Today was my first visit with my surgeon. I learned a lot! He, himself, spent one entire hour with me! He went over everything with me personally. He is Dr. David Oliak in Orange, California. This is what I learned.

First I was greeted by a friendly receptionist. Of course there was paperwork. I weighed in at 256lbs. I have lost 18 pounds before my initial meeting with him! I'm pretty proud of myself ! I was given handouts, a banded patient handbook and a receipt of all my body readings: weight, BMI, Fatty content.....and more.

I was not made to wait and everyone was friendly! The chairs throughout this office catered to the obese. They were comfortable and BIG!

Anyway, back to what I learned; I learned that I must quit smoking cigs immediately! OMG! I know it's an awful, nasty habit and I was close to quitting any way but with this diet I'm on and the quitting of the cigs....I just don't know????? hum.....

And this doc says no quit, no surgery! He does a blood test to see what my nicotine levels are. They made it quite clear that they will know if I smoked. Okay...this is tough but I made my date for surgery December 2nd on the condition that I quit immediately. Wow! In a way, I'm relieved but it is really going to be hard.

Those of you who have read my previous threads know that I've had a hard time of it. True, I'm in a much better place now. I have psyc clearance and paid in full!!! Approved! My date is December 2nd! Help! I need help! I need support and prayers!!! I have just smoked for years. I know there are things I can do to keep myself busy. I knit, crochet, garden, dabble in the arts, and read, read, read! I can drink herbal tea and lemon and be with my family. But this is going to be HARD!!!!

Okay, enough ranting! That's what I needed to do; VENT! Thanks in advance for being my sounding board.

I am a smoker and i have a surgery date of Nov 10th. I do not meet my surgeon till Nov th. (I went to true results for all of my pre-op requirements.) So i dont even think he knows I am a smoker. Should i say something? should I worry about it. I can quit now but if they do a blood test I am in trouble cuase I only have 2 weeks till surgery.. Also if you do Patches you will still have nicotine in your system so how are you going to get around that

Don't say anything!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Chanix is a great medication for this, also research shows when you quit things all at the same time you have a greater chance of success. I know it seems strange because it is alot to take on. You can do this and you will love the band it is so worth it, For the first time in my life I am not hungry all the time. So wishing you luck on your journey!!!!!:wink2:

Thanks for your words of encouragement! I can do it but I might go crazy first..hehe

Since I am aready crazy never been an issue, your welcome hang in there. We are stronger than we know!

I think I am just not going to tell them.. unless they ask. I am going to rty to quit a week before surgery. see the problem with that is i have no desire to quit smoking. It keeps me sane. I will quit a week before to avoid any complications that it may bring with the anestesia.

I suggest that you make some small changes in your routines to help you with quitting smoking.

Both my parents were chain smokers and smoked during the same routines for their entire adult lives.

Here is what I recommend.

1. Instead of your morning cigarette with your morning beverage, get dressed and go for a walk.

2. Anytime you feel the need for the oral stimulation, get up and do something else such as jumping jacks or jogging in place.

3. When you talk on the phone, watch TV or generally light up, get up and find 5 other things you can do around the house.

4. After dinner, don't sit at the dinner table too long. Eat your food and immediately find something else to do to occupy your mind. I always suggest taking a walk.

Smoking is your first battle and likely eating will be your second battle. You must change your routines and your focus to be successful at either battle.

I sincerely hope you can whoop this,

Donna

Donna, Thanks for all the helpful suggestions. Very good ideas. I will journal others. I know I can do this once and for all.......will keep all of you posted.