Check with your pcp. It can cause depression, nightmares, and moodswings in some people. But, people who have used it, say that it is very effective for stopping the cravings. Good Luck.