Question:
Any tips for quitting?

I need to quit smoking for the surgery. Have purchased the patch and plan to start tomorrow. Has anyone quit using this method or other methods. Would like to hear from you. You may email me at [email protected] Thanks, Kim    — Kim F. (posted on July 22, 2000)

July 22, 2000
Hi Kim: After smoking off and on (mostly on) for for more than 20 years, I decided that I needed to quit. Once I made up my mind, I just did it. I chose a date, and said "that's it!". I was pretty determined! The main thing I learned in the beginning was that I had to stay away from the people and places that I associated with smoking. After about a week, I really started to feel better, and I came to quickly detest being around smoking! That was more than 5 years ago. There were times in that first year where I really struggled, but I told myself "you don't want to have to start quitting all over again, do you?" and that thought kept me on the right path. Good luck, you can do it! PS---once you start using that patch, don't smoke! You can become quite ill from doing that.
   — Jaye C.

July 23, 2000
Hi Kim, I. too, quit smoking before my wls. I did it cold turkey. I set myself a goal date (exactly 4 weeks before my surgery date)and stuck to it. The patch should help to curb your "craving" for "nicotine", but you also need to do what you can to break the "habit" of "smoking". Try to shake up your "routine" a little to stay away from the places where you would normally light up...(sit in a different place in the living room, move away from the table immediately following dinner, WASH and hide all the ashtrays, LOSE your lighter, etc...) I even went so far as to deliberately putting my purse in the back seat of the car to avoid the automatic habit of reaching inside it for a cigarette when I was driving. AND I even went so far as to rewarding myself with a little "star" on the calendar for everyday I was nicotine free! Yes, I was "grouchy" (polite term) for a few days (okay, WEEKS) after I quit, but, most of my friends and family were pretty understanding and graciously accepted my apologies later. You can DO this, sweetie. Good luck and God bless, cj
   — cj T.

July 23, 2000
Hi Kim! First, congrats on your decision to quit. I know it isn't easy! I quit almost two years ago with the help of Wellbutrin. My PCP wrote me a perscription and hubby and I both quit. CJ and JayeC have both given you great info. Pick a date and stick to it. Try not to replace the smoking with something else, like gum, lolipops, munchies, etc. I did that and gained 50+ pounds! I know you only have a few weeks till your surgery, so that should help. I threw out all of my lighters, ashtrays, etc., and friends are not allowed to smoke in my house anymore. I also re-pained my livingroom, scrubbed the walls of my kitchen and cleaned all of my drapes and linens to get rid of the smell and discoloration of the stale smoke. After all that hard work, I would be d**ed if I was going to smoke again! LOL! Good luck to you and please e-mail me if you need any support! Luv,.....
   — heidiinPA

July 23, 2000
Hi Kim, I congratulate you and think you are kicking one the hardest habits, but not impossible. You have to want to quit, which will make it that much easier to accomplish. I'm 8 years smoke free as of 7/11, and I used the patch and went to a 4week quit smoking group. I only used the patches off and on for about 2 weeks, (It got to the point where I kept forgetting to put them on). The surgery should only help you to reinforce your quitting, focus on yourself after the surgery and your recovery, and not on going back to old habits. You're gonna be starting a new healthier life, why not go all the way. I pray you find the strength to accomplish your goals.
   — Anita S.

July 24, 2000
It's easier to quit with someone else (much like working out). I quit in November, by using the patch and by making a bet with my boss. The first one of us to smoke owes the other $50. Neither of us has given in yet, and while we trust each other, we also employ a few "spies" just in case.
   — Kasey K.

May 13, 2002
Good job on deciding to quit! I was a smoker for nine years+ and I tried several different things. My doctor prescribed Wellbutrin for me and within 2 months I was done. It was a gradual thing, but all of a sudden I realized I never got up for a cigarette before lunch, then it was all day. The medication stops the craving. It did take a few weeks to notice anything, but it definately worked for me. Some people may be turned off by Wellbutrin because it is a 'anti-depressant', but it is also prescribed for smoking cessation. (My dentist can prescribe it, believe it or not). So it might be something to look into.
   — Shelly W.