Heatgirl03

Oh you poor girl! It is tough when everyone smokes around you.
I hope you get a good solution from your doctor tomorrow.
I remember how in the 1990s I was in LA, sitting in an out-door cafe, having a smoke and how I was treated like a lepper, and looked down and criticised .....
Then I went to New York, and there smoking was OK .....
Anyway, I don't miss smoking at all now.
Best wishes for you @@Heatgirl03

Thank you for all of your suggestions! I have not tried the nicotine Patches as of yet. I'm going to go to my primary doctor this week and see what she suggests. My manager smokes about a pack a day (outside) and she is constantly asking me to go out with her! I have NO support at all at work!!!
Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Since you have some time, Chantix might be a good choice for you, it takes about 9-12 weeks on average to quit smoking using Chantix. It doesn't contain nicotine but it acts as a partial nicotine receptor agonist which means that it tricks your body into thinking that it is getting some nicotine. I think that the company that produces chantix provides supplemental smoking cessation support. I used to do smoking cessation counseling. My only caution with Chantix is that it can sometimes produce some interesting psychiatric side effects.

I totally get it. I work a very high stress job with a lot of other smokers. It almost feels like giving up part of your identity at first, but I've come to realize that it's the addict in me that whispers the negativity. I love being a non-smoker. Just remember that it does get better- there will come a time where you hardly think about them at all for days, weeks, months, etc.
BTW- I was on 150mg twice a day (morning and afternoon.)
Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I read online it can take up to 20 days for nicotine and continine (what nicotine metabolizes into) to fully leave your system. Be wary of e cigs, they can contain nicotine too. Today, the nurse told me to wait 2 weeks to have my blood tests done so that the nicotine would be out of my system.
Sent from my SM-G930V using the BariatricPal App

Zyban (bupropion) is another good choice. It has a few caveats as well- shouldn't use if you've ever had a history of seizures. In many places there are state ran smoking cessation programs that offer free nicotine Patches, gum, and counseling.

@@Heatgirl03
Have you tried nicotine Patches? Nicorette gum?
I used to smoke, I also used to quit many times, but could not stay stopped.
Finally last year my thyroid disease made me quit cold turkey, as even one puff was choking me, and I was losing my voice, as I had a lump in my throat.
The reason I am mentioning nicotine Patches is that they could help till the medication takes effect.
So, you still have offices where people smoke?
Smoking was banned indoors, here in Australia, many years ago.
Anyway, good luck with everything!

Thank You! I will making my appointment tomorrow with my primary! It's just so hard and everyone at my office smokes, which does not help at all! Thanks!!
Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I recommend Wellbutrin over chantix. It's a mild anti depressant that also helps with overeating and cravings. None of these medications contain nicotine, but Wellbutrin honestly worked wonders for me. I gave myself two weeks, and after the two I had to TRY and quit. I ended up quitting within one week of starting. You still get cravings but they are nothing like without medication. It also makes smoking far less pleasurable.
Whatever you choose, I know you can do it! This is a huge step toward a a healthy lifestyle. You've got this!!!!!!!!
Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I smoked for 24 years. Two packs a day. Get chantix. It works. I didn't even really want to quit when I did and it still worked.
I can't even imagine how tough it is to have to deal with quitting smoking on top of surgery prep - but both are worth it in the long run.
Good luck - you can do this!
Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I use baritastic and I love it.
Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Thank you so much!!! I know what I will be doing at work tomorrow! Lol..... Thanks for the information
Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Thank you so much!!! I know what I will be doing at work tomorrow! Lol..... Thanks for the information
Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

@@Heatgirl03
I use the Free version. There is a Premium version that is not free, but the Free version is great!
My dietician wrote out the calories, and % of Protein, carbs and fats, tailored for me.
I then entered these numbers into "My Goals", and this will give you the daily grams allowed.
You find "My Goals" in the "My Home" section.
You can also make your food diary public or private.
It takes a while to set it up, mainly entering different foods, but once you have your regular food in the system, it is much easier. Then you only add any new food, and with any food change amounts, if you have less or more of it.
Yes, it is a great tracker!

I also use the free version, it gets easier as you use it more. I like it, seems to work well.

My last NUT appointment is on November 4th. I'm hoping my insurance company will approve me quick and I get my surgery in November/December timeframe
Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I have Cigna as well and it didn't even take a week. I went for my weight and date (hadn't been approved yet) and scheduled it for 2 weeks out. I was approved very fast.

I have already submitted my PCP letter to the surgeons office. The only thing I'm waiting for is the 3 months with the dietician. My last appointment is November 4th. I really need my surgery by the end of November. Fingers crossed
Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Cigna takes 5 to 7 days. Remember you're also dealing with the surgeons office and their scheduling/submitting everything in a timely manner. One thing you might want to check into - does your plan require a referral letter from your PCP? My Cigna plan did and that added a few days to the time. Try to get that in to the surgeons office ASAP, if you need it.
Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I'm having my surgery on September 7th, in Cleveland Clinic (Miami)! I know it's a bit far, but it's a wonderful hospital!!
Sent from my SM-G935V using the BariatricPal App

Yes. I was sleeved about 10 days after receiving approval.
Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I have Cigna Open Access. Once submitted I had an approval in about 5 days.
Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Once I satisfied everything that the doctors and the nurses need it only took me two weeks for the insurance to give me approval. After I received my Insurance approval, it was about me and the doctor coming up with a schedule that suited both of us.
Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

As a vet, I had a LOT of questions pre-op and looking back I posted some really long questions. Now that I'm over 2 years post op, I find that there is one reference I still find myself going to.
On YouTube there is an awesome show from the UK called Fat Doctor. This is REAL stuff. Shows a lot of the surgeries, lifestyle changes, etc. There used to be many more episodes but some were taken off the site. However, there are still a lot of great episodes. There are a few sleeve cases but mostly bypass. However, the struggles and the lifestyle changes are the same.
I've gained some weight in the past months and working to get it back off. Of course, I naturally went back to Fat Doctor and watch it daily for inspiration! Good luck to all the newbies here.

@@Heatgirl03 I had to complete several "screening questionnaires" before I saw the psychiatrist. I asked for help with dealing with emotional eating while I had my waiting period - just so I could have all the tools I could get for post-op.