When did you quit smoking. I am haveing a big problem quiting cold turkey. Compared to a pack a day , i am now smoking 4 cigs but i really need to quit, surgery in 3 weeks. Help!!!!!!!!!!!:tt1:

When did you quit smoking. I am haveing a big problem quiting cold turkey. Compared to a pack a day , i am now smoking 4 cigs but i really need to quit, surgery in 3 weeks. Help!!!!!!!!!!!

I quit smoking Oct 1st in anticipation of my surgery. I now use an electronic cigarette which really helps my craving. I ordered it through ecigarettenational.com and it's working for me. Gets you off the smoke and 400 carcinogens found in the cigarettes and you'll be healthier for it.

I quit when I became pregnant with my first child 4 years ago. My advice would be to keep a mantra going in your head. Mine was something extreme, but it worked. I would constantly think "If I smoke, my child could have a serious illness." If you are doing this surgery with a "Do or Die" mentality, you could use that as a mantra and motivation. I was a 2 pack a day smoker for over 10 years. I completely understand. But, just like this surgery, I constantly remind myself that having a cigarette, cheating my diet, etc... is not an option unless I want to die. I know it sounds harsh, but it worked for me.

Also, I wonder if the medication "Chantix" is an option for you at this point? I know many people who have had great luck with it.

I wish you lots of luck with this. I know how difficult it is, but it will probably save your life.

I quit 3 months before surgery. My doctor takes your blood the morning of surgery and if you have nicotine in it they would not do the surgery. I figured that I had waited and worked so hard to have the surgery that I wasn't going to let a smoke mess it up!

I started reading a book that came highly recommended "Easy Way to Quit Smoking" by Alan Carr. My best friend read it 3 years ago and as soon as she finished the book she hasn't smoked since. I've heard it works for others as well. It tells you to smoke as you read, I'm finding the book very interesting so far. The author was a smoker himself so it's coming from a smokers point of view. Just thought I'd pass that along. Good luck!

My doctor will not even schedule surgery until you quit and she does blood tests to check. FYI -- It takes 2 weeks to get the nicotine completely out of your system.