~*~Stop Smoking 2008~*~

[SheriK]

Good Morning....didn't sleep worth a @$&%. Figured that would happen. Got up and started right in coughing and hacking, well, you all know, that crap that leaves the body (sorry TMI). Can't wait until the day I can take a deep breath without coughing again.

Thanks for letting me vent.

[aim in Fla*working]

you ae cleaning out Sheri!!
Good for you!

Me, I was 135 this monrning@ I did eat salty food last night and that is bloating as well as TOM BUT..i used to be 130 with TOM!!!!!!!!!!!
NOT HAPPY!
So, today I am going on meat and egg for a few days to get my bloat under control/ I do not want to take a diuretic but I am not down a few tomorrow I will take one...
Breakfast-egg, steakum
dinner standing rib roast...THAT IS IT>

[Boudica]

Originally Posted by SonyaK

I have every single confidentance that I can continue to at last maintain, if not continue losing, while I am quitting smoking.

I never see this WOE as a diet as much as I see it as a way of life. Forever kind of thing - there is always going to be something stressful going on in life, I cant use any excuses to eat badly.

I am almost sure it will be easier to quit IF I eat on plan than off since I tend to get anxiety and foggy headed when I ate high carb and sugar.

And I have every confidence you can as well. HOWEVER, not everyone has that hard core, do or die attitude... some people DO try to take on everything at once... and I was giving my two cents on how *I* felt about taking on too much at once. If someone is trying to quit smoking, lose weight and exercise mroe ALL AT ONCE... the average person wouldn't accomplish one...none the less ALL. As stated before.... it is just my opinion. YMMV

Originally Posted by SheriK

Good Morning....didn't sleep worth a @$&%. Figured that would happen. Got up and started right in coughing and hacking, well, you all know, that crap that leaves the body (sorry TMI). Can't wait until the day I can take a deep breath without coughing again.

Thanks for letting me vent.

WTG!! WTG!!! WTG!!!! No worries on the TMI... we've either already been there... or it is a fair warning to others out there getting ready to quit. And it will take a while before the hacking will quit.

For me, I hacked for about 2 weeks then stopped. All of a sudden, a couple months down the road, I had about 3 days where I went through the hacking up crap again. Worried, I asked my DR and he said it was normal. Deep rooted stuff was coming up then. Hey, works for me!

Amy ~ I am on a daily diuretic so... I KNOW my weight gain is never from bloat!!! Your breakfast sounds delish though! I think I'll have a steam-umm and eggs too!

for ya BarbDe! It is always a great feeling when you hit a milestone is it not? 9 weeks! Didn't think you'd make it huh? KUTGW and you will have more to celebrate!!! What are you giving yourself as a reward?

Have a TERRIFIC Sunday all!
~D

[SonyaK]

[quote=Deila;9739299]And I have every confidence you can as well. HOWEVER, not everyone has that hard core, do or die attitude... some people DO try to take on everything at once... and I was giving my two cents on how *I* felt about taking on too much at once. If someone is trying to quit smoking, lose weight and exercise mroe ALL AT ONCE... the average person wouldn't accomplish one...none the less ALL. As stated before.... it is just my opinion. YMMV


Deila, In hindsight my post did sound a bit contrary didn't it. I am sorry. My reply was more for me than to you.

I am the queen of underachievement - the pro of quitting all things started. And any old excuse to give up again will do. When I first read your note about just concentrating on quitting smoking and not dieting - I got very excited. HA! Just the kind of permission I needed, and I started dreaming about chocolate cake ::drool::

It took me a bit to talk myself out of that idea. I simply can't do one without the other, I know this for a fact, I have tired a zillion times.

The closer I get to goal the more healthy I feel. And it's not just in the weight loss. It's more than physical feeling better, I mentally feel more in control - haven't binged in months! The more healthy I felt the more I hated smoking. This WOE gave birth to the idea to quit smoking. For the first time in my whole life I feel simi healthy. I can move and breath and walk up the stairs at work.

I think if I gained the weight back and went right back to feeling unhealthy and unfit, I would lose all my will power or desire to quit smoking. I know my very "queen of quit" attitude would be "well if I am going to be fat, unhealthy and unhappy, I might as well comfort myself and smoke again." Besides, I have gone from a size 20/22 down to a 14/12. I cant gain the weight back - I gave my whole larger wardrobe away. I would be naked. While I did save some of the 16 for a "just in case" I would still rather not go up a few sizes.

Replying to you was my way of digging my feet in and making a public declaration (there for having accountability) of "well hell I have gone this far, I might as well finish what I started this one time." Witting it out was just my own way of motivating myself and solidifying my own goals. I am sorry if I used your post as a spring board for that. I could have just stated it anyway, but I did not think after all this time I would be so easily swayed. You have helped me more than you will ever know because I had to reevaluate my own mental resolve to finish what I started.

Rather I succeed or not, time will tell, either way I will keep posting along the way.

[Boudica]

No worries SonyaK!

I, too, have to apologise for being too broad in my statement of opinion.

People who have changed their Way of Eating already... and it is something they are 'used' to... like second nature... I wouldn't recommend eating 'any old way'. My statements were more directed towards people who are trying to change more than one aspect at a time.

If you wanna lose weight... lose weight. Get your eating plan on track... THEN try to quit smoking. If you desire to quit smoking... get THAT on track... THEN start changing the way you eat. It all depends on which your heart wants MORE... to stop smoking or to lose weight.

If you have already found your WOE and are using it as your WOL... then, by all means, you do NOT have my *permission* to eat whatever you want!!! Kudos to you, however, for getting your mindset *fixed*. I had to go through teaching myself to talk me out of eating because of stressful reasons.

To everyone out there for making their resolutions and having the strength to follow through!

To everyone who has fallen...but know we are here to help pick ya back up and get right back on track!!
~D

[goin2Bgood]

Originally Posted by aim in Fla*working

Please look in to the book Allen Carr's easy way to quit smoking.

I would second that. Today is my 4 year anniversary of quitting smoking. Allen Carr's book was the ONLY thing that helped me quit after 20+ years and 1 1/2 - 2 packs a day. I'm not saying it's the only way that will work for others but if anyone is struggling, it's worth a read. My neighbor borrowed my copy 2 years ago and she quit and another person at my husband's work did also in the past year.

Good luck to all. May 2008 be the best year ever for you

[goodformelocarb]

Well, folks - I made it through the week-end! So 5 days under my belt. Going back to work tomorrow so that'll be the big test. Kept really busy this week-end and accomplished lots of little tasks I never seem to have time to get to. The top of my fridge is even free of stuff (and dust).

Deila and SonyaK - I was impressed by your discussion on weight and quitting smoking. You both made great points. I do have a good handle on my WOE so if I just keep on track the dangers of gaining might be minimal and I won't worry too much if the weight just maintains for a bit. Congrats to you BTW on your weight loss SonyaK. Bet you'll be just as successful with the quit.

BarbDe congrats on making the 9 week mark in your quit. I'll be delighted when I can say that.

Aim I bet that extra weight is just the salty stuff and it'll be gone in a couple days.

SheriK - good going on getting started right when you planned. Hope your Sunday went well and you sleep better tonight and that the guck clears out quick for you. I haven't had a lot of that yet for some reason. But I didn't the last couple times either. But when I quit in 1998 at about the 3rd month I developed asthma for the first time and it took another 3 months to get it under control. The doctors said I'd had asthma probably for awhile and the cigarettes were masking it - who knew cigarette smoke had cortisone in it. Unfortunately I started smoking again after 9 months and the asthma went away for awhile but it came back with a vengeance smokes or no smokes after about a year. Since then I've been an asthmatic smoker. My doctor really nags about quitting so he'll be very happy when I tell him the good news.

going2Bgood - congrats on the 4 years! When Aim mentioned Allan Carr's book I remembered that I had a copy and have been reading and re-reading.

Hope everybody had a great week-end and will have a good Monday too. I'll let you know how I survive the first non-smoking day at work.

[goodformelocarb]

Hey Deila - what is your avatar eating? It's cute but it makes me think about chocolate.

[SheriK]

Thanks everyone for the encouragement.

It's been almost 36 hours now without a cig...No physical cravings (thank goodness for the patch) but the mental could definately wear a person down. Last night after supper instead of smoking, I got up and did the dishes and packed lunches for the week for myself. I threw another load of laundry in and picked up the house. Still didn't sleep worth a $&^%, but I know that that is the patch. I will not take it off at night, the morning cravings are too bad for me.

Have a great day everyone.

[aim in Fla*working]

I KNOW what helped me was going to get Aleen Carr's book and going to ZERO carbs for a few days...I was so deep in ketosis that I could not stand the though of smoking or eating...It was a miserable state to be in but..after 3-5 cannot remember..i started adding slowly and I never gained...
this time I just watched my diet and I am up a few pounds after 36 days. I was 135.5 yesterday and today I was 133.5

[Boudica]

Originally Posted by goodformelocarb

Hey Deila - what is your avatar eating? It's cute but it makes me think about chocolate.

I DO believe it was a heart eating chocolate... never really looked.

BUT... I changed it for ya!

I like this pic better... don't you?

BBL
~D

[SonyaK]

Thanks for the tip on the book ladies, I ordered it from Amazon.

Goodforme and Sherik - WTG!!!

I am on day 3 of the Chantix - no side effects until today when I took it without eating first. With food is going to be a must for me.

[BarbDe]

OH yeah. With food for sure SonyaK!
Deila, looks good except for the brussel sprouts! I even TRIED to like them recently. Just can't do it! LOL

Way to hang in there Aim & Goodforme!!

Goingtobegood! 4 years is AWESOME!
.
I can't wait to say that!

[SonyaK]

The Chantix seems to have a side effect after all - I am thirsty. WHOOHOO! Know what that means? I am getting all my water in! Yeah baby!

[Boudica]

Originally Posted by BarbDe

Deila, looks good except for the brussel sprouts! I even TRIED to like them recently. Just can't do it! LOL

Have you tried cutting them in half and browning them in butter??!?! OMG to DIE for!!!! *drool*

Happy Monday All!!!

Good to hear everyone is doing well. GFMLC & SheriK CONGRATS TO YOU!!! It is heartwarming to hear you guys are hanging tough!

SonyaK WTG to you as well! What a great side effect for Chantix to have for you!

KUTGW and check in often!

~D

[aim in Fla*working]

I LOVE BRUSSELLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11 I peel the little leaves off and deep fry them and they are so delish!

[Boudica]

Originally Posted by aim in Fla*working

I LOVE BRUSSELLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11 I peel the little leaves off and deep fry them and they are so delish!

I literally bought 10 (!!!!) frozen bags of them today. I normally buy at LEAST 8 bags a week... seeing as I can go through half a bag .... by myself... a day! (228g brussel sprouts (1/2 bag) is 93 cals/18g carbs - 9g fibre=9g NET carbs/9g protein)

When I smoked I couldn't STAND the taste of Brus. sprouts... thinking they tasted *hard* and dirty. Since The Quit... I seriously cannot go 2 days in a row without having some because of their sweet/nutty flavour.

I've noticed, more recently actually, that the smell of things have changed since The Quit as well. Some of the perfumes I wore I don't like any longer.... they smell TOO strong for me. And I can smell things on other people as well... from a LOT further away.

And..... I can pick a smoker out of the crowd from 100 yards......

~D

[SheriK]

Another day down. Yesterday I had the worst headache and the worst mental craving I have had to date. Both hit me about 3pm, just as I was getting ready to give a screaming kid their vaccinations. Took some advil, drank some water, and came home at 5. Ate supper and went to bed by 6:30. Still didn't sleep worth a $^&*, but the headache is gone.

My co-workers are very excited for me. They laughed when I appologized in advance for any nastiness on my part over the next 25 years . One said she had better appologize too, even though she doesn't smoke and didn't quit. We all had a good laugh.

Doc tried to get me to go out to lunch, and I declined. I took my salad with me (Monday in the doctor's office is pure hell - we never get a full lunch hour). Stayed true to induction and also got 80 oz water in yesterday. Did drink 2 1/2 diet cokes yesterday, but oh well.

Here's to another day smoke free

[SonyaK]

Sherik, I am sorry you had such a tough day but WHOOHOO on staying smoke free! You go girl!

[BarbDe]

Originally Posted by SheriK

Another day down. Yesterday I had the worst headache and the worst mental craving I have had to date. Both hit me about 3pm, just as I was getting ready to give a screaming kid their vaccinations. Took some advil, drank some water, and came home at 5. Ate supper and went to bed by 6:30. Still didn't sleep worth a $^&*, but the headache is gone.

My co-workers are very excited for me. They laughed when I appologized in advance for any nastiness on my part over the next 25 years . One said she had better appologize too, even though she doesn't smoke and didn't quit. We all had a good laugh.

Doc tried to get me to go out to lunch, and I declined. I took my salad with me (Monday in the doctor's office is pure hell - we never get a full lunch hour). Stayed true to induction and also got 80 oz water in yesterday. Did drink 2 1/2 diet cokes yesterday, but oh well.

Here's to another day smoke free

[aim in Fla*working]

Originally Posted by Deila

And..... I can pick a smoker out of the crowd from 100 yards......

~D

MEEEEE TOOOOOOOOOOO

[Boudica]

[Boudica]

It may not seem like it... but things WILL get better! You'll feel more energized, better breathing, better taste buds... and SOON!!

Way to stay ON TRACK with ALL of your goals!

~D

[Gracie514]

Hello everyone I was pittering around the forum and came across all you wonderful people! I admire your courage and wanted to share my story.

I had my first cigarette at age 13 at my best friend's sleepover. From there I didn't smoke everyday but it was a "treat" when we could sneak one. This led me to high school where it was really cool to smoke. My friends and I would sneak hits in the bathroom and after school. Long story short, I am now 35 years old and regret that first cigarette in my friends tent on a warm night in August, 1985. I have been a smoker ever since. Well, until I read Allen Carr's book back in September of this year. I read the whole book over a weekend and on September 30th I smoked my LAST cigarette. So, it's been 101 days smoke-free!!!

Being a non-smoker is a totally different life than what I was used to. It feels like a freedom almost. I never have to worry about how many cigarettes I have and when I'm going to have my next one. I will not lie though, it has been quite a challenge. The first 2 weeks were probably the hardest. Now, it's just on specific occasions that I have cravings. I can actually go out with my friends on a Friday night and not crave one! It seems like I have the hardest time when I'm doing something for the first time that I haven't done as a non-smoker. My family and I went on vacation over Christmas to Daytona Beach, Florida. I hadn't craved a cigarette over the whole holidays. When we got to Florida I was fixated on watching people smoke! I had horrible cravings and questioned my reasons for quitting. I kept telling my husband, just one hit. Throughout my whole quitting experience he has never said "okay, just one", he said "you have it beat now, don't do it." Now I know that I can NEVER even have one hit, not ONE.

Sorry to threadjack but I am so happy that I decided to do this for myself and I'm genuinely praying for each of you to have success also. Allen Carr wrote that it takes 21 days for the nicotine to leave your body, so hang in there! If you gain a few pounds, who cares!!! You are saving yourself a lifetime of illness and pain. Good luck , YOU CAN DO IT!