I am having surgery on August 14th and having a hard time qutting smoking. I started Chantix and have cut down to 3 to 4 cigs a day. Any encouragment would be appreciated. I would love to hear from people that may have been in the same boat. thanks!!!

I thought it is the actual smoke from cigs that caused the problems ? Cardiovascular problems ?

For the most part, yes. But as far as surgery is concerned the nicotine makes anesthesia complicated and doesn't mix well. In general though, you're right. The tar ad carcinogens are what causes long term cardio and pulmonary damage.

Nicotine also hinders wound healing and greatly increases risk of blood clots. See http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1323208

That was my big fear....blood clots.

Smoke free 5 days

Smoke free 5 days

Way to go!!!!!

Today is my 6 week mark until surgery. I have to quit - today. I have cut way down (2-3 per day) but its the routine I'm having a hard time letting go of. I keep telling myself I want the surgery more then I want to smoke.

Today is my 6 week mark until surgery. I have to quit - today. I have cut way down (2-3 per day) but its the routine I'm having a hard time letting go of. I keep telling myself I want the surgery more then I want to smoke.

The hardest time for me was driving. ALWAYS had to drive and smoke. I stocked my car full of peppermints and always made sure I had Water to drink if I knew I would be driving. You can do it, darlin'!

When you buy the vapor cigs the fluid comes in bottles that are mixed to your specs. I quit using vapor cigs (not e cigs). I mixed 4 bottles the first being slightly less mg than full flavor- the second less- the 3rd even less and the 4th was flavored vapor only, no nicotine to work on the hand to mouth habit. Also, i had them made into fruit flavors, not cigarette flavors. I drink a lot of strawberry crush (diet) and i transferred my need for a cig to a sip of my sf drink with the same taste. Surgery was a breeze and I was actually taken off BP meds when i woke up. I also got 100 oxygen readings on my pulse ox every time instead of the usual post-op pneumonia.

Ooooh thats my date too...i did accupuncture it worked as far as taking away the urge ...best of luck i know all to well how hard it is but its sooo worth it

The hardest time for me was driving. ALWAYS had to drive and smoke. I stocked my car full of peppermints and always made sure I had water to drink if I knew I would be driving. You can do it, darlin'!

Thank you! Driving is absolutely the hardest part but I love the idea of stocking my car with peppermints! I can't believe how much I want to smoke but I'm telling myself that I want the surgery more. I still really want the smoke though:)

I told the doctors office I quit 2 weeks prior to my surgery but didn't until 2 days prior. I was also down to 2-4 cigs a day before quitting as well. They didn't test my blood for Co2 or whatever but I had a chest X-ray at pre-op appointment. I did try to catch pneumonia right after surgery though & that was the most miserable part about my recovery. I would suggest trying to quit altogether before surgery & use that respirator thingy if they send you home with one at pre-op. I haven't smoked a cigarette since. With all the cardio I've been doing at the gym with the treadmill & elliptical I'm thankful for healthier lungs. I have a coworker that had gastric bypass & never quit. She was honest with her doctor & told him she just couldn't give it up. She was still able to reach her weight loss goal being a smoker. Good luck with your decision.

I have found blow pops (with gum inside) lollipops to work wonders. They also help with the hand to mouth habit.

For me, the oral fixation was the hardest part. I don't particularly like smoking, but it was something to keep me occupied. Suckers work well as mentioned above. Unlike peppermints, they give you something to do with your hands. I just preferred the taste of mint

I love th ideas and support. I never smoked with kids in the car so I have volunteered to run carpool for 7 boys this week. I am headed to the store for supplies since I actually flushed the last of the pack I had. I am going to do this! BTW, what is the co2 test?

I quit smoking 12 years ago and it was literally one of the hardest things I ever did. It also contributed to about 50 of the pounds I am wearing now..you know it wasn't pass me a piece of chicken or a slice of cake it was pass the whole darn thing. I also found that I had dreams where I would smoke again and I would wake up so angry with myself for giving in and then realize it had just been a dream. LOL

At about the one week mark of having quit I was walking to my car and I wanted a cigarette so badly for that drive home. Eventually the cravings stopped and then I hated to be around anyone that smoked. The smell nauseated me horribly until about 2 years ago when, at times, I actually like to smell it. The first cravings I have had to smoke have been within the last year but I just don't want to have to redo that experience at all.

I tried Patches, nicorette gum, weaning myself and then just went cold turkey and that was what stuck with me.

Good luck on this journey to everyone who is going through it right now. Just another aspect of your healthier lifestyle that is getting ready to happen.

I love th ideas and support. I never smoked with kids in the car so I have volunteered to run carpool for 7 boys this week. I am headed to the store for supplies since I actually flushed the last of the pack I had. I am going to do this! BTW' date=' what is the co2 test?[/quote']

I got a vapor cigarette with 0mg nicotine to fight the driving habit and after I eat habit. I got watermelon flavor. I love it!!