twiley

Long Time Smoker, 20 plus years. I have smoked with the patch and chewed nicorette for years and was a closet smoker. Thought I would never be able to break the habit. I did by accident though. I was prescribed Wellbutrin XL and noticed a side effect of not wanting to smoke at all. That was over 2 years ago. I kept the nicorette going for about 6 months after that but bought my last nicorette in October 2007 and weaned off to regular gum. Been chewing that regularly since then and the day of surgery (Sept 08) I left the hospital chewing gum and haven't had any problems. I was concerned for the first few days. My doctor said "no gum" is a guideline. They are very strict however about smoking however. THey figure if you can't quit smoking, then you have bigger health issues. It is a tough, tough habit. We are all addicts. I notice the smell on people now and wonder how I ever was able to get off that crutch. Good luck to all. It is still amazing somedays.

Hi Everyone, I have had a sore throat and post nasal drip for a couple of days now. It seems to be effecting the band. I am now 3 months post but am having to go back to liquids and softs due to all the phlegm and stuff?? Has anyone else ever had this happen?? Thanks twiley

My PCP mentioned it the other day. I also have a long time friend who I have shared many things both good and bad with and she mentioned it to me last week too. No it has not been all rosy. My friend said that last week after I was talking about being in a slump and having to refocus. I have told some people out of all the weight you lose, the most important loss is between your ears. Good Luck to All

Today was my first day back to work. I was out a total of 8 days. I probably could have gone last Friday but figured I would rest up. Good thing. I was quite tired this afternoon.

LCJ, I have been going through Casco Bay and have been real successful. I do know what you are talking about though. I went to the session awhile back and kind of thought what an arrogant SOB. I ended up with the other surgeon and everything has worked out. I had surgery on 9/9 and so far so good. There is also a Maine specific group on these pages too, Have you looked in there? Good luck!!!

Hi All, So far so good. In by 10:30 out, out by 4:30. Just like a drycleaner!!! I am really surprised that I am home already even with a CPAP. I had a Jello and popsicle in the hospital and have had 2 boullions and a shake at home. We'll see if tomorrow is the 'reality bites' day..............

I have had the range of emotions lately. Yesterday was depression and boredom with the shakes and just waiting for it to get here. Am doing okay today so far. Have a busy day tomorrow at work so that should make for a much less anxious day. When I did get up this morning I was counting the hours until then. Thanks for your thoughts and concerns and I will let you know how things go.

Hi All, I go Casco Bay. Tuesday is my surgery with Dr. Wolff. I have enjoyed the staff there. I did go to an outside social worker due to overcrowding and to speed up the process. I think that was and is the most important part of the whole program. I graduated what I call Charm School with the phsyc a couple of weeks ago. At first it was kind of scary because now we will only meet on an as needed basis. But then I realized it should be cause for celebration that I have turned a corner and am ready for the next phase and to regain my life again. Waiting for Tuesday........................

It would have to be getting pneumonia in April and having so much pain in my lungs and side, I could not get out a chair without being pulled out. I had joined the local clinic in January but just kind of was there. Wasn't really doing much until after the pneumonia.

Hi All, I have an appointment next week with the surgeon. I am a newbie to the site but an Golden Oldie to being overweight. The last few years have really caught up to me. So far I think the social worker visits have been the biggest key. We have reached very far back. Came upon the site last week and liked it so I decided to join. Thanks to all