After a 2 pack a day for almost 40 years, I quit using Chantix. It worked great. I didn't do well on patches. With Chantix you don't get any nicotine. Even though my insurance company would not cover it, I was spending about the same on the med as I was for cigs. Today is my one year anniversary of being a non-smoker. I was just banded last month and I can't imagine going through preop diet and quitting smoking at the same time. Good luck!
Pat