I need suggestions on quitting smoking.

I urgently need advice from past smokers!!!! I'm supposed to have my surgery the end of February. I quit smoking after 30 years last saturday then started taking a couple of draws off a cig three days ago. I got stressed out yesterday and I've smoked a half a pack today. I'm already on the prescription drug Wellbutrin. Any suggestion would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance, Gwen

Gwen, I can't offer any advice because I'm in the same boat, but I'll be glad to be your 'stop smoking' buddy if you need some support. I need some accountability help too. My approval is up in the air right now, but I need to stop because I'll be having it by the end of Feb also, and I can't wait to see if/when I get approved to stop. I've cut back to half a pack the last week, and I'm dropping it down to 1/4 next week. Drop me a line here or email me. This board seems kinda dead huh?

i see the surgeon on feb 25th and i still have not quit! chit it's so hard because if i stop i eat and i dont need another pound!

I'm having the same problem as you....I've smoked for the better part of 15 years and have briefly quit in between. I quit on 2-3-05 and have been using the nicotine patch. I know that it's not easy but remember that part of the reason that the surgeons want you to quit is because of breathing problems under anesthetic!!! That in itself scares me!!! I also have been wheezing some prior to quitting and I just know that there is no sense in my having this surgery to make me healthier if I'm going to continue to smoke!!! It's hard but I would like to be a part of your support system because I can use all of it I can get. I go back to see my surgeon on March 1st and will find out then on my approval for insurance so I wanted to get a jumpstart on the quitting. I've been visiting quitnet.com that was suggested by another OH member and it has a lot of good support and facts on there that have seemed to help me!!! Good Luck!!! Jen

Hi Haley's mom, Thanks for emailing me back. I haven't had any replys except yours to my cry for help. You're right this is very hard. I think I am going to try to quit cold turkey again. I'm on my second round of patches. They help tremendously. I've got to do it. I've already been approved for my surgery. Right now I'm trying to get off 10 lbs to get my BMI down to 50 before the surgery. I've already lost 3 of the 10 lbs. I told my Doctor that it is just wrong to tell a patient to loose weight and quit smoking at the same time. Oh well, I guess you have to do what you have to do. I'm 48 and have 6 children and 9 grandchildren. I weigh 300 lbs and thats on a 5'3" frame so I look like a walking ball. I'm so tired of not being able to do things. I'm from Huntsville Alabama and I work for Huntsville hospital and I can't wait to have the surgery. Hope you have a good week and thanks for writing back. I haven't had any luck with getting a mentor. Gwen

Hello,
I am a former smoker and used to smoke 3 packs a day for well over 30 years.  My breathing was so bad I had to go to the hospital on several occasions.  A friend of mine told me that laser therapy to quit smoking is very effective. 
My cousin in Kingston read an ad in the local paper offering laser therapy for only $99.   I booked an appointment and went there with my cousin.
I was a bit shocked to find out they only accept "cash" as payment.  Regardless I went to my appointment.  When I got there I was greeted by a man and his very large dog.  I was expecting a clinic atmosphere.
Anyways I ended up going through with the treatment.   The owner of the company mentioned he was self taught.  That definately made me nervous as I was already in the middle of my treatment.
Unfortunately I ended up smoking pretty much after leaving his home.
I ended up google searching laser therapy and found a laser clinic who's a member of the BBB.  After speaking with them I booked an appointment.  I am happy to announce I am now a non smoker thanks to Omega.  I don't have their phone number handy but if you google search they are easy to find.
Please be careful and do your research. 
All the best,
J Walker