HAD 6 MO. CHECK UP TODAY

Well I had my 6 month post op check up with Dr Cacucci today and she was very pleased with my progress. Only thing she did not like was that I am still smoking. I made a deal with her that the next time she sees me I will be a non-smoker. So I better get together because I know that will be the first thing she will ask me. I went and got some patches the other day and as soon as I finish off what I have now that will be it (hopefully). I even got my T-Shirt for hitting the century mark in my journey. So I am a happy camper tonight. Dan

Woo-hoo Dan! Great going! When I quit smoking, I used the patch & Wellbutrin. Wellbutrin is an anti-depressant (which is covered by most prescription insurance policies) that has the same stuff in it as the anti-smoking drug (that insurance companies don't want to cover). With the patch, I used 1 a day full-strength for a week..then I started shaving off some each day...and a little more each day. By the time a month had passed, I only had a sliver of it on so stopped it too. The hardest thing to me is the mental habit. I still have to remind myself that I am a non-smoker now...and it will have been 2 years on July 19th. It really wasn't as hard as I thought it would be to quit (I had smoked for ~25 years with the last 10 yrs of it being ~3 packs a day...can anyone say 'chain-smoker'?). It is definately the best thing I've ever done for myself. WLS is even 2nd to that. I'll be cheering for you! Sherri

Sherri, The dumb thing I did was quit for 2 months prior to WLS and started up again within two week post op. I think I can do it this time since once my knee is replaced I want to get serious about exercise and get rid of my obnoxious gut. Dan

I'm right there with ya Dan!!! I quit for 6 years and started back up again last Fall when I was getting sick with the ulcer...stupid eh??? I have my patches all ready to go too...we can beat this!!!!

Way to go Dan! You were looking great on Saturday too! Good luck with the stopping smoking., my husband has just quit (again) and that is one thing I'm VERY glad I never started. I know it's rough, but I wish you all the luck in the world., My dad is dying of eymphasima (sp?) right now, and I tell you what, I wouldn't wish that death on anyone. It's like I've been watching him suffocate slowly for the last 5 years. He's captive in his own home, because the air is either too cold, or too humid for him to be able to catch his breath. It's very sad. I only hope by my 6 month check up I'm at my century mark too! Keep up the good work and good luck!

Thanks Darrah What you said about your Dad got my attention big time. I have been smoking around 50 years now except for a few week here and there when I tried to quit. Keep up the good work and you will get you T-Shirt at the 6 mo check up. Dan

Dan, excellent job on the weight loss and the decision to stop smoking!! Both are fantastic!

Thanks Lauren Dan

OH MY GOSH...great news ..smoking? i will not say a word...but yahoo for you.....

Angie I know it is going to hard to part with my budies, we have been friends now for about 50 years. I kick myself in the butt every time I think about starting back up again post op. Dan