Hi George,
Martin used to be a social smoker, only smoke when he went to the pub. Like that since his twenties. The problem is he would got to the pub for a pint every night.
He has not smoked since the first operation and might go to the pub for an ale once every 3 months. The beer tastes awful to him so he has no desire to go drink.
He seems to have been fine with the no smoking, his throat is so sore that he doesn't even want a cigarette.
Just don't smoke again. You seem to have had a warning.
Try nictotine patches, they worked for me. I still rub the space where my patch used to be when I fancy a cigarette and that seems to help even 6 months after.
Cecilia