First of all welcome Moose, you are making an awesome decision, one that will save you life.
I do want to call you out on the comment regarding 7 years........7 days of using poison is a long time, so what does that make 7 years? Quantifying nicotine use "as not that long" is something to get out of your head, you are as much of an addict as I am.
We HATE nicotine here at the KTC, and it will help your quit if you learn to hate it as well. We are all addicts here, and we all have horrifying stories to tell, but we all move forward with accountability and brotherhood.