Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Recommended Posts

How the heck did you guys quit?

I'm on day 3 of no smoking and I swear my coworkers are tip toeing around me and my sister seriously had to remind me that my car insurance doesn't cover nicotine withdrawal when I almost moved the car that was blocking the path with my car.

I'm trying to stay as quiet and by myself as possible because I feel my mood is so out of control. And HELLO hot flashes!!

I have the gum to help, but honestly that just feels like someone is pouring pepper on my tongue. Has anyone tried an e cigarette?

I'm dying!! But I want my surgery so bad!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I quit using Chantix. It really helped. I don't think I could have quit without it. However, it has side-effects like mood swings, vivid dreams, depression, etc. Even with it, I was a total b*tch. I made 2 coworkers cry within a week. However, to get the surgery, I managed. I'm now over a year smokefree. You can do it. Just warn the coworkers you are quitting and might be a little sharper than normal.

Krista

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am not a smoker but want to encourage you to stay strong and draw strength from anything that you can. This surgery has changed my life and I am saying a prayer for you to do what you can to get to your surgery date successfully. Good luck to you!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hang in there! I know your pain - I am approaching 11 months completely smoke free after 28 years of 1-2 packs a day. I read a book called Smoke Free in 30 Days - got a prescription for Wellbutrin, and also used Nicotine Patches starting with the strongest ones they have and gradually stepping down. Nicotine gum and lozenges wreak havoc with my tummy and made me feel pretty sick.

The Wellbutrin worked really well for me as remarkably it made me seem to forget about smoking - which was pretty much unthinkable all the other times I had tried to quit. Quitnet is a great site too - lots of good support and info there. Other friends have had great success with Chantix - my doctor said that the greatest successes with quitting happen when you use medication along with Nicotine replacement in the initial stages of a quit - it helps ease the sheer torture.

Just keep hanging on - eventually, and you may not believe this, there will come a time that you no longer think of cigarettes or smoking...never did I think this was possible, but alas it is. Sending you positive thoughts!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

The blu electronic cig is great. It hits your throat just like a real smoke and it's just Water vapor. I freak people out smoking in public places.:D

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I used the chantix but like someone said before it has its side effects. Unfortunately, I went back to smoking. My sister used the e-cig, if you can, get one! I will help. Good Luck.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

You might also look into aversion therapy, since smoking is a combination of chemical addiction and behavior/habituation. Aversion is what the Schick-Schadel centers provided 20 years ago or so and used a minor shock (like from a 9V battery) to replace the pleasant sensations you get from smoking with unpleasant ones. My wife went through it (a few sessions within a week) and has been smoke free for the past 20+ years. I don't know who does this these days as Schick Shadel seems to be into alcohol and drug addiction treatment these days, but it's something worth checking out if the chemical/drug based solutions don't work.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I quit smoking long before I considered WLS, but I used the Nicoderm CQ Patches and I must say, THEY WORK!! Go buy a box at Walmart and put one on. They totally take the edge off!!

You can do it. The first week is the WORST. Don't give in, it is all down hill after that first week!

Good luck to you!

Kelly ;)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I quit cold turkey almost two years ago but i was only a smoker for two years so I imagine it was easier for me. I tried the e-cig but it wasn't anything like smoking and I didn't get that satisfaction from it. It's a waste of money in my opinion. I can't give you advice on how to quit, but I will say do absolutely anything and everything you can to try. The way I felt without smoke in my lungs was night and day compared to how it was before. The other thing I'll say is that the first week or two is the hardest part and then it gets easier. For me, the actual nicotine craving faded long before the habit did. Sometimes I still miss stepping outside after a meal or taking a relaxing break with a cigarette. I had to find other things to do for a few minutes of "me" time. Good luck.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I smoked for over 25 years- last September while I was contemplating wls- I bought a few e-cigs and began to slowly switch over - after I went to the seminar for my group the doctor said he absolutely would not do surgery on anyone who smoked and they had to be quit for 3 months before the sleeve and 6 for bypass.

So I switched over totally to the ecig 2 months before my consult appointment. When I went in for my appointment

he asked me if I was using nicotine liquid or 0mg liquid. I said Nicotine liquid- he said.. it's the same as smoking as far as nicotine in the system which constricts the blood vessels and slows healing and he said I'd have to quit

for the 3 months prior or 6 months if I wanted the rny-

So- I switched to the non nicotine and kept vaping with that until I felt strong enough to put it down-

Because honestly just having the hand to mouth option even with out nicotine was helpful- better than nothing-

In the end- I had to decide which was more important- getting the surgery- or risking the testing showing continine

in my bloodwork..which my doctor said they tested for right before surgery and would cause my surgery to be canceled. I worked too hard to get to my surgery date to be denied on account of nicotine showing up in my system.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • vsg.with.sharon

      Hey everyone!
      I’m new here! Looking for some friends! 🥰
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • LeighaTR

      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 3 replies
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

      2. Selina333

        I'm in Houston so kind of near you and had the sleeve in Dec. Down 61 lbs. Feeling better. Was definitely worth it. I hope the everything is going well for you. Update us when you can!

      3. Doughgurl

        I am back home after my bypass surgery in Tiajuana. I'm post op day 4. Everything went great! I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who have not encountered much pain at all, no nausea thus far and I'm having no problem keeping down broths and water. Thank you for your well wishes. I cant wait to keep up this journey and have a chance at better health and simply better quality of life. I know there will be bumps in the road ahead, and everything won't be peaches and cream, but at least I have a great start so far. 😍

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×