OT - If I ever...

Thank you Alice.  I know I will be much happier if I succeed than if I were to fail again.  I'm feeling better since I've had a chance to vent to all of you.  Thanks for your support!

Hey Donna I am one of those crazies that quits for months and even as long as a year and then falls off the wagon.   I was supposed to start back on my chantix today but forgot.....   My surgeon did tell me that most of the patients that get ulcers after RNY are smokers so this should be enough motivation for me.   I am gonna put the Chantix in my purse the next time i stand up....so i am right there with you sister.    Take care and good luck, Pam

Pam, If misery loves company then we are there!  Ok, let's double team those cigs... One thing though, I've got an ulcer BEFORE surgery!  Taking the .5 mg (along with the support on here) has really helped today.  I felt a little queasy after my 1st one, but the rest have been fine.  Think I'm on to something now.   Get those Chantix in your purse and we'll ride this out together!!!!!

I haven't taken Chantix since my surgery and think i am a little frightened but more frightened not to take it and keep smoking.  Doc said i can take so tomorrow it is.   We can help each other. Pam

Hey Pam, how is the quitting going?  If you haven't already, you may also benefit from the info Shelli_5 posted above.  It is a great program. The taking .5mg Chantix 4 x day seems to be really helping me. 

Well...i haven't started the chantix yet.   I was telling my carpool buddy that i was afraid to take it since it made me a little nauseous before i even had the RNY and afraid how my pouch would react.   He suggested i start on the weekend when i am home from work anyway so if i get sick, no worries.  Sooooo, I will start tomorrow when i get home from work.    Last time i took it, it took me a few weeks to get all the way off.   I have cut back a lot already (especially since i don't smoke in the car as my coworker doesn't smoke).  I probably have had 8 a day.   I get home by 4 pm so gonna try first one then.   How are you doing? Pam

This morning was really ok but this afternoon has been a struggle.  It has taken every ounce of will power I have to resist.  But resist I have.  My problem is not so much the nicotine cravings as Chantix has taken care of most of that, mine is the brain cravings.   You are doing great cutting back on your own.  The weekend will probably be your best chance to retry the Chantix.  I'm taking mine .5 mg 4 x per day and my stomach seems to agree wiht this.  I'm not having the upset stomach I was having taking the 1 mg x 2 per day. 

If i have problems with nauseousness, I will try it the same way you are.    Think what has me wanting to quit the most is doc said most of the ppl that develop ulcers in their pouch are those that smoke.  It is really a no brainer to try to quit knowing that.   I know all about the brain cravings.   I maybe smoke 1 or 2 cigs in the evening at home....my worse time is smoking as a social thing and to get away from my desk at work.   My job is pretty stressful and when i quit before, i would go out with the smokers just to get away from my prison...lol Pam

Boy oh Boy did you hit on the same thing I go through.........stress at work and getting up to smoke just to walk away from it all for a few minutes.   The city of Wilson Rose Garden is in front of our building.  I have started walking to the garden for a few minutes.  I still do miss the socialization that goes along with smoking.  Hopefully if I walk to the garden enough others will join me. Wishing you good luck! Donna

Thanks Donna, I started my Chantix today and am fine.  Hopefully when i increase the dosage, it will stay ok. Take care and hang in there, Pam