Need any and all advice I can get...

A little about me,I am 35 yrs old and have four children, I weigh 285lbs and have alot of major health issues. My doctor has referred me for this surgery she feels it will benefit me in alot of my health areas. Which I agree and want this wls for myself my delimma is they will not operate on me and do this surgery unless I quit smoking I am currently trying the patch to no avail and not having much sucess can ANYONE give me some advice, pointers, anything they may be helpful in my delimma, any and all advice will be respected, and totally appreciated. I really want this procedure but I need help. TY to anyone who will respond. Stacey.

Hey hon...I can't help with the smoking as I don't smoke and never have. But remember....with wls you will begin a whole new life in which you eating habits will change forever. It's a good thing......and you can do it. Think of smoking the same way.....you are doing this for yourself, your family and your health especially. I would think that to make such big sacrifices will be difficult, I know the food changes were hard for me (I'm only 7 weeks out) but the rewards are terrific!! Please keep trying and have the surgery!

You are right they will not do the surgery unless you quit smoking. I myself quit smoking 11 years prior to the surgery. But I will tell you that wls was the best thing I have ever done for myself and more importantly for my family. i think that you really need to think about your family here mostly your kids and quit the smoking for them and then you will have the journey of your life. I will tell you as a reformed smoker that after you quit you will say I never thought it could be so easy. I wish you the best of luck and look beyond the smoking as it is just a speedbump in the whole picture. Good luck and I hope all turns out well for you...

Stacy, someone told me that there is a new nicotine inhaler which is supposed to help a lot. I don't somke so I have no first hand knowledge of this, but my Mom smoked for 40 years before she managed to quit---it can be done. Keep trying! Good luck. Karen

Hi Stacey, You've taken a good step in gaining your health back, now don't let anything cheat you from gaining the whole picture! I've never smoked, but do know that you have to be strong in your conviction to quit and adopt a defensive attitude against smoking. Don't let the nicotine take away your chance to become a healthier & happier person. Now is the time to take care of YOU! Try not to dwell on the quitting process. Just do it....Quit! Find other things to take your mind off any cravings or withdrawls you have...but don't focus on them... Mind over matter. It's not hopeless. You CAN do it! I'll be praying for you! Keep us posted on your progress. Blessings, Yvonne