I know I don't post here much now and I "lurk" a lot now... but tomorrow is my "QUIT SMOKING NOW AND GET READY TO BE HEALTHY" date. I am quitting 3 weeks before surgery and using the patch. Tomorrow I am destroying all cigarette related merchandise and having the "smoke smell" removed (if they can) from my car.

I know I don't have to beg because you all are always so generous with encouragement but please please please lend me some words of encouragement as I quit tomorrow for life.

Thanks.

Jenna

Jenna: You can do this!! Remember the little engine that could? I think I can I think I can. Keep repeating that expect change it to this. I know I can, I know I can. There ya go!

Yoga might help. Meditation could as well. ANYTHING other than smoking. Writing your feelings down could help purge you of this habit.

Greg: I stand corrected on the prebanding toilet cleaning match lighting issue. LOL!! Thanks.

Good luck to you!!! I quit several years ago and it was very hard to do, but I am sooooo glad I did it and you will be too. Now I am amazed at how much cigarette smoke bothers me! It's a good thing my dh and I are not partiers, because I just can't stand the thought of going into a club or anyplace where there are a lot of smokers. A couple of years ago, we went to a club to watch a friend and his band play. We could only stand to be in the smoke for about an hour. When we got home, we both stripped in the garage and headed straight for the shower!

Hi

Im in my 2nd day of the operation, the scars are healing well! I actually live in the U.K.

Can any person give me any advice for the first month the Do'S & Donts associated with this procedure.

My weight was a staggering 18.5 stones and growing until the operation date.

Thank you

Annette

Way to go, Jenna! You're making it through the first day. I am one of those irritating never-smoked people so I can only imagine what you're going through. . . but a friend of mine who quit with the patch said it was a great tool. Maybe it's like a band for nicotine. Good luck -- we're rooting for you. You will really be able to smell those roses without smoke!

My headaches began about 1pm today. Had our taxes done this morning and for the first time ever we are not getting a refund... WE OWE!!! I almost went to get some cigarettes but I refuse to be beaten. Then the headache hit. I think I will go lay down and hope it does not evolve into a really severe one. I have the Patches but this morning I think it made me feel ill so I took it off 2 hours after I put it on. So for now, I am cold turkey. A friend told me to limit myself today to 3 cigarrettes, tomorrow 3, the next day 2, the next day 2, the next day 1, the next day 1 then quit all together. I have to admit I thought about it. But I know if I pick one up, many will follow!!! And besides, today is the day (grandma's birthday, she died of lung cancer from smoking 8 years ago) and I will NOT give up this day. I am hoping the headaches subside within a few days. As for now, its ibuprofen and rest.

I look forward to checking this post. It really really is helping!

Jenna

Jenna, you've been given some excellent advice. How about taking the $$ you normally spend on cigarettes and putting it back for a nice little weekend getaway for you and your DH - after you get your band? With your band and no more smoking, just think how much better you're going to feel...better energy, food tastes better, better sleep, calmer, easier breathing, fresher breath and hair. You can do this! And it's just one more way for you to regain your health. Best of luck!

Good luck to you. I quit about 15 years ago and it was really tough, but I made it and you will too. Take a day at a time!

Jenna,

What strength patch are you using? I would suggest going to a lower one if the patch is making you nauseated. Keep this in mind quitting smoking is probably the most valuable gift you can give yourself (other than your band). If you believe in your self than YOU CAN DO IT. I believe that you can do it!

Good call Madelines mom, a lower strength patch, or even the gum, which is nasty but you can "park" it and not chew it, or set it aside for an hour and re-chew (gross but the gum's expensive! it's worth it to get over the re-chew part)

Another idea, check the ingredients in Excedrin, and make sure you can take it, but it has a kick of caffiene that can help with the headaches. Might work better for ya. You can also get a little caffiene kick with tea or coffee. That caffiene can help the headaches, just don't go too long or you'll get another headache coming off the caffiene!

You CAN do this!

Home:

take a bath

give yourself an extra 15 min getting ready and really take time on your hair and makeup

pull out the kitchen appliances and clean behind them

dust

organize your DVDs/CDs alphabetically

clean out and reorganize your linen closet

clean out that cabinet above the fridge that noone ever uses cuz it's too high

vacuum and use that powder smelly stuff on the carpets...Carpet Fresh!

wipe out all the window sills

re-pot the plants

write a letter to your mom/sister/brother/friend or all of them!

check your e-mail and log on to LBT

Dear Princess,

Here is a tip I use with my clients who quit smoking. Take a picture of your self and hang it somewhere you cansee it eeveryday. Under it write "Each cigerette I smoke adds wrinkles and age to my skin and subtracts a day from my life is it worth it?"

The second tip is to figure out how much each cigettes cost and for everytime you win over a craving or do an activity instead of smoke pay your self in a jar, at the end of six months that money is yours to buy yourelf a present, but if you stumble you have to give that money to a charity(preferably cancer related) and start over.

Good luck with the new lease on life you are getting with the band I am certain you will do GREAT!

Good Luck, when I quit I ate a fireball everytime I wanted a cig.

Jenna: The Excedrin helps immensely with my headaches. I have horrible migraines and that works. But do check with your doc to make sure it is ok.

YOU CAN DO THIS!!!

Hmmmmmm I love fireballs...... Come on Jenna you can do it... Your doing great already My Hat off to you!!!!!

Well I felt a little ill this morning about 2 hours after I put it on. It is only 15mg (one of the lower, the only lower is 10 and then 7). I quit on the patch before once so I am not convinced that it isn't just my nerves jumping around on me. I had a rough first day but I am holding fast. I would love a relief from these headaches though. Tried Ibuprofen, rest and then I went to store for Excedrin. Nope, still have a tinge. It seems to take the edge off of the headache but I can still feel it pounding. Geez, what I wouldn't give for just ONE drag to take the headache away.

I think I will try and go to bed early tonight. That way I can get another 8 hours of smoke free under me!

Oh and I forgot to tell you all! My son spent his Saturday morning in his room (not watching cartoons) and made me a "smoking bracelet". He said it was like a worry stone only made my him. It has beads on a stretchy elastic and he says that when I feel like I should have something in my hands, then play with that. It REALLY helps in the car. What a sweeeet boy!