Smoking and the Bandit

[illuminationlady 7]

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.

[Libbyjane1976 1]

Okay you can do it. Are there others who smoke in the house along with you? If so ban them from smoking in the house and around you. Can you go to your doctor and get that medicine that makes you get sick if you smoke? You are doing this for your health. This will make it much safer for you on your surgery day. You can do it!!! It is worth the sacrifice. It's worth it for your health!!!

[illuminationlady 7]

My husband smokes but does not like to smoke around others who do not. No problem there. Yes, Chanix is a med that I could take. I go to my PCP on Tue. Will ask about it. I am determined to get the band. I had already decided to quit after WLS and losing the weight. I just thought both at the same time would be a lot! Guess I don't have a choice. Going to costco for some Patches today. Thanks for your support! :blushing:

[Mimilou2004 13]

Good luck, you are doing a GREAT thing by quitting. I hope the Patches help.

Mimi

[Libbyjane1976 1]

You can do it!!! patch on up!!! were behind you 100%!

[btrieger 21]

You can quit and you probably should. However, surgeons that are smoke nazis should just be told to shove it.

There are plenty of fish in the ocean.

My surgeon is not a nazi but I quit 4 weeks ago and feel better for it. After the first 3 weeks it is all down hill. I used nicotrol inhalers last time I quit for 5 years. Doing it cold turkey this time.

[illuminationlady 7]

You can quit and you probably should. However, surgeons that are smoke nazis should just be told to shove it.

There are plenty of fish in the ocean.

My surgeon is not a nazi but I quit 4 weeks ago and feel better for it. After the first 3 weeks it is all down hill. I used nicotrol inhalers last time I quit for 5 years. Doing it cold turkey this time.

He is a very good surgeon but I thought it a bit strick to insist that i quit immediately. The probelm is my insurance will pay 100% of the bill with him. I have heard very good things about him and his follow up care. He has a special technique he taught Lap Band for non slippage and ports not flipping. I can do this. It will just be really hard with dieting!!! Thanks to everyone for the words of encouragement!

[btrieger 21]

Misery loves company and you've got plenty of that here. There are quite a few people struggling with tobacco and dieting here.

I wish you the best.

[kiz 1]

Cigarettes are so darn expensive nowadays. Start yourself a clothing fund for all those new clothes you're going to need as you're dropping sizes with the money you used to spend on cigs.

Best of luck to you!! It must be very hard to be dieting, going through the stress of surgery, and dropping the nicotine habit all at once. Vent away as needed.

[ariesbelieve 0]

My Dr. had the same requirements. I did quit and passed the blood test.. Takes about 2 - 3 months to get out of the system. I had surgery on Tue. of this week.

You can do it!!!! :blushing::thumbup:

[illuminationlady 7]

Thanks to all for the support! I'm dying for a cig and it's only been 3 hours! I have been dieting regularly for around 3 weeks and I was always hungry. That seems to have gotten better. Writing these blogs helps. If my progress on the smoking is so slow I may write a book on here lol! Gonna go watch UCS kick some butt now. Will keep you posted on my progress tomorrow. Thanks again. You are the best!:blushing:

[crzytchr 3]

Congratulations on your decision to be banded and quit smoking. It is such a big step on your road to a healthier future. Be aware that if you are using Patches, you are still getting nicotine in your system and it will should show up on the test. You would be better off trying Chantix or Wellbutrin. Many say Chantix is better, but more expensive. If you want to be quit by December 2, please try to get one now. Good luck!

[melloways 0]

He is a very good surgeon but I thought it a bit strick to insist that i quit immediately. The probelm is my insurance will pay 100% of the bill with him. I have heard very good things about him and his follow up care. He has a special technique he taught LAP-BAND®® for non slippage and ports not flipping. I can do this. It will just be really hard with dieting!!! Thanks to everyone for the words of encouragement!

My surgeon told me I had to quit also. Its been 1 month!! I have my bad days, and I occassionally have a cup of coffee to take the edge off in the mornings. Its a struggle everyday, but I like smelling pretty and not like an ashtray anymore. Now other people who smoke stink to me.

Edited October 25, 2009 by melloways

[Portola Suzanne 3]

My husband smokes but does not like to smoke around others who do not. No problem there. Yes, Chanix is a med that I could take. I go to my PCP on Tue. Will ask about it. I am determined to get the band. I had already decided to quit after WLS and losing the weight. I just thought both at the same time would be a lot! Guess I don't have a choice. Going to costco for some Patches today. Thanks for your support! :thumbup:

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!!!!!:crying:

[malakai 0]

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