Stop smoking 2009

[krysti]

Originally Posted by BSRBoom

I'm not sure what wellbutrin is, but when I tried to quit the last time (I lasted a day, my first time) I was put on bupropien or something for a week before i was to quit and thought I would kill someone...It made me so angry. I am upset this time as my insurance would not pay for the chantix (sp?) but paid $900 and some dollars for a cold sore med...just doesn't make sense to me. I will do this though. Thank you for thinking about me an posting. It helps that someone does. I am at home alot without a lot of support, besides the kids and they just think I should quit yesterday Thanks it means a bunch.

Edited to say: Krysti I think you are very strong for doing this! I am proud of you and hope I can do this to.

That's the generic for wellbutrin. I read some of the side effects and irritability was one of them. The one thing I want it to prevent may actually make it worse! I'm the kind of person who gets the sucky side effects. Never something I could use like weight loss!

Thank you for the compliment. It may sound funny, but quitting came on so suddenly for me that I think it was just my time.

[lindaokc]

Yes, buproprion is the same as Welbutrin. Some people have side effects with it, I was one that didn't. Some have side effects w/ Chantix also, but just like every drug, most will be ok, some can't handle it. I'm thankful it worked for me since I couldn't seem to make it on my own.
I took the Welbutrin for almost a year before deciding to put down the cigarettes. It takes 2 wks for it to get into your body good enough to help, but I just wasn't ready to quit, pure and simple. I tried a couple more times over the year, but just wasn't ready, I guess. When I was ready, I knew it and the welbutrin helped a lot. I couldn't have done it cold turkey or without the welbutrin. I'd tried too many times before.
I'd say take whatever you can to lessen the cravings, to help w/ the first few weeks. Everyone is different and has to find their own way. If insurance won't pay, then buy it yourself. You pay for the cigarettes and they cost more.

[SugarPop]

BSB, don't beat yourself up.........I can't tell you how many times I made a quit date and didn't meet it.......Probably EVERY holiday - But you have to give yourself credit for what you DId do.......You bought 2 packs less.

Listen, I took Chantix and you're supposed to take it while you smoke (for a week or so) and then quit.........It never worked for me......WHY?, cuz I really didn't want to. You can take all the help aids in the world, but if you don't really put your mind to it = it won't happen. The aids will help, but it is YOU that is doing the deciding. So give it a serious try like you mean it.......Get psyched. You can do this!

linda - Congratulations on not caving for the smokes while under duress. That must have been tough....and not only did you not cave, but you chose something (sf candy) that was LC friendly. You didn't go to the nearest Dunkin Donuts or pound down a gallon of ice cream.......you made a smart choice, even when you were denying yourself cigs......Great job!!!!!!!!!

krysti, glad it's getting easier for you. You will have several milestones to get through.........nights, weekends, drinking coffee, a glass of wine - all those things are going to take willpower on your part - but you will come through it stronger because you've gotten through it. You're doing great! Keep up the good work.

B

[SugarPop]

Beverly, Keep coming to this thread......We will all work through this together.

B

[krysti]

Originally Posted by SugarPop

Beverly, Keep coming to this thread......We will all work through this together.

B

I agree!

Well, it's been 1 week! I almost can't believe it. It's hard to describe because I know I've quit, but at normal cigarette times I find myself thinking 'go have a cigarette.' I have to tell myself I don't smoke. I guess I should expect that after smoking for so many years.

How's everyone else doing?

[lindaokc]

Originally Posted by krysti

I agree!

Well, it's been 1 week! I almost can't believe it. It's hard to describe because I know I've quit, but at normal cigarette times I find myself thinking 'go have a cigarette.' I have to tell myself I don't smoke. I guess I should expect that after smoking for so many years.

How's everyone else doing?

I'm doing great.

I'm so tickled you've made it one week. They call that hell week and now it's over for you. Yes, the nicodemon will tell you the same thing he has for years and you have to counteract it w/ rational thinking, but he is getting weaker and weaker, in case you didn't notice.

You go, girl.

As for the hypnotism, it works for some, not for others. Much better success rate with other methods.

[SugarPop]

I agree, linda.......I've known quite a few people that have been hypnotized and it did NOT work for them.

WooHoo krysti - You're doing great!!! Really proud of you - You're doin' it!!!

I went wine tasting this weekend and didn't even think of having a cigarette. You know - nowadays it's so unPC to smoke that I'm sure I would have been a total outcast. I didn't see one smoker there.

B

[PAULAR42166]

Originally Posted by krysti

I agree!

Well, it's been 1 week! I almost can't believe it. It's hard to describe because I know I've quit, but at normal cigarette times I find myself thinking 'go have a cigarette.' I have to tell myself I don't smoke. I guess I should expect that after smoking for so many years.

How's everyone else doing?

I cant count the times I have and still do that! I almost laugh at myself now when i do it! Amazing how much of a hold it has on you !

[SugarPop]

Saw this in a magazine - Some quitting tips:

1) Join Forces With Others
When one person quits, it increases the chances that two or ore people they know will do it too, the New England Journal of Medicine reports. If no oneclose to you is willing to "lead the pack", do it yourself-just knowing that others are less likely to smoke if you stop can make sticking to your goal easier!

2) Dodge Urges By Skipping Cocktail Hour
One-third of all relapses happen while people are imbibing-probably because alcohol makes tobacco taste better, weakens resolve and impairs judgment. To help sidestep temptation, limit yourself to one drink daily.

3) Nix Cravings With OJ
Orange juice worsens the taste of cigarettes, say researchers-so downing a glass of orange juice with breakfast can help lessen urges for an AM smoke.

4) Halt Hankerings By Walking
Taking a 30-minute walk, three times a week, can double your chances of successfully quitting, possibly by thwarting weight gain, the number one reason women hesitate to quit.

5) Beat The Odds With Your Doctors Help
Patches, gums, lozenges, medications and inhalers are proven to double quitting success rates. Ask your MD which method (or combo) would work best for you.

B

[krysti]

Thanks for the encouragement everyone!

[Mogget]

Originally Posted by krysti

How's everyone else doing?

going very well - it has been a few months and I have bummed a single smoke off my boy on 3 occassions (only finishing it on one) when I have felt REALLY distressed.

That's the only time I have the urge to smoke now, if I get mega upset, but I have tred it three times now and it doesn't help the stress so I think that may even be gone by now too (last one was a while ago).

I can sit outside with my boy while he smokes and not even want one. Haven't been drinking since quit smoking so don't know how I would go in that circumstance, but I only rarely drink so I don't think it would be too much of an issue.

[SugarPop]

Sounds like everybody's doin' good.

Sick here with a summer cold.......Good thing I don't smoke.

Have a Happy 4th of July everyone.

B

[SugarPop]

Hi y'all.......

I had a seriously hard time this holiday weekend. I struggled and came very close to impulsively grabbing a cigarette ......no alcohol involved, but I'm thinking it was watching how cigarettes were being enjoyed on a beautiful day after a good meal........didn't want anything BUT a cigarette........Unfortunately, I got up and went into the kitchen and ate some potato chips and a chocolate biscotti to quell my crave (neither of which I REALLY enjoyed)......I had dieted so well all day too.....no real weight gain, but no loss either - I got thru it, but barely.

B

[lindaokc]

Originally Posted by SugarPop

Hi y'all.......

I had a seriously hard time this holiday weekend. I struggled and came very close to impulsively grabbing a cigarette ......no alcohol involved, but I'm thinking it was watching how cigarettes were being enjoyed on a beautiful day after a good meal........didn't want anything BUT a cigarette........Unfortunately, I got up and went into the kitchen and ate some potato chips and a chocolate biscotti to quell my crave (neither of which I REALLY enjoyed)......I had dieted so well all day too.....no real weight gain, but no loss either - I got thru it, but barely.

B

OMG!! Thank heaven you made it!! It's so easy to let our guard down for even a split second and that's when he makes his move. I've had to use foods many times when it came down to either that or a cigarette and I think you did a wonderful job. Give yourself a great big Atta Girl for making it through....then another for making it through without a gain!!
I can promise that you won't have these difficult times forever but they will come up out of nowhere for a long while. Fortunately, they go away quickly if you don't entertain the thoughts. Remember, those people smoking weren't doing it because they enjoyed it. They were smoking because they don't have a choice, much as you didn't at one time. Any of them would trade places with you in a heartbeat.

[sherlocklabs]

Hello everybody!
DH and I both quit smoking...had our very last cigarette the morning of July 4th.
We quit last year....for quite a while...but I put so much weight back on (I had lost 100 pounds on a LC WOE between Labor Day 2007 and June 2008)....I went back to smoking again. DH and I ordered the 'patches' from the NYS quit smoking site....and we've been doing pretty well. I'm chewing a LOT of SF gum...and find I'm looking for 'munchy' type items ~~ but have been able to fight that for the most part.
Thanks for having this thread.....I'm hoping to be able to beat this habit once and for all ~~ not to mention the $$ savings too (we have already decided to take the 'cigarette money' and put it towards our 'debt snowball'...for those of you who are familiar with Dave Ramsey's program.)

[sndral]

Checking in, welcome to everyone who's joined us. I'm closing in on 3 months now. Thought I'd list some unexpected side effects of quitting - and invite everyone else to do so as well
1) Many compliments on how good I look (skin starting to look better, apparently.)
2) Moment of confusion - 'Why is there so much money left this close to payday?' Oh, it must be that $10/day I didn't spend on cigs (I live in CA.)
3) Making dental hygenist happy, making mom and son REALLY happy.
4) Smelling the forest while camping, smelling the ocean while volunteering, smelling the $100 perfume I rewarded myself with @ day 10.
5) When I first posted (page 10, 5/17/09) I wrote "Here's the funny part - what triggered me to quit? A man I have a crush on standing too close to me - I thought, OMG if he's gonna insist on standing that close to me, I don't want him to smell cig.s." Well, hadn't been anywhere near him since, until last sun. when he cruised by me, again way too close, so @ least this time he smelled that expensive perfume rather than cig.s .

[SugarPop]

thanks, linda..........I'm glad I didn't cave either. And AGAIN...2 days later my TOM........so AGAIN it was something else pushing me.......I don't get it every month anymore. In fact I always think my last time will be my last time- so it always throws me for a loop and is unexpected - so it always after the fact that I say "Aha, that's why you were feeling emotional and weak and like you just hadda have something" Anyway, now I'm really glad I got through it - I feel even better now.......6 MONTHS SMOKE FREE and down to 188 (Lost half of the weight I gained from quitting now).......I'm on a roll with that too - feeling it.

Welcome to everyone - glad you appreciate this thread and thank you again to linda for starting it.

I wanna share something interesting that happened to me today: I went to the dentist today. First time at this particular office. I hear this guy up at the reception area talking to the receptionist about something smoking related...so my ears perk up and when I realize he's showing what he's talking about, I make a bee line for the front desk to see. The guy has theses smokeless cigarettes......4 different ones......some used these cartridges and the other one he showed me used these drops (cheaper that way apparently)...one of the cigs had a blue end that lit up as he inhaled and blew out smoke- with no smell...hahaha. The guy said he feels so much better. You can get nictine OR NOT. It was pretty freaky. The things they have today- amazing.

Anyway........what are your thoughts people? I thought it was cool because you can feel like you're smoking without smoking. They cost around 60 or so bucks and you buy on the internet. I might just get one for those times when I really want SOMETHING but don't wanna smoke OR eat...........Just a thought. Whatcha think?

PS sndral.......WooHoo.....good going and good for you for rewarding yourself with perfume. I'm a perfume freak and recently got "Flowerbomb" and am loving it. Which one did you get?
B

[sndral]

SugarPop - Venezia, liked the citrus touch in it and I loved Venice when I went.
Personally, I think I'd avoid the faux cig.s, but I know myself too well, and for me it would be too strong a reminder, too tempting to take the next step to the real thing.
Since you clearly see a pattern w/ your cycle and the cravings, why not plan a reward ahead of time for then - manicure + pedicure, shopping therapy, makeup makeover, massage - spring to mind. You are doing great and we all deserve to reward ouselves!

[lindaokc]

Congratulations, SuagarPop, on not caving. I'm glad to see it's osmething else other than cigarettes that were triggering you. I'm thankful they have those cigarette things for those that are having trouble quitting. If it can help a few more getting off of those things, it would be wonderful. IMHO, if you got one, it could be like a trigger. I wouldn't want to mess with one of them myself, I'm afraid to get back in the habit of inhaling....period. Once I'm triggered, it's only a small step to the real thing, but again, that's just me. I not only have a healthy respect for nicotine, I'm terrified of it, since I've slipped several times since I first quit.

Congratulations, sndral, on making it 3 mo. without a cigarette. GREAT accomplishment. I LOVED your observations and new things you are noticing. Thank goodness the crush got too close to you again and could smell that expensive perfume instead of the cigarettes. Isn't it funny the perks that come up that we don't even expect? I LOVE IT!!!

Welcome, Sherlocklabs and congrats on you and hubby both quitting. I certainly understand about the munchies and fear of weight gain. The deep breathing exercises helped me a lot w/ the cravings for cigarettes AND with food and exercising helped me too. Hope it can do the same for you. Hang in there, you're doing great.

[sherlocklabs]

Originally Posted by lindaokc

Welcome, Sherlocklabs and congrats on you and hubby both quitting. I certainly understand about the munchies and fear of weight gain. The deep breathing exercises helped me a lot w/ the cravings for cigarettes AND with food and exercising helped me too. Hope it can do the same for you. Hang in there, you're doing great.

Thank you...I will try the deep breathing...makes sense.
Has anyone had 'hunger" issues when they stopped smoking (I mean down and dirty HUNGER...not cravings ~~ like you haven't eaten in days)?? Prior to quitting, I was satisfied throughout the day from meal to meal....but NOW, with the same menus for the most part...I am STARVING mid-morning ...and STARVING mid-afternoon ~~ I thought I'd chew my arm off last night while preparing dinner....is this a temperary side effect of quitting??
Doing well though....Day 5 and smoke free. Every day gets easier (as far as the cig urges are concerned ~~ though...it would be easier if EVERYONE in my office didn't smoke )...DH has come down with a cold (which I find interesting....he NEVER gets sick ) ~~ so I am trying to avoid getting whatever it is that he has (I am the one with the low immune system...I'm ALWAYS the one who gets sick...especially when 3 yo ds brings something home from daycare/school....).

[SugarPop]

I'll have to ck that one out sndral.

So, yeah, I can see your guys' point on it maybe being a trigger. I think for some it might not be tho- I just might give it a shot - Would rather talk to another person that's tried it first.

So, my gf that quit a week or so after me told me (almost to the point of tears because she was afraid to tell me...lol) that she started smoking again. She's so mad at herself. A month ago she went to visit friends for the weekend and when she got there they ALL smoked. Well, a few drinks later she convinced herself it was just for the weekend......A month later still smoking - has the cough back already. I think I talked her into getting back on the horse......

It's funny that she felt so accountable to me........but I understand it because this thread makes me feel accountable. Sometimes you need that.......otherwise it's too easy to think nobody cares-so whatever.

B

[lindaokc]

Ohhh, SugarPop, I"m so very sorry about your friend giving in to the cigarettes. My heart absolutely bleeds for her. I hope she succeeds in getting back off them. So many take years to quit again once they go back. It's heartbreaking.

[SugarPop]

Yeah, thanks linda - I know.....As I mentioned in the beginning I had quit before and once it took me FOUR YEARS to quit again. One turns into a weekend and then before you know it you're full in.

Below I've copy/pasted what we wrote about today to each other........I think I helped to get her back in the saddle. See below:



...I woke up. My chest feels tight, I feel like crap. I thought to myself "What the hell are you doing?" I'm paying $7 a pack for something that it took me 6 months to get over. I'm draining my bank account at an alarming rate, I'm sneaking and lying because I don't want my job, my parents or Greg to find out. I hide in my house like a freaking heroin addict so I can light up while I drink a glass of wine or a beer, all the while trying to fight the smell it's leaving in my new apartment, on my clothes, in my hair....disgusting. So this morning I put the patch back on and here I go again. I can't stand the way it's making me feel in so short of a time. Yuck. Wish me luck.

Good luck, Kari!.....I know you can do this - It won't be easy, but you've done well with the patches in the past. You have good reasons to quit and it can be easier when you feel like **** - so work with it. Keep reminding yourself of those reasons and add more to the list.

You can do this.
B

Thanks Briar. I feel like I have to do this quickly before it gets ahold of me more than it already has. You know, when I moved and had to carry all that stuff up those stairs I was thinking "I could've never done this if I was still smoking" and now I know I'm right. It's sapping my strength and I can already feel what it's doing to my lungs. And of course, I can't smoke one, I smoke twenty.

[sndral]

A good friend of mine works in addiction medicine, and one of the things she has her clients do is write a 'goodby to drugs' letter. I may write a dear john letter to the nicodemon. Something along the lines of 'you were my constant companion, always there when I was upset, lonely, bored, you calmed me when I was nervous... but now I realize it's time to end it, I've outgrown you and what you gave me I can find elsewhere from things that don't hurt me like you do, things that don't give me wrinkles, isolate me, take my money, kill me, etc.
Sherlocklabs, I read once that it's not unusual when you quit cig.s for your lungs to start coughing all that tar and stuff out, maybe that's part of hubby's cold.
Early on the cravings were often and intense, now very rare. Last thurs. when I was pulled over and opened my glove box for the registration there was an empty pack of cig.s in there, I'm glad it was empty, because after the cop gave me the fix it ticket, I was nervous and if there'd been a dry old cig. in that pack - who knows. Anyway, I dodged that bullet.

[SugarPop]

How's everybody doing?

As for myself I'm hanging in there, but I gotta say - I'm seriously trying to lose weight now and it's been triggering big time cravings - I'm guessing because I always associate food restriction with excess smoking.........it used to always fill the void. There are many times when I'm really okay with not eating but I just want a cigarette.

Anyway, yeah......that's what's happening.

B

[lindaokc]

I hear you on the eating. When trying to lose, I always seem to go into the desire for a cigarette. Not even really a desire, more like a memory of one. I think trying to avoid food does that to us. I think you're right on the association.

Hang in there, SugarPop. I'm so glad your friend has put the patch back on and is trying again. It's only from the sanity of being away from the addiction that we can see just how insane the actions of smoking are. Seriously.

We are getting ready to leave in the motor home and will be gone a week or so. Taking a couple of grandkids and heading to the lake for a few days then over to Branson and Silver Dollar City.

[dixiegal]

Can I join you all? I have been hating smoking everyday for years now. In fact at one point I quit for 7 years and during a weak moment I smoked one and started right back up.

Just the thought of not smoking sends me into a panic. The very idea of no more cigs makes me smoke even more. I'm sitting here telling myself just to do it, I have a half of pack left and I keep getting up to throw them away then sitting back down with them again. I hate being this much out of control.

I have read allen carr's book several times, and have it on my ipod too, I listen to it often and still I smoke. I hate the taste, the smell but I cant get the courage to throw them down. I hate the way I'm so weak willed about them.

[tempted_by_food]

Hi and good luck everyone this tread should be so benefical to people quitting because I gained over 40lbs in 6 months when I quit, I only managed to stay of them for a year I thought that was me for good but with stress and family matters I became weak and reached for them again, I know its pathetic, I am now back to square one smoking and weigh heavier pfft I plan to quit again soon and with the help from this thread am sure I can kick it once and for all while losing weight, I havent set a quit date yet as I intend to use the tabs once again so need it perscribed so when am ready to go i'l be back!

[SugarPop]

Hi dixie & tempted........Welcome, welcome, welcome......So nice to have you here.

I will recommend that you read the thread from the beginning, if you already haven't. There are some great tips, plus I'm sure you'll be able to relate to a lot of things that you'll read.

We all find it challenging, but worth it. Some times are easier than others........some times are harder than others.

For me longevity helps, the accountability in the thread helps and the things that lindaokc mentioned - specifically thinking of the "nicodemon" has helped.

To you both - I think it's great that you're up for trying to quit.... Smoking costs too much money, costs you your health, and costs you the security of knowing you smell fresh.

Keep coming to the thread - we'll support you.

I understand the fear of weight thing.......I gained 36 pounds......But you know what? I've lost 21 of them. I recommend not doing what I did - which is to eat whatever I wanted in mass quantities (always picking the WORST food)........Not sure why I did that, but if I had to do it over again I would have been more careful.

B

[SugarPop]

Oh, and linda........Hope you're having fun with your family. I just wanna say I'm not sure I could have done this without you. You have really been crucial to my success. Even your slight downfall was helpful in me seeing that we all are so vulnerable when it comes to this.....even you. Thank you so much for being the great support that you've been.

I think for anyone trying to quit - This thread can be a great way to try. It makes you accountable to SOMETHING.......and sometimes that's what you need.

Let's get serious about this..........Our lives are on the line! Get tired of the expense, the stink, the coughing, the ill health, the stink, the stink, the stink! Last night (I work at a club that does ballroom and salsa) I danced with a man that had smokers breath.......Gag, gag and more gag. Any of you ladies trying to date?....Guess what?........The dudes don't want a smoker - they don't wanna kiss a smoker......remember that!

B