OK everybody, we CAN do this. Now, how are we going to do it?
Patches
Gum
Zyban
Cold Turkey
Lobelia
Hypnosis
Actually, I've tried them all. Patches made the withdrawal symptoms more tolerable - but ultimately you are still addicted to nicotine while you are using them. Ditto on the gum, except with the gum your nicotine level rises and falls, so I had more cravings.
Zyban, the first time I tried it gave me hives. Plus, since it is actually the anti-depressant Wellbutrin marketed under a different name, the anti-depressant thing might be incompatable with weight loss.
Cold turkey - A slow build up to total hell on day 3 and then a slow release into just purgatory.
Lobelia - Used it in conjunction with the hypnosis. Don't know if it was just a placebo effect, but I was calmer.
Hypnosis - worked until I forgot to listen to the tape - by the next day I was smoking again.
So, what is everyone's plan?