I need serious help, guys. Please.

Okay, don't flame me. I know I'm bad, blah blah blah. I also haven't been around for awhile because my life is so stressful right now. (that's a whole nother story). Anyway, I'm well on my way to getting my surgery date. I've completed everything but labs, nut (have appt),and psych (have appt.). Dr. Barker ordered a nicotine test for me. I have been trying every day to stop smoking and I friggin CAN'T do it! I don't know how long I have to be smoke free for it to be out of my system. I have googled and seen everything from 2 days to 6 months. I'm going nuts. I need this surgery. I have lots of co-morbidities. But I can't quit smoking. Somebody help, please. I'm totally begging here. 
                                           Jamie

I will not flame you but I know that you can do it. Go to the store and get the patch and it will help you I did it and was able to quit in a weeks time. Please try and tell yourself you can do it and just when you want one get a piece of sugarless gum and chew it.This will help. I know because I did in 1999 and have not had one since than. If you want the surgery bad enough you will find the will power to do it. The patch is just a crutch. This is just a throught and I hope that you can do it. Remember we are here for you.

The problem is that the patch, gum, etc. will all make me pop on the nicotine test. I need to get these labs done ASAP. My appt. with the nut. is on Sept. 9th and she'll want to look at my labs. My stress level is through the roof. I'm seriously sobbing here.

Jamie,

No flaming here.  This is what we are here for!  Try Chantix.  My brother smoked for 20 years and quit in two weeks time on that.  Try spearmint gum to help with the urges.  My surgeon requires three months of being smoke free before he does the surgery.  It really aids in the healing process.  You CAN do it.  I believe in you.  Be strong and make the committment.  Draw the line in the sand so to speak.  I am here for you!
 

Now I'm not the most shining example... but when I had surgery, I quit using the gum (which you say you can't use) and also used www.quitnet.com (I think .com, could be .net or something). You might want to take a look at it, I swore it was the OH for smokers.

Good luck... I know it sucks!

We are not here to flame you Jamie - but  - bottom line - there is no way around your surgeon''s requirements - you have to stop smoking!!   No matter what it takes - it has to stop or he will NOT operate - for your own safety.

My suggestions would be:
 
Call the doctor's office and see how long you need to have stopped for - that way you know if it can be done by the date of your next appointment.

If not - you can reschedule your appointment to a later date - I know you hate to reschedule but better that them saying no when you know you can't pass the nicotine test

Get some help to quit, whether it be patches or Chantrix - whatever - give them your BET shot - you can do this!

I do sincerely sympathise but there is nothing we can say to change the surgeon's requirement. If you want this surgery so badly you HAVE to stop smoking!

Now people here can help you with methodology as I have never smoked, so do not feel your pain - but you need to do it by yourself - and we are all here to support you in any way we can.....

Sorry Jamie but you really do have to bite the bullet!  Visualise how much healthier you will be after surgery  - nothing else matters - and go for it!

Jackie

Jamie -
YOU CAN DO IT...

Jackie has some great points... do this for YOU ... have you quit smoking be a direct action and practice for your life after WLS... if you can kick smokies, you'll excel at WLS (not that you won't anyway)... but I found any obstacle that came up pre-surgery only helped me after wls and prepare me for life after wls... like a training or something, kinda weird I know.. but you need determination and compassion to quit smoking.  Personally I think you need those two things to start excercizing post WLS, choose the right foods, deal with the new system, take your pills, adjust to the new lifestyle...

See the correlation?

YOU CAN DO IT!!

I quit May 15th so I guess it's been a year and 4 or so months.. .I used chantix....

Talk to someone about the stress, chew gum, start walking, start new behaviors... suck on sugar free lollipops, drink water, take some deep breaths, take up a punching bag.. something :)

YOU CAN DO IT!!

XOXO
USE THE FORCE LUKE

Hi Jamie,

I stopped smoking 21 years ago and don't let anyone tell you it isn't addictive and you'll get over the cravings, I still miss smoking, but not all of the negatives from it. ( The smelly clothes,  breath, home, pukey ashtrays, shortness of breath, holes in things....)

That being said, when I stopped I did it cold turkey. I sucked on cloves when I needed a cigarette ( the kind you stick in a holiday ham ) and I also had to stop drinking anything hot or soda. Of course cigs go great with coffee, tea, drinks, so I just drank water. It was a matter of breaking the chain of compatible actions and modifying my behaviors. 

You can do it, what's more important your health or a cig? I have faith in you that you will make the right decision.

Diana

I fully plan on quitting. I swear. I just need to get through this damn nicotine test. I can't pass it on the patch. My nut. appointment is on the 9th and she'll want to look at my labs. I can't get my labs drawn until I have no nicotine in my system. Get it? I'm screwed. My dr. requires 4 months smoke free before surgery. I am not going back 4 months in this looooooooooong process. I also can't take chantix. I tried it and had the worst adverse side effects ever. I know it sounds like I'm making excuses. I'm not. It just is what it is and I'm so frustrated by it.

Hi, Jamie:  While I can't speak to what you are dealing with as a smoker (never have smoked), I can as someone who has family members who were very heavy smokers.  Both of my parents quit after 40+ years of smoking with the patch (back when you needed a prescription).  They both quit cold turkey many times before that, but they have said that what made the difference was the patch (they haven't smoked in over 20 years now).  Without lecturing, it is going to be important to you to quit now for many, many reasons -- the immediate reason being your desire to have the WLS surgery.  My understanding is that in order to heal properly after the surgery, you can't be a smoker or have it in your system.  I was told that even as a non-smoker, I couldn't be around cigarette smoke following the surgery because it could interfere with my healing.  Don't take any shortcuts -- you don't want to take any chances.  Do what you need to do in order to quit (hard, I know), even if it means postponing an appointment.  Your health is too important.  Best of luck!  :)