Question:
Any ideas on ways to quit smoking before the surgery.

I know that I really need to quit smoking before I have my surgery. I haven't even had a consultation yet, that is coming June 29th, but I know I have to quit. up until today, I have been ignoring that I have to quit, saying to myself that I can do it when it is time, but something struck me today and I want to quit asap. A commercial on the TV showing a man whose wife died of lung cancer at the age of 46 and the infamous line "I didn't know 23 was middle age". YIKES. I want/need to quit, but I am afraid. Any suggestions from former smokers on how to go about quitting with the least discomfort?? Thanks    — enjo4 (posted on June 7, 2000)

June 7, 2000
Erin, I know exactly what you're going through. I gave up smoking on 2/2/99 after 38 years of smoking and after 14 previous unsuccessful attempts at giving it up. In my total 15 attempts I can to one very true conclusion. You can't just work on the physical addiction to cigarettes, you also have to address your psychological addiction or you're doomed to failure. Did you check the library of Q&A? There are a lot of good suggestions there. I'd be happy to talk to you about it more if you want to email me directly. Now I tell everyone that the three best things I've ever done for myself are: #1 - marry my husband, Bob, who is the greatest; #2 give up smoking last year; #3 had my WLS surgery on 5/8/00. You can do it but it is not easy. I will give you every bit of advice and support that I can.
   — Nancy G. W.

June 7, 2000
Erin, I, too, quit smoking before my surgery. I told myself that the day that I had a definate surgery date that I'd quit and I did! Cold turkey! I'd smoked for 20 years. Yes, it was hard, but I knew that smoking could cause further complications with any kind of surgical procedure and I was determined to do whatever I could to reduce those risks and have a successful surgery. I, too, kept an unopened pack of cigarettes in my purse, but never opened it. I really don't think that I could have "tapered" off so that only left two other choices...continue smoking or just walk away completely...NOW! One thing that helped a little was some bits of behavior modification. Instead of sitting in my favorite chair(where I always smoked watching TV,) I moved to another chair...or moved the chair completely and put the end table on my left side rather than my right side. I put my purse in the back seat of the car before getting in myself so I wouldn't be so tempted to reach for my cigarette case while I was driving. I removed all my ashtrays out of my reach...I washed them and put them all up in the cupboard. I came in the front door instead of the back door. I changed my "routine" slightly so I less likely to just grab a cigarette out of habit. I drank water or tea after dinner instead of a second cup of coffee, or immediately moved away from the table and stuck my hands in soapy dishwater. And, yes, I b**ched at my kids and snapped at co-workers for a while, but they really did understand and graciously allowed me to apologize later. I also seemed to get ALOT of clothes mending done during that time to keep my hands busy, again, so as not to reach for a cigarette. It's not easy, Erin, but you can do it...this surgery is worth the effort. Set yourself a goal date to quit and stick to it. Good luck. cj
   — cj T.

June 7, 2000
Erin, I sympathize with you. I quit smoking about five years ago. I wish there was an easy way, but there isn't that I know of. For me, cold turkey was the only way to go. I had no cigarettes anywhere I could get to & stayed away, consciously, from any of my friends who smoked for a good month. I stayed away from anywhere I was likely to run into cigarettes because I knew myself & knew I was weak. I had "quit" several times before & it was always just one toke that led to just one smoke that led to me being hooked again. Once I made up my mind, I just plain didn't do it any more. The first few days were worst, then it began to gradually taper off. I have to tell you, honestly, there are still times today when I feel like I want a cigarette, after five years! I just don't do it. I think that's the key...no matter how much you WANT it....you just DON'T. It's not easy, but it is effective. And the craving becomes manageable fairly quickly. My hopes & best wishes are with you. You'll be so proud when you succeed at this. YOU CAN DO IT!!!!
   — Kathy W.