Stop smoking 2009

[TurnNBurn]

I'm still hanging in there and Yes, the cravings have gotten better. Yesterday after work as I got in my car I did think about the ciggys, but it was just a passing thought. I grabbed my water bottle and buzzed off free as a bee.

Sugarpop, you really should read "The Easy Way to Quit Smoking," by Allen Carr. It makes you think positive about your Quit. Instead of "giving up cigarettes," you are "Freeing yourself" from being a slave to a pack of ciggys.

I am a rebelllious person and if someone preaches at me, I will not listen! So I hope this doesn't come off as lecturing. After all, I'm struggling too and even considered buying an electronic cigarette to help me through this.




5 days, 8 hours, 30 minutes and 25 seconds smoke free.

112 cigarettes not smoked.
$15.75 and 20 hours of your life saved.

Your quit date: 12/31/2008 11:36:00 PM

[auntiesocial]

Oh man, SugarPop, I GET the emotional thing.
That has been the HARDEST part of not smoking for me... and I so didn't even expect it!

If it makes you feel any better... I've been smoke-free since December 12 and sort of let myself go off-plan for a couple of weeks. I gained 10 pounds. BUT! I recommitted to low-carb last Monday, December 29th, and my weight is already down 3lbs and falling... I'm probably still eating too much, but I made big containers of egg salad, tuna salad, and chicken salad this weekend and I'm eating that. My boyfriend (who is awesome and who quit smoking with me) has been eating bags of cookies. So yeah, the urge to eat is there but don't eat bags of cookies...

[BarbDe]

hang in there you guys. It will get better!
Sugarpop, I was an emotional wreck for a while too. But it passes.
Just keep pluggin along girlfriend.

[SugarPop]

Thanks everybody for their comments and suggestions and support.

Still going strong - woke up too early this AM and needed to go back to sleep.......Normally when this happens I step outside for a cigarette and then crawl back into bed...........instead I ate LC pudding and put the patch on and went back to sleep.

I'm taking the advice on not being too hard on myself about LCing it........but I'm going to do what you said, auntiesocial, and will recommit as I get further away from cigarettes. And yes, TurnNBurn, I need to concentrate on the positive aspects and not the negative.

Today's positive.........It's cold outside and I don't need to go out there and freeze my arse off just to have some nicotine. AND tonight when I go to work (at the dance club) I can dance with people and kiss others hello and not worry about bad breath - for now anyway...I'll worry about ketosis breath down the road when I'm back on LC strong.

Looking forward to when I don't have to continually clear my throat........hope that's in the near future.......so tired of that scenario.

Also, yesterday I visited my best gf and although she smoked right in front of me and there was a whole plate of machine rolled cigs within my reach, I didn't cave.

B

[mmmhmm]

I love reading all the comments on here of everyone helping out one another. I have really started working out mor eot get my mind off the cigs. I think about them on the way home, but I don't have a pack in the car. I only have a half a pack in the freezer, but I haven't thrown them away yet. It has been since Saturday night - Jan. 3rd, 2009 - since I have had some cigs. I know it hasn't been a long time, but I think about them and want one especially when I'm in the car. I start to think about them because that would be the best time to smoke one - while I'm not doing anything, but driving. I also have noticed myself wanting to eat more, so I guess I will have to try to replace the urges to eat with water now. This is hard. And I haven't had the true test of going out for some drinks and THEn wanting to smoke. THAT will be the killer, trust me. Anyone feel this way, too? I thought I would log back on to see the comments. I love this site.

[TurnNBurn]

Originally Posted by mmmhmm

I love reading all the comments on here of everyone helping out one another. I have really started working out mor eot get my mind off the cigs. I think about them on the way home, but I don't have a pack in the car. I only have a half a pack in the freezer, but I haven't thrown them away yet. It has been since Saturday night - Jan. 3rd, 2009 - since I have had some cigs. I know it hasn't been a long time, but I think about them and want one especially when I'm in the car. I start to think about them because that would be the best time to smoke one - while I'm not doing anything, but driving. I also have noticed myself wanting to eat more, so I guess I will have to try to replace the urges to eat with water now. This is hard. And I haven't had the true test of going out for some drinks and THEn wanting to smoke. THAT will be the killer, trust me. Anyone feel this way, too? I thought I would log back on to see the comments. I love this site.

mmmhmm, I haven't done the true test of going out for drinks. But last Sat. night DH & I went to our fav. restaurant. It is non-smoking so that wasn't the problem. We ran into a bunch of our friends outside the restaurant. Of course you all know my DH still smokes and every last one of our friends in that group smoke. They are our horse riding buds! They were all standing around outside the restaurant joking and smoking. My DH told them about my quit and they actually looked at me kinda enviously. I had just bought a bag of cinnamon disks so I got one of them out.

[mmmhmm]

Originally Posted by DEEDLYNN

I started taking Chantix on New Years Day, with the expectation of been done with these cigarettes by 1/7/2009. I quit once before for 10 years and have no idea why I picked these things back up.

Good Luck everyone!

Dee

Hey Deedlynn!,
How was your day today? Is today your last day to smoke while on Chantix? You can it!! I have been wanting one, but I will not succumb to, ya know?
Good luck!

[mmmhmm]

Today, I have actually been thinking about smoking one of the cigs in my freezer. I will continue to drink this here chocolate milk and not worry about it. I'm playing some basketball with some people tonight, so that shoul dkeep my mind off ok smoking, but I really want to be done with these. They are ruining my skin, throat, and everything. Ole STANKY smelly damn things. Been since Jan 3rd, but seems like a long time already. *sigh* It wll all be okay, I'm sure.

[TurnNBurn]

The cravings keep raising their ugly heads.

We are going through a lot of changes at work, with the economy and all tanking. Layoffs are very possible. Everyday is a new change. For instance, 3 weeks ago we were told NOT to order new stock parts (I'm in Purchasing.)

2 weeks ago we were told to update the contract list, to see if any of the contracts could be cancelled.

Yesterday, we were told the offices would probably be moved to condense the office area into a more economic area, to save heating costs. Today we were told 10 people got laid off at our sister plant with more to come in Feb. if things don't pick up.

I have been required to work in areas I've never worked before, such as guard and reception. At first I was offended. Now? I'm just glad to have a job.

So it is poignant that I have quit smoking, I probably won't be able to afford to eat! Still, I keep trying to find a loophole in the Quit agreement that says since I'm nervous I should smoke!

Well, I don't know how come this morphed from a quit smoking thread into a job-scared thread!

[SugarPop]

Hi guys........Still hanging in there.

Welcome to all the new ones who've joined the thread.

I had it in my head that I would return something at the store and pick up patches while I was there - and guess what? I forgot to buy them....lol So, I'm running on sheer willpower now. I guess it is getting easier. Man the first 1-4 days were really difficult. I didn't think I could do it - It would have been so easy to just jump in my car- but I knew I'd smoke the whole pack, so I didn't.

I don't know how you can stand having the cigs in the freezer - that would be too tempting. It was hard for me to have 3 leftover when I quit. I didn't want to destroy them so I ended up giving them away.

I'm able to drink coffee now without jonesing too bad - Still haven't had any drinks but I, too, worry about that because 2 times before when I quit - alcohol was involved when I resumed smoking - even after quitting for years.

I talked w/a woman last night that told me it took her 3 times - She said that you just have to KNOW that you will always be addicted - it will never go away. She said the 2nd time she quit all she did was light someones cigarette for them - and she was back for years after quitting for years.

Lets try to concentrate on NOW - Lets try to give our lungs a break. It's been raining for 2 days, here in NY, and I KNOW I would be suffering with a sinus headache and having to stand out in the rain if I was smoking. I got a sinus headache EVERY TIME it rained!

I think it was good advice to breathe deep - I've been doing that and it does help. It makes you feel the air going in and appreciate that whole part of your body and the mechanics behind breathing.

I'm worried about the eating part......I'm gonna try tomorrow to get a better handle on that.


Good luck to everyone trying.

B

[lindaokc]

Gosh, I don't know how I missed all these posts. I'm so sorry nobody was here to give you guys a pat on the back. You are all doing so great, and as hard as it is, please know that you are doing better each day and it won't be long before you realize you've turned that corner and the cravings aren't as bad. Once you turn that corner, it's all mind games from there on out. Your addiction says, "just one won't hurt" just like when you are in front of a plate of cookies. Just know it's the nicodemon talking and he's lying to you. Just like it's the sugar demon calling your name in front of those cookies. So you have to tell the nicodemon to shut up and go away, you are in charge of your life. And just remember, never, ever turn your back on the nicodemon. He will always be looking for an opportunity to get you back. The cravings will get less and less, but all of a sudden, from nowhere, a little voice says, "hey, I've proved I can quit,so I can have just one" or "a cigarette, just one, would taste pretty good right now". Just laugh at it and go on, it will go away in a flash. It's just old thinking, and now you don't think like that anymore.
You guys are doing such a great job, keep it up!! I'm proud of all of you. I'll try and check in more often.

[TurnNBurn]

Thanks for the kind advice lindaokc. I thought from the first day that you posted the new 09 thread that you really care about people.


Is it me, or is my brain improving? Seems like before I was in a kind of fog at times. Of course part of its old timers, but I'm able to remember little things a bit better (knocks on wood so she won't forget something major.)

Anyway, I made up a list of pros and cons of smoking. Believe me, the cons far outway the pros. There is everything on that list from being able to wear driving gloves to the possibility of catching myself on fire!

[lindaokc]

Your brain IS improving. Part of the withdrawal is the brain fog. Congratulations for moving past it. The only pro I can think of in smoking is that the craving goes away....and guess what?? It goes away anyway Gotta love it!!

Thank you so much for your kind words.

You are well on your way to a successful quit. Keep it up, girlfriend.

[TurnNBurn]

Reason to quit: I want to outlive my enemies

7 days, 17 hours, 54 minutes and 17 seconds smoke free.

163 cigarettes not smoked.
$21.00 and 1 day, 5 hours of your life saved.

Your quit date: 12/31/2008

[lindaokc]

Originally Posted by TurnNBurn

Reason to quit: I want to outlive my enemies

7 days, 17 hours, 54 minutes and 17 seconds smoke free.

163 cigarettes not smoked.
$21.00 and 1 day, 5 hours of your life saved.

Your quit date: 12/31/2008

[SugarPop]

hahaha.......Turn, you're a riot.....

We got some good people in this thread. And, yes, thank you linda for making this thread and being such a great cheerleader.

How's everybody doin?.......I'm feeling better about the not smoking. I'm coughing a lot when I lay down ( I know, don't lay down)......but it will be nice when I CAN lay down without coughing.

I emailed my friend those smoking statistics- She's gonna quit on the 16th when her job goes from nights to days.

B

[Brennum]

I'm so happy to have found this site. I quit smoking the weekend before Thanksgiving 2008 and have not had a hard time with it at all this time around. I think when you are ready to quit then it is much easier. I have quit before and it lasted for 3 years but I wanted to smoke everyday and everyday I fought it until the smokes won out and I started back up. Now I save $30.00 a week, when I have saved up enough I treat myself to something. I now have a nice Nikon digital camera.

All the women I work with smoke and I still take breaks with them I call it my "Non smoking, smoke break".

I had to give up the triggers - Coffee & Drinks - I realized it was the hot coffee that was a trigger so now I drink Iced coffee instead. And I don't drink alcohol at all until I know I can be around the smokers and not be tempted.

I am so proud of all of you out there who have decided to start the New Year on a healther note. Good Luck to those who are struggling you can do it.

[SugarPop]

Well, still hanging in there- but seriously having a rough time today.......I almost feel like just smoking again, the overeating is killing me.

B

[BarbDe]

Originally Posted by SugarPop

Well, still hanging in there- but seriously having a rough time today.......I almost feel like just smoking again, the overeating is killing me.

B

Don't do it! You will kick yourself. It's hard. But it will get better eventually.
The overeating will eventually stop. And the smoking really will kill you.

Drink some water. Take a walk. Do some physical exercise. Or just go to bed.
Don't smoke!!!

Hang in there!

[TurnNBurn]

Don't do it Sugarpop, it will undo all your hard work. Remember the reasons you quit in the first place.

Welcome Brennum, glad to hear your quit is going well this time and you are a lot further along than I am so that gives me hope .

Sorry I was missing in action for awhile, just decided to take a break from the PC.

I am doing well on my Quit, still get a craving or two. I went to my company's Holiday party (they always have it in Jan., it saves big $$ and its great besides to have such a nice party in Jan.) I am happy to report I did not succumb to the smoking area. I did however drink a couple of cranberry vodkas .. I saw a retired co-worker of mine who is retired. He used to be the biggest smoker in the plant. He said he quit 2 years ago due to his wife (also a heavy smoker) has cancer. He quit to help her give it up.

10 days, 21 hours, 47 minutes and 40 seconds smoke free.

229 cigarettes not smoked.</B>
$28.88 and 1 day, 17 hours of your life saved.
Your quit date: 12/31/2008 11:36:00 PM

[auntiesocial]

I'm a month smoke-free today.

A month!!! OMG!!

(Just wanted to throw that out there)

[lindaokc]

Originally Posted by auntiesocial

I'm a month smoke-free today.

A month!!! OMG!!

(Just wanted to throw that out there)

PARTAY TIME!! That is wonderful, Auntiesocial!! Congratulations. Those milestones feel so good, don't they??

AWESOME !!

C'mon SugarPop, you gotta hang in there. Picking up the cigarettes is not going to help your weight. I do understand about the gaining, but it does get better. The not smoking is by FAR the most important. Hope you are doing better today. Be sure and let us know how you are doing.

Sorry I haven't been around the past several days. Hubby has been working on my computer and hogging it

[BarbDe]

Originally Posted by auntiesocial

I'm a month smoke-free today.

A month!!! OMG!!

(Just wanted to throw that out there)

WAY TO GOOO!!!!

[SugarPop]

Originally Posted by BarbDe

Don't do it! You will kick yourself. It's hard. But it will get better eventually.
The overeating will eventually stop. And the smoking really will kill you.

Drink some water. Take a walk. Do some physical exercise. Or just go to bed.
Don't smoke!!!

Hang in there!

I actually read this without responding, but I ended up going back to this in my mind all day today Don't do it! You will kick yourself. It's hard. But it will get better eventually.
The overeating will eventually stop.

Thanks BarbDe And trust me- today was the day of all days to go back to cigarettes - I'm being tested big time.

B

[SugarPop]

Don't do it Sugarpop, it will undo all your hard work. Remember the reasons you quit in the first place.

I also listened to this in my head all day. Thanks TurnNBurn, it helped.

B

[SugarPop]

Originally Posted by auntiesocial

I'm a month smoke-free today.

A month!!! OMG!!

(Just wanted to throw that out there)

Awesome!!!!!

B

[SugarPop]

Originally Posted by lindaokc

PARTAY TIME!! That is wonderful, Auntiesocial!! Congratulations. Those milestones feel so good, don't they??

AWESOME !!

C'mon SugarPop, you gotta hang in there. Picking up the cigarettes is not going to help your weight. I do understand about the gaining, but it does get better. The not smoking is by FAR the most important. Hope you are doing better today. Be sure and let us know how you are doing.

Sorry I haven't been around the past several days. Hubby has been working on my computer and hogging it

Still hanging in there, linda, thanks!

I'm curious, my quit day is just the normal New Year's Resolution one- but for some of you others - what was the thing that just made you say "Forget This!!!" ?

Almost through with Day 12
B

[SugarPop]

Just post to say I really appreciate all the tips and words of encouragement. I replay those things in my head when I need to. I'm having a LOT of stress right now w/both my kids (behavior) and financial woes and I want to throw in the towel several times a day, but your words are helping, thanks.

B

[BarbDe]

You know what did it for me?
My DH.
He has always said to the kids
"I can't quit because Mom won't quit. I can't quit with her smoking around me"
I did not WANT to quit. But he really needed to quit, the cough and all that. Plus he just ticked me off! So for his birthday I got "us" Chantix.
So, Guess who quit, and who DIDN'T!?
So now the kids are saying:
"Dad! I can't believe MOM quit smoking and you DIDN'T"

And believe me. I was NOT happy. I was a miserable not smoking person. And I let him KNOW I did NOT want to quit. Many times.
And there were days I was on the verge of tears. I think WEEKS actually.
But, that's all behind me now.
I am a non smoker.
(Who only thinks about it once in a great while now)

Hang in there. It's tough. But you don't want to have to do it AGAIN, do you?

[BarbDe]

Oh, and

I have been quit for 1 Year, 2 Months, 1 Week, 1 Day, 13 hours, 37 minutes and 21 seconds (435 days). I have saved $2,177.83 by not smoking 17,422 cigarettes. I have saved 1 Month, 4 Weeks, 1 Day, 11 hours and 50 minutes of my life. My Quit Date: 11/4/2007 9:12 AM