Ok so I quit smoking weeks ago, stopped the patch last Wednesday the 23rd, and started the liquid diet on Thursday the 24th. For the past four days I have been sitting around bored silly, I have been trying to keep busy with taking the dog for walks, cleaning the house, shoveling the driveway, roof raking, visiting Family and friends, and so on. I find that when I sit still I have this feeling of

have I forgot something? or What the heck do I do now?, Cant eat, Cant have a smoke, already been for three walks, talked to everyone I wanted to, went shopping, read over my pre op papers again. Even as I sit and watch TV, or drive my car, I feel like something is missing, or I have forgotten something, I know a lot of this comes back to making the changes of not eating or smoking just to have something to do, but how long does this feeling last?

You are right....something IS missing..you are no longer engaging in behaviors that are HURTING you. You have to seek out help from a support group. You are tackling 2 very hard areas at once. You need to get a new hobby and get some books to read that help you to realize that you are doing this because you love yourself. Perhaps you can begin a journal that states your negative feellings then states ALL the benefits of quitting smoking and having WLS. Perhaps even you could chew some sugarless gum when you are feeling you need "something" during that bored time.

You can do this. This isn't an easy process but it's sure worth it. Long term health and self esteem is your goal Keep up the great work and stay strong. It will get better

I went through the same thing when I quit smoking. I do chew sugarless gum. I bury myself in my job. (granted it is a desk job) But none the less I push through. I don't have the nagging need to go on a break and smoke anymore. The eating part well I find that if I stay busy I just find that all I want is something to drink. So I grab a glass or bottle of Water with my crystal light. I am really trying to push the food demon away from me. As I found that before I started this process, I would eat just because it was there. Mindless eating was my life. There will always be temptation. Its just avoiding it that is the hardest part. My husband is trying to not bring anything in the house that would ruin my pre op diet. He has changed his eating habits as well. So I completley understand the "I'm forgetting something" feeling.

I'm sure we will all make it through this.

Deb

Ok so I quit smoking weeks ago, stopped the patch last Wednesday the 23rd, and started the liquid diet on Thursday the 24th. For the past four days I have been sitting around bored silly, I have been trying to keep busy with taking the dog for walks, cleaning the house, shoveling the driveway, roof raking, visiting Family and friends, and so on. I find that when I sit still I have this feeling of

have I forgot something? or What the heck do I do now?, Cant eat, Cant have a smoke, already been for three walks, talked to everyone I wanted to, went shopping, read over my pre op papers again. Even as I sit and watch TV, or drive my car, I feel like something is missing, or I have forgotten something, I know a lot of this comes back to making the changes of not eating or smoking just to have something to do, but how long does this feeling last?

I'll be in your boat soon. I start my diet on March 2 and will leave the cigarettes alone. I know I can do this. Plan on taking many naps. Can't eat and smoke if I'm sleeping. lol

Yep it tis the smoking that has you down. I think my withdrawls lasted aroutn a month or so.. You feel as if you are jsut super bored and there is nothing else you could ever possibly do with your time..I know this sounds really strange but it will help you very very much. Get a jig saw puzzle..If you have the patients it will take you at least one week or so to put it together. something defentily to occupy your time,

I def agree that its the smoking (former smoker here).

Also, getting into a support group is a great idea.

It will fill some of that free time and provide you with positive ways to deal with the problems you are experiencing now.

Best of luck!

Yep it tis the smoking that has you down. I think my withdrawls lasted aroutn a month or so.. You feel as if you are jsut super bored and there is nothing else you could ever possibly do with your time..I know this sounds really strange but it will help you very very much. Get a jig saw puzzle..If you have the patients it will take you at least one week or so to put it together. something defentily to occupy your time,

great idea! When you are off from work after surgery, this will be a great activity to have in the bag too. I am just finishing up my 6 weeks off (My doc insisted) and I have been soooo bored.... but have learned to see it for what it is and get busy with something productive or relaxing.