Addictions -- see one coming and don't see one ending (sorry long)

I am 50 years old, 12 years ago I wore a size 6, in 9 months I doubled my weight and it has been uphill from there. Drinking is not a problem -- gave that up long ago because of psych meds. I have smoked since I was in college, but I could always put it down, two years ago I went on a Mission Trip to Italy and couldn't smoke as I was chaperoning kids. Did not smoke another one for a year, SEVERE depression complete with shock treatment**** me and I picked up the cigs and haven't stopped since. I never felt addicted before, I do now. I had severe eating disorders until I was at least 35 and I believed the smokes helped with nerves and oral cravings. So, here I am looking to have surgery, I don't feel confident I can quit smoking and I see myself as definitely one of those who will tend not to eat after surgery. During a 6-week hospitalization for severe bulimia, I took advantage of the controlled food atmosphere and flipped to anorexia. I thought I was disgustingly fat at 110 lbs., at 265, I really know what fat is. I know some of you have dealt with some of these things from the posts. HELP!!! I am really serious about getting this weight off and truly I am not goaling a size 6 again. But then I tell myself if I were really serious, I could quit smoking and not fear really wanting to hit that size again!! Thanks!

I am 48 years old and have been in outpatient treatment for binge eating disorder. I never smoked, but did have the alcohol for a while in my life. I had a professor in graduate school who went to Narcotics Anonymous for her cigarette smoking. She said it worked for her. In NA it does not matter what your addiction. I am only five weeks out from surgery, so I know nothing about where my goal should be, or what I will achieve. I only know that I have not had a drink in five years, and I am hopeful that if I work my AA program, I will not have another drink of alcohol again. Good luck, Hugs, trish

I have tried just about everything to quit smoking. I have been a smoker since I was 13 years old. I will be 50 next week. I've used the patch, the gum, natural medications, and hypnosis. I bought the lozenge this past weekend. It has been the only aide that doesn't leave me actually wanting a cigarette. I feel calm while I am using it. Good Luck! ;-)

Aime, I to am 50 yr old. I smoked at 14 yr old quit when pregnant 3 times. Later I quit for 14 yr. But the habit reentered my life post op when I was struggling with stress and not drinking or having my pain meds. Not to mention no good food to medicate my addiction. I do not know the answer for you. The only way I could quit is when I REALLY wanted to quit. I do not want to quit now and the desire to keep smoking outweighs my awareness of the harm. I am not ready yet. Laurie