Welcome to our community. : ) I know what it is like to enter this room searching for help because of a serious medical issue with surgery (for me skin cancer) needing help and support. Believe me when I say that you will find that and more here. Empower yourself and do a lot of reading at places like whyquit.com and quitnet.com. Information is power. Make a good plan. Log in here every day and participate in the daily pledge and the roll call. I find that it helps me a great deal to remain connected to the group. : ) I pray that you only have the best of outcomes possible with your spinal surgery.

Welcome. This is a wonderful place filled with loving, caring and supportive people, The is a ton of great advice here. Forme thr rollcall anfd the pledge are the most valuable tools. They keep me accoutable and accounted for. Again, Welcome!
Love 'n hugs,
Elsie

Welcome! We are here if you need support. This is a big and loving smober family, some who have been smoke free for years, months, and even weeks and days. You can do it! I have been smober for a month, and I feel SO much better! You won't regret the decision! :)

welcome to the group. do the research on the sites mentioned. If you go to the group tab in the upper right hand corner, and go down to the group "Good Posts" there is a lot of good information there. I can also recommend water and lots of it. It helps the first few days. Keep busy. remember cravings only last a couple of minutes. It will pass and you will get thru it.

I worked pre op for 2 years. Your doctor is right. They will not operate if you smoke. Not only will it cause problems with anesthesia but it will also hamper you in the healing process after surgery.

Welcome

You are already doing a great job....from 2 packs to less than a pack?!? That is great.

You are raising grandbabies and they need you and you have to go though this surgery etc...

I am a single parent and I am a relatively new non smoker...quit cold turkey 97 days ago. I am also disabled with severe back problems...and I refused the surgery, but that's another story....anyway, I know how stressful this can be and it was hard those first three or four days.

I really, really wanted to quit for me. I found DS about the same time and the wonderful people on this group. Just "checking in" every day and "pledging" to not smoke that day was and is a helpful and supportive tool for me. I also found that "Bonfire" on Wednesdays was a great way to meet the people here and share some SMOBER time with new friends. When I really was struggling, I focused my time here on DS as I am not able to do other things like "go for a walk or exercise" which are other helpful tools. Last...POPSICLES! I bought sugar free popsicles and I must have had about 8 in a day that second and third day....I don't know what it was about the cooling and being able to have that hand to mouth motion helped me considerably.

You will do awesome and take care. Also...I spend a lot of time on the Chronic Pain board here in DS....many people there have had tons of surgery and back issues and are very helpful and educational if you find that you want to talk about those issues with people who have had the experience.

HUGS

Hi and welcome. Surgery is tough, but when you need it, it is a good thing. Quitting smoking is only as hard as you make it. Your body will go through some withdrawal, as with any addiction, but keeping a positive attitude is in your favor. Will keep you in my prayers and send you some ~~~positive~~~ vibes.

Welcome!!! You have already made the first big step in your life. Deciding to quit... joining this group also helps tremendously.I will keep you in my prayers, sweetie. Remember you can do this. Good luck!

Welcome to the best support group out there. You will find the best folks around right here. Sorry to hear of your up coming surgury but you will be in our thoughts and prayers. We hope to see you regularly here for all the support and encouragement you need.

Thanks everyone for your replies.I havent had much time to really check out this group but am going to today.

I will have my daughter log on for me and udate you all the day of my surgery.

Thanks
Janey