Stop smoking 2009

[auntiesocial]

I'd been thinking about quitting for like six months before I quit.
Numerous reasons...
1. Tired of spending the money.
2. I knew my workplace was going smoke-free in January (next week, in fact) and since I work 12-hour shifts, I did NOT want to be miserable here at work.
3. My mother was having heart problems and so I quit with her when I did out of solidarity (her quit has not stuck...)
4. My boyfriend quit with me and he's been a lot of support and has talked me out of running to the store for a pack of smokes..

I dunno, it was just time to quit.

My weight is still up, and I'm still going through some mild depression. I do think that these are directly tied to not smoking. But I figure it'll pass.

[SugarPop]

Originally Posted by 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?

Wow........Good for you. I really applaud you because when I was married my ex and I smoked like chimney's together. When we did try to quit - I would be going along trusting that we were in this thing together and then not too far into it I would see him coming out of the detached garage or smell the smoke on him and I would get so mad and my reaction was "Screw you then, I'm gonna smoke too"......I guess cuz I felt betrayed or whatever and used that as a reason to cave. So the fact that you stayed strong through all of that is really, really something. I'm really proud of you - It would have been so easy to just return to your old habits and you didn't- you stayed strong. Bravo!!!!

Yeah, other times that I've tried to quit (not seriously) were when I was sick - but as soon as I felt better I was back again. So this time I really wasn't ready emotionally - and am having a hard time with that. Usually I lay in my bed and all the stressors that are life play through my head - Usually when I feel like I have to break free from thinking about things or if the thinking about things comes to a head - I would always step outside and have a smoke - That's been hard to deal with - not having that crutch. So, this time it was the date. I mean I know I'd NEEDED to quit, just didn't expect to be so emotional about it because of feeling I wasn't really ready.

I'm hoping that I can stop the feeding frenzy soon before too much damage is done. I still cough when I lay down and am anxious for that to go away. Sure is nice to not have to worry about smoker's breath.

B

[SugarPop]

Originally Posted by auntiesocial

I'd been thinking about quitting for like six months before I quit.
Numerous reasons...
1. Tired of spending the money.
2. I knew my workplace was going smoke-free in January (next week, in fact) and since I work 12-hour shifts, I did NOT want to be miserable here at work.
3. My mother was having heart problems and so I quit with her when I did out of solidarity (her quit has not stuck...)
4. My boyfriend quit with me and he's been a lot of support and has talked me out of running to the store for a pack of smokes..

I dunno, it was just time to quit.

My weight is still up, and I'm still going through some mild depression. I do think that these are directly tied to not smoking. But I figure it'll pass.

Another person to applaud. Congratulations - You're so lucky that your boyfriend has been a good support system for you.

Is your weight up more than your stats indicate? I so want to get back to LC but I just don't think I can do both at the same time - Are you doing both? I know when I was doing LC I smoked about twice as much as I normally did. I want to get to the point where I'm doing LC and not even thinking about cigarettes.

B

[auntiesocial]

Originally Posted by SugarPop

Another person to applaud. Congratulations - You're so lucky that your boyfriend has been a good support system for you.

Is your weight up more than your stats indicate? I so want to get back to LC but I just don't think I can do both at the same time - Are you doing both? I know when I was doing LC I smoked about twice as much as I normally did. I want to get to the point where I'm doing LC and not even thinking about cigarettes.

B

I'm TRYING to do both at the same time. It is hard. I did take a couple of weeks off (Christmas + not smoking = not doing LC). But I'll tell you this -- the week I quit smoking, I was 147. I am now going back and forth between 154 and 155. So my weight's not up as much as it once was, but it's still up a good 7-8 pounds from a month ago.

[lindaokc]

Originally Posted by 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

So glad you're still with us and that we have helped in some small way. Girl you are doing an AWESOME job and day 12 is no small feat!!
There is always something you can do to keep your mind off the ciggies and the cravings will become less and less. Sorry for the stress right now and kids can always drive you crazy but you are doing such an incredible job

[auntiesocial]

How long til the emotional crap dies down, again?? LOL

I have been suffering from some mild depression and crankiness for weeks now and since nothing else has changed (other than some weight gain, which isn't helping my mood), I blame it on the lack of smoking.

I broke down and sobbed about I DONT EVEN KNOW WHAT in bed with the boyfriend last night. I think he is freaked out, as I am generally a happy person.

[BarbDe]

Originally Posted by auntiesocial

How long til the emotional crap dies down, again?? LOL

I have been suffering from some mild depression and crankiness for weeks now and since nothing else has changed (other than some weight gain, which isn't helping my mood), I blame it on the lack of smoking.

I broke down and sobbed about I DONT EVEN KNOW WHAT in bed with the boyfriend last night. I think he is freaked out, as I am generally a happy person.

I remember the 3rd week being really hard.
I remember going to the doctor for a different issue and just breaking down in her office. So NOT my style . But I do remember telling her I had quit smoking and she just kind of nodded and handed me a box of kleenex
Oh, you poor thing. Hang in there.
It lasts for a while. But it WILL pass.

[lindaokc]

I agree w/ Barb. I had a similar bout and would cry over nothing. I don't remember how long it took to get over it, but it does lessen over time. Just go with it and have a good cry when you need to. Your whole body is withdrawing from a drug. It's gonna take awhile before you feel normal.

[bekki1]

I stopped smoking Dec 30, 2008. I can not say I quit yet, just not smoking. I feel good about it but have only told me BF. No ones business until I have a few months under my belt.

[lindaokc]

Good for you bekki, for not smoking. You are doing a great job!

[SugarPop]

Still hanging in there. Still having to fight off the urge from time to time - but it does seem less all consuming.

Still eating too much though - which is tripping me out.

B

[lindaokc]

Originally Posted by SugarPop

Still hanging in there. Still having to fight off the urge from time to time - but it does seem less all consuming.

Still eating too much though - which is tripping me out.

B

WTG SugarPop!!! The eating issue will also work itself out. Give yourself some time, try avoidance sometimes, busy work another time and when you can't stand it and want something to eat, eat it. It will also lessen.

[Brennum]

It has been a few days since I last posted and I wanted to tell everyone you are doing a great job! Keep up the good work! and just eat it if you feel the need because you can lose it later. It will be harder to stop smoking again and look how far you have come. I gained 20 lbs when I quit smoking and the way I feel right now it was worth every pound.

Here is a quote from my wonderful Husband " We will worry about the extra weight later, lets just get you thru one day at a time smoke free. The weight will come off later". Mind you my husband weighs all of 125 lbs but not once has he ever been embarrassed by my weight.

[TurnNBurn]

Just checkin' in. How is everyone doing with their quit?

I have been watching my weight. It did go up 6 lbs; but that may have been the fallout from the Holidays.

I'm still sucking on the SF cinnamon candy and occasionally put an unlit cig in my mouth

But keeping the quit.

15 days, 18 hours, 59 minutes and 27 seconds smoke free.

332 cigarettes not smoked.
$42.00 and 2 days, 12 hours of your life saved.

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

[lindaokc]

Originally Posted by TurnNBurn

Just checkin' in. How is everyone doing with their quit?

I have been watching my weight. It did go up 6 lbs; but that may have been the fallout from the Holidays.

I'm still sucking on the SF cinnamon candy and occasionally put an unlit cig in my mouth

But keeping the quit.

15 days, 18 hours, 59 minutes and 27 seconds smoke free.

332 cigarettes not smoked.
$42.00 and 2 days, 12 hours of your life saved.

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

Be careful with those unlit cigarettes, sweetie. You are dancin' with the devil and he doesn't play fair.

Congrats on your quit

[TurnNBurn]

Originally Posted by lindaokc

Be careful with those unlit cigarettes, sweetie. You are dancin' with the devil and he doesn't play fair.

Congrats on your quit

You are so right, temptations at every corner. I'm still hanging tuff, just trying to savor the freedom from not having to carry around ciggys, lighter and smelly clothes.

19 days, 9 hours, 55 minutes and 33 seconds smoke free.

408 cigarettes not smoked.
$52.50 and 3 days, 2 hours of your life saved.

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

[lindaokc]

You are rockin' it girlfriend WTG!! Those days keep adding up

[BarbDe]

Originally Posted by TurnNBurn

You are so right, temptations at every corner. I'm still hanging tuff, just trying to savor the freedom from not having to carry around ciggys, lighter and smelly clothes.

19 days, 9 hours, 55 minutes and 33 seconds smoke free.

408 cigarettes not smoked.
$52.50 and 3 days, 2 hours of your life saved.

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

WOOOHOOOO! That's GREAT! You are on your way!!!!!!!

[BarbDe]

Seeing your stats made me go check mine again.

I have been quit for 1 Year, 2 Months, 2 Weeks, 2 Days, 3 hours, 38 minutes and 10 seconds (443 days). I have saved $2,215.75 by not smoking 17,726 cigarettes. I have saved 2 Months, 13 hours and 10 minutes of my life. My Quit Date: 11/4/2007 9:12 AM

Can you imagine?????
17,726 cigarettes.

[StyngerIsAScorpio]

Hi all,
Stopped by this part of the forum for my very first time right now. I think in the past my eyes would avert this forum out of fear....and the fact that I've known forever that I should quit or at least start to plan to quit....
Well today, I will smoke my last cigarette. I am tired of coughing, I am tired of being out of breath, and I am tired of having to drive to the store to buy cigarettes. It's not a case of wanting to, but HAVING to.
I've been reading lots and lots and watching some great videos from those who've succeeded at stopping smoking.
This is really the first time I've been serious about stopping. One past attempt was half-hearted at best.
Saving money will be great, having better health will be great, but what I am looking forward to, somewhere down the road, is not looking at the clock to see when I can light up next. I am so so tired of being a slave to that, and feeling that panic when it's late at night and I'm almost out of cigarettes. It's a long, cold drive to the store, and I just don't want to do it anymore...
This forum is a godsend for the lowcarb and I know that this will be a great source of support for stopping smoking too.
To those of you who have your quit dates, I applaud you!
To those of you just getting started like I am, we can do this. We can have clean, healthy bodies again. The way we came into this world....And I plan to be here every time I feel the pinch....
Thanks for having this subforum, I really appreciate that it's here!

[lindaokc]

Welcome Stynger and good for you for quitting. Are you using any help at all? Make it as easy on yourself as possible, please. I know the first few days are rough, but they do pass quickly. Do a lot of deeeep breaths, it helps relax you and it's the way we used to smoke too. If you don't have it, The Allen Carr book helps a lot and there are stop smoking websites around you can join for more support. Of course, we are here for you too.

[TurnNBurn]

Originally Posted by StyngerIsAScorpio

Hi all,
Stopped by this part of the forum for my very first time right now. I think in the past my eyes would avert this forum out of fear....and the fact that I've known forever that I should quit or at least start to plan to quit....
Well today, I will smoke my last cigarette. I am tired of coughing, I am tired of being out of breath, and I am tired of having to drive to the store to buy cigarettes. It's not a case of wanting to, but HAVING to.
I've been reading lots and lots and watching some great videos from those who've succeeded at stopping smoking.
This is really the first time I've been serious about stopping. One past attempt was half-hearted at best.
Saving money will be great, having better health will be great, but what I am looking forward to, somewhere down the road, is not looking at the clock to see when I can light up next. I am so so tired of being a slave to that, and feeling that panic when it's late at night and I'm almost out of cigarettes. It's a long, cold drive to the store, and I just don't want to do it anymore...
This forum is a godsend for the lowcarb and I know that this will be a great source of support for stopping smoking too.
To those of you who have your quit dates, I applaud you!
To those of you just getting started like I am, we can do this. We can have clean, healthy bodies again. The way we came into this world....And I plan to be here every time I feel the pinch....
Thanks for having this subforum, I really appreciate that it's here!

Great post! You said it so well.

[SugarPop]

Welcome Stynger!

Well, I'm still hanging in there.........Had my birthday on 1/20 and it was such an emotional day with the Inauguration and all - Plus for some reason I decided to put pressure on my self and I did a "showcase performance" where I work (the waltz)....somehow I managed to get through all that without any cigarettes.

Last night went out to dinner and had a glass of red wine - didn't smoke. Today I went to my ex's house and while I was there I noticed a full pack of Camel Lights (my favorite as well as Marlboro red) on top of the fridge. I actually picked up the pack and then just put them back.......I don't think I would have even thought about smoking until I saw them. That was a big test - cuz nobody was around and I could have just done it and I didn't.

Worried cuz my ex's job (completing the new Yankee Stadium) will be over in 2 months and with the economy being what it is - about 75% of his company has already been let go.........I doesn't look good- AND if he can't pay his bills he also won't be able to pay me and I still am not working - so lot's of stress here. I might have to move because I won't be able to make ends meet- Where, I'll go or what I'll do - I have NO idea. Still not thrilled about the weight - I've gained 18 pounds now since quitting........I'm so afraid that all this stress will just put me back to cigarettes because my will won't be there. It took me so long to lose 50 pounds and only one month to gain almost half of it back.

B

[lindaokc]

Lots of stress already, BUT you are NOT smoking!! Good for you for not opening that pack of cigarettes. You are getting far enough away from them now it's more a mental battle than physical. The nicodemon will lie to you to get you back. He's telling you that the weight and the stress are going to be too much and you'll NEED them, which we know is not true. They won't help you relax, they won't help you pay the bills, they WON'T HELP YOU IN ANY WAY. They can only make your life worse. He's a liar, SugarPop and he's lying to you. I know that the weight is a problem, but you won't lose it if you pick up cigarettes. Then you will have the weight AND the cigarettes. It won't be helping, it will be hurting you.

You've done fantastic this far. Don't let a few lies keep you from your goal. You can do this!!

[SugarPop]

linda - wow, thank you so much for telling me exactly what I need to hear......You're absolutely right - smoking won't help any of those things.

A man I met on the internet wants to meet me and I put him off because I was getting ready for my performance - now he wants to meet me tomorrow and I feel like a big fat blimp - I was just starting to get my waist back etc.......Amazing how just 15 or so pounds can make such a difference. I was telling all of this to my GF on the phone tonight and she said I should just smoke again til I get to my goal weight - So, I'm glad, linda, that you're cheerleading me - because I have people in my life telling me it's okay to cave at this point.

B

[TurnNBurn]

Originally Posted by SugarPop

linda - wow, thank you so much for telling me exactly what I need to hear......You're absolutely right - smoking won't help any of those things.

A man I met on the internet wants to meet me and I put him off because I was getting ready for my performance - now he wants to meet me tomorrow and I feel like a big fat blimp - I was just starting to get my waist back etc.......Amazing how just 15 or so pounds can make such a difference. I was telling all of this to my GF on the phone tonight and she said I should just smoke again til I get to my goal weight - So, I'm glad, linda, that you're cheerleading me - because I have people in my life telling me it's okay to cave at this point.

B

Sugarpop, I have been going through some of the same emotions and temptations as you. Doubting my quit. Always worried about the weight gain, it always comes back to the weight.

Lindaokc, that was such a good post. I should clip that and tape to my fridge.


23 days, 8 hours, 48 minutes and 43 seconds smoke free.

491 cigarettes not smoked.
$63.00 and 3 days, 18 hours of your life saved.

Your quit date: 12/31/2008

[lindaokc]

Originally Posted by SugarPop

I was telling all of this to my GF on the phone tonight and she said I should just smoke again til I get to my goal weight - So, I'm glad, linda, that you're cheerleading me - because I have people in my life telling me it's okay to cave at this point.

B

Are you frigging kidding me???? OMG, who would tell you to go back to smoking? A smoker? Or a non addict that doesn't know how hard it is to quit The quit is now and always will be, priority one. Never let your guard down. Weight will come and go, so don't ever let that be an excuse. I do understand about how 15 lbs makes such a huge difference, I'm a shorty and it truly does on me, BUT, I can get the weight off, not so sure I could ever stop smoking again and I'm not going to take that chance.

Thank you both for your kind comments. It's right now that is the toughest. You are both past the physical cravings, but the nicodemon is still talking to you, telling you crap. Just don't believe him and tell him he's a liar. You will make it.

[micki]

There is a very big day coming up for me. On Feb 1st I will be 1 year smoke free. I hope you are all doing well. I am definately a non-smoker now.

[lindaokc]

Congratulations, Micki How awesome for you!! You've made it.

[SugarPop]

Still hanging in there.........Today is my 28th day smoke free. So glad I didn't cave - really wanted to but kept thinking "and then what?......I'm back to smoking AND 15 pounds heavier?"......Anyway, it was more than 15 pounds if you count the one time I weighed at night. Here's how it looked (Dec 24th AM - 169 lbs / Sunday 1/26 PM 191 lbs........SO Monday AM (Chinese New Year -New Year equals new beginning to me in any language) I started back on Induction and today is Day 3 - My weight is 184 now and I'm hoping to get back to the 170's really soon. Lot's of damage done - I basically couldn't do both and rationalized the eating frenzy by saying that I was deserving.......Honestly, it did help me not to smoke BUT wow lot's of damage. I feel great about finally being back on Induction - I was out of control with the food - donuts, cake, french fries, burgers, candy - you name it I ate it. BUT I feel good- The kind of good that Induction does for you - takes away the hunger and the constant "Hmm, what should I eat next?" syndrome of thinking.

As far as the cigarettes - Every day is getting easier. I've been around smokers and was able to not just give in to temptation. Also, a few days ago I was on the phone w/ a girlfriend that I knew quit last Spring and I could tell she was smoking - I didn't say anything critical, she mentioned it before I did - said a friend was over and she asked her for one before she left- said she's been having a few "here and there"..........I know we all know what that means.......You just cannot have one on this thing- that's not how it goes down. Before you know it you're back to smoking and honestly I hope I never go through this again - I loved every minute of food- but my pants are all tight now and I'm just glad I didn't yet throw out the clothes that were too big.

I applied for another job yesterday that I really hope I get - but I'm trying not to get too stoked cuz I always think I have it in the bag and come to find out I don't and it gets so discouraging. But TODAY I feel good - Not smoking and not eating out of control either and I'm only 4 pounds away from being in the 170's.

B