Almost There but .....

Hi all, I'm almost there, I did all my pre-op appts and my 2nd meeting with Dr. Cooperstone tomorrow. Then on to the approval process, which I understand doesn't take long. My only issue is .... SMOKING -- I've been trying for a couple of months and have been unable to kick the habit -- I have done everything else I need to do and am excited about having the surgery and getting on with my life and I know I have to kick this thing or he won't do the surgery -- what can I do HELPPPPPPPPP. I know Christine and Debra (Ms Moozy) said it would be good for us to post positive and negative -- so here is the negative. I'm assuming my surgery date will be in October so I have one month which means I must start today -- but I'm addicted and don't know what to do. Well I know what to do -- STOP, but am having a hard time. Any suggestions? Sorry for this ramble -- hope everyone is having a good day and look forward to hearing from you. Love Debbie

Debbie; You have to ask yourself what it is about smoking you like. Is it only because you need to have something in your hand? Is it the inhaling? Or is it the general feeling you get when smoking? I quit 8 years ago. I cut up red liccorice sticks in the size of cigs. This way I could hold them like one, and the hole in the center allowed me to have the inhaling sensation. I still craved the nicotine, but this helped me. It kept my hands busy. Try a craft, or better yet go for a walk. That way you get your excerise in. I believe for me it was just to kept busy, and that helped. But the biggest motivation for you should be the WLS. Kept focused on that. Good luck to you. Karen

Oh Debbie - this is so hard......it is bad enough to have food addiction but you have two.... Here is a tip ---A friend of mine substitutes small straws or stirrer sticks cut off to about 4 inches long. She constantly has one in her mouth. Get a hobby - do something with your hands all the time - even buy an acrylic wish angel stone and reach for it when you're tempted. Make a wish and roll it around in your hand or pocket. Practice drinking water that we are supposed to consume daily. Warm fuzzies - suz

My doctor said I had to quit at least 6 weeks prior to surgery or he wouldn't do it. I went on the patch immediately. It really helped me, but it was still a challenge. It's worth a try and certainly isn't any more expensive than the cigarettes themselves. Good luck. I feel your pain. Joanne

Debbie, Hello hun ~hugs~ I know I was a smoker a while back and what helped me was having straws around. I know that sounds funny, but when I wanted the fix I would chew on a straw. It sure helped me and now with the patch it might be a good combo! I tried to stay away from places and things that made me want to smoke but the hardest was right after I had something to eat....WOW Well that is when I went for a straw. Well I hope that silly info helps......get a box of straws and "the patch"! I wish you the very best hun and keep us posted! ~hugs~ Debra P 285/228/125??