Quitting smoking is challenging, but the benefits of quitting far outweigh the burden of the effort required, particularly for spine surgery patients. Quitting smoking not only improves your chance of success with this surgery, it also makes it less likely that you will need additional surgery in the future. Here are some steps to help you quit:
1. Make a Plan
Make a plan about how you are going to quit. Choose a date at least 4-6 weeks before your surgery to give your body time to recover from the effects of smoking. Sometimes your insurance will require even more time than this. They also may require lab tests to confirm that you have quit smoking. Bottom line is give yourself plenty of time so that your surgery isn’t unnecessarily cancelled or delayed.
And more than that, plan for the inevitable struggles that will come. Think about how you will react to tempting situations and then write down your answers. What will you do if you find a box of cigarettes? Or if someone offers you one, what will you say? What are your strategies when a strong craving hits, or if you get withdrawal symptoms? Having a detailed plan will make it that much easier to follow through.
2. Seek Professional Help
Talk to your doctor about smoking cessation programs, medications, or nicotine replacement therapy (patches, gum, or lozenges).
3. Behavioral Support
Join support groups or work with a counselor to address the behavioral aspects of smoking addiction.
4. Avoid Triggers
Identify and avoid situations, places, or habits that tempt you to smoke.
5. Stay Active
Regular exercise can help reduce cravings and improve your overall health, preparing your body for surgery.
6. Forgive yourself
Mistakes happen. Don’t hold it against yourself and don’t give up. Give yourself a high five for the effort and progress you have made and then get right back on that horse and keep riding.
Conclusion
Millions of people have quit smoking and you can too. Just make a plan, the more detailed the more better. Use resources you have around you to help you quit, like your doctor, friends, families, online communities, medications, or whatever it takes. So, as Phil Knight would say, “Just do it!” Your future you will thank you.