Quit smoking...it's been hard!

[mopar crazy]

I quit smoking a week ago. Well, I did have a couple Wed night while out having a few beers w/ the girls so I did cheat.

 

TBH, I did not want to quit, I NEED to quit for my health. My blood pressure is on the high side and since I have heart disease in my family I need to do this for myself, my H, and my kids. My mom had her first heart attack at the age of 53 and never smoked a day in her life. I'm 13 years away from that age.

 

This sucks! I always want a cigarette. When does this ever end? When will I stop thinking I have to smoke just b/c I have a few drinks?

 

I've been on edge and always snacking. How do I stop from doing that? What is a natural appetite suppressant?

 

Like to hear from ex-smokers who managed to stay off the cancer sticks successfully.

[quankanne]

my SiL's friend would wear a rubber band around her wrist, then snap it whenever she felt a craving for nicotine. Either she was sadistic or very, very clever :laugh:

 

I feel for you, my husband goes through periods of wanting to stop, but just can't make that transition. So, I stock up on suckers or cinnamon candy to help with the oral fixation, and it seems to help. Well, at least on long roadtrips, when he doesn't want to make me suffer through too much second-hand smoke. My sister's former FiL used to buy bags and bags of penny bubble gum, I think he smoked AND chewed tobacco, so the gum took care of the physical mechanics of chewing terbaccy

 

I know blind otter has posted a link on helping people stop smoking, but cannot for the life of me remember what it's called, it's been more than a year since she posted it – it actually seemed like a good resource when I looked at it.

 

any which way, good luck with your goal, and don't beat yourself up if it doesn't go as quickly as you'd like or if you slip up – the main thing is that you're willing to work at it, and that will pay off before long.

[curiousnycgirl]

For me the answer is, it never stops - I still want one at least once every day.

 

The bizarre thing though is that I was in Texas recently, where it is still legal to smoke in bars, and I was thoroughly disgusted about how I smelled later AND I found that I was a little sick to my stomach from the smoke.

 

Now whenever I think I want a cigarrette I realize that I only THINK I want one. I also keep reminding myself how much healthier I MUST be since quitting, although I'm not sure I buy that one.

 

Good luck to you! If I can do it (pack a day for roughly 21 years) then so can you.

[curiousnycgirl]

Sorry forgot to tell you how I kept away from them. 2 things -

 

1. LOTS of deep breathing. Every time an urge strikes, I take a few very deep breathes

 

2. I kept telling myself, UGH I'm not going through the first day (week, month, 500 days, whatever) again - I've come this far, I'm not going to blow it.

[quankanne]

I was thoroughly disgusted about how I smelled later

 

oh, yeah – they need to bottle that smell and then let those trying to quit smoking take a deep breath of it. It's what got my husband to agree to only smoke outside the house; after years of being in a smoked-in apartment, he couldn't believe how different it smelled inside the house. or that his clothes didn't have "that smell" after pulling them out of the closet.

 

peee-yeww ... I'd rather smell skunk stank than stale smoke!

[D-Lish]

I quit for two months last fall... I started on wellbutrin for depression and since the drug is also marketing as Zyban- I just quit without intending it!

 

I started again during a stressful time early November:o

 

It's the hardest thing to do.

Would you consider help with Zyban? If it gets you through a couple months, it may be enough to stop it. I also lost weight as I was quitting- also a side effect of the wellbutrin.

 

You will have to replace the smoking with something... make it snacking on carrots or something else that is healthy.

 

Good luck!

[mopar crazy]

Ok, I was doing pretty good for a week. No cigarettes. Then it was my usual night out w/ the girls and a few beers. On my fourth beer I really wanted one so I bummed one from a friend. It tasted nasty!

 

Today at work someone walked past me that must smoke and it stunk. I thought the myself "MY God, is that how I smelled when I smoked? NASTY!"

 

However, I still like to smoke when I have a drink out w/ my friends. Maybe I need to quit drinking for awhile too.

[curiousnycgirl]

Well done! At least you didn't use the one with the drinks cause you to totally fall off the wagon.

 

I agree perhaps you need to quit drinking for a while, if that is indeed what's causing the cravings - but first ask yourself - would you want a cigarette if you were drinking that drink in your house? You might just need to change the venue - especially if the bar (s) you go to allow smoking.

[wuggle]

Smoked for over 20 years, stopped 6 years ago, never miss it.

 

Read "the easy way to stop smoking" by Alan Carr - excellent book.

 

Good luck.

[whichwayisup]

It's good that you found smoking again gross. That will prevent you from lighting up again.

 

Quitting drinking for a while is a good idea. I know when I DO get the courage to quit smoking I'll have to not drink coffee anymore for a while because to me (like drinking and smoking) coffee and a cig go hand in hand.

[curiousnycgirl]

whichwayisup - I was afraid of that too, and afraid I wouldn't be able to drive without intense cravings.

 

Neither ended up being true. I do probaby drink more coffee now.

[whichwayisup]

Ha, that's exactly it. Sitting in the car, having a nic fit and not have a smoke. Or puttering outside in the garden on a nice summer day, having a smoke. Being up at the cottage, relaxing etc..

 

I somehow need to change my way of thinking and just DO IT as the Nike ad used to say..

[Meaplus3]

I quit smoking a week ago. Well, I did have a couple Wed night while out having a few beers w/ the girls so I did cheat.

 

TBH, I did not want to quit, I NEED to quit for my health. My blood pressure is on the high side and since I have heart disease in my family I need to do this for myself, my H, and my kids. My mom had her first heart attack at the age of 53 and never smoked a day in her life. I'm 13 years away from that age.

 

This sucks! I always want a cigarette. When does this ever end? When will I stop thinking I have to smoke just b/c I have a few drinks?

 

I've been on edge and always snacking. How do I stop from doing that? What is a natural appetite suppressant?

 

Like to hear from ex-smokers who managed to stay off the cancer sticks successfully.

 

First off congrats on your decesion to quit.. you are doing such a wonderful thing for yourself. I'm an ex-smoker. I did it cold turkey with out any aids such as the patch, gum, chantix.. but I did join a smoking cessation group it was FREE and very supportive. As for weight gain.. really I would not worry about that to much. It's much better to add a few pounds then to keep smoking. But, you can manage your weight through diet and excercise. I found that walking, eating more veges and drinking a ton of water helped me. I wish you the best of luck. If you need support anytime feel free to send me a PM.

 

Mea:)

[audrey_1]

Ah yes, cigarettes. Had a love-hate relationship with them for over 15 years now. I have quit a couple of different times, once for 4 years, another stint for 5. My ex-fiancee simply wouldn't have it, and I made the compromise. But I started smoking again after breaking the engagement. I recently tried using the patch, but it gave me a rash, so I'm trying Nicorette.

[annieo]

I'm about to try night # one without smokes - for the hundredth time! What is that expression, knocked down 8 times, get up 9, or something like that.

 

I'm an evening smoker, and only with a glass of wine, so you'd think it wouldn't be so difficult.

 

The weeks that my kids are with me (I have shared custody with their dad) I'm usually able to resist, or only have 2 or 3. When they aren't around, however, I tend to be a little more hardcore, especially on the weekends.

 

Anyway, it is hard, really hard. But I'm going to just keep on trying and maybe one day I'll get passed my record of one month. I'm asthmatic and on meds, so you'd think I knew better.

[wuggle]

Have you read that book I recommended ? trust me best £5 you will ever spend. It starts by saying "keep smoking until you've finished this book.....", read it, trust me.

[blind_otter]

First of all, OP, congratulations!!!! I'm so proud of you!! You can do it!

 

Have you read that book I recommended ? trust me best £5 you will ever spend. It starts by saying "keep smoking until you've finished this book.....", read it, trust me.

 

My S/O quit after getting to like the third chapter in that book. He hasn't had a cigarette since and he smoked for 25 years. The process seemed VERY easy for him after reading that book.

 

I smoked cigarettes for 12 years, started when I was 14. I attempted to quit a couple of times using various aids. Wellbutrin. Patch. Gum.

 

Finally, after my Dad died of lung cancer I was able to quit cold turkey. It SUCKED. I was on edge. I wanted to smoke constantly. It was really hard. But I stayed the course and was able to stay clean of nicotine - it's been a couple of years, now. Dad passed in 2006.

 

I do think quitting cold turkey is the best way, though. Once you go through that you don't want to start again because it's so damn hard to go through the nicotine withdrawal.

 

Anyways, I have no advice. Maybe visit a cancer ward. My only real motivation was watching my Dad's slow, painful death that lasted 14 months and involved surgery to remove his left lung. It was the worst experience I've had in my entire life. Horrible horrible horrible. With that in mind, I was able to stay away from the cancer sticks.

 

But I think my cravings disappeared slowly, over time, and were completely gone by 6 months post. I don't ever have the urge to smoke anymore.

 

I also quit drinking at that time, so yeah that might be a good idea for the time being. And hey, if you're worried about gaining weight, alcohol is just empty calories and pure sugar.

[mopar crazy]

Thanks for all the replies! bo, sorry about your dad. My H lost his dad to cancer in 1987 due to smoking. He was always on me about smoking.

 

It's getting easier, just taking it day by day. I did have one the other night after my 4th beer and it tasted awful! And then today, two of my co-workers went outside for a smoke break a couple of times. When they came back in they reeked and I honestly almost started gagging. I couldn't get up and get away from them b/c we were in a training.

 

No, I haven't read the book but sounds interesting. Maybe I will check and see if the library has it. I have heard it takes 3 weeks to break a habit.

[wuggle]

No, I haven't read the book but sounds interesting. Maybe I will check and see if the library has it. I have heard it takes 3 weeks to break a habit.

 

 

Physical withdrawal symptoms (the feeling in the pit of your stomach, restlessness etc) started to fade a lot after the first 3 days, The rest is all in your head. Stick with it, it is SO worth it.

[anne1707]

I can also add that when Wuggle stopped smoking, it was if he had PMS. He was very irritable, etc for a good few days but it passed. (Thank goodness ).

[mopar crazy]

My H and I went out w/ my cousin and her H last night. She smokes. We both started smoking together about 20 years ago. In fact, I taught her how to inhale, lol. Anyhow, she has never tried to quit smoking, while I have on several attempts over the years only to go back.

 

Anyhow, I told her I had quit and she didn't comment. I did stand outside and freeze w/ her so she could have a smoke break. I had no desire to have one. I think I made it over that hill! YEAH!

[Lizzie60]

I quit 16 years ago.

 

I had tried many many times.. and never succeeded... then for about 2 years.. I did visualization.. every night I would 'talk' to myself... think about all the bad things cigarettes do to my body.. my kids were pleading me to quit... etc..

 

Then one night.. I put my cigarette out.. and said out loud.. 'I will never smoke again'...

 

The next day... I had my coffee (first thing in the morning) and I wanted a cigarette sooo bad.. then I decided I would 'try' that one day.. and if I was as miserable the next day, I would smoke...

 

That was it.. it was the ONLY cigarette that I really 'drooled' for.. I have never smoked since.. and I know I will never smoke again.

 

I did gain 16 lbs.. (my breasts went from 34C to 38DD) then I started my battle against the weight about a year later.. exercice, watch what I ate.. (no diets) I lost 20 lbs in the next year... but kept my big breasts.. I loved my body... (I always saw my body as the 'recompense' for stopping).

 

My hair doubled in volume.. my skin got much brighter and healthier..

 

You have noooo idea how well you will feel... but you have to give yourself some time... it's not easier but it's doable.

 

Good luck!

[mopar crazy]

Thanks Lizzie, I appreciate the advice.

 

I stepped on the scale this morning, gained 3 lbs, UGH! I'm not going to cave and start smoking again, I just need to start watching what I eat and exercise more.

 

My sil called and invited me over for a few drinks tonight. I had to tell her no b/c I'm busy and TBH, I'm glad I am. I just don't think I can do the drinking and not smoking thing right now. My sil smokes so it would be REALLY hard not to want one.

 

I don't want to quit having my once or twice a week beer. When is the habit of smoking along w/ that beer (or cup of coffee in some ppl's cases) stop? I'm fine not having a smoke any other time.

 

It use to be habit to smoke while driving, and/or on the phone. It wasn't hard to deal w/ not smoking when I drove b/c I HAD to drive.

[Princess_in_love]

Great job quitting!

 

I just quit in late October, have had a few out drinking since then.

 

I've quit many times.

 

To be honest, although quitting is REALLY difficult, I think the hardest part is STAYING quit. I'm talkin' 9 months or a year from now. After you've conquered the addiction, it's as if you are immune to it, so you think "hey, I can have one" and then of course that one turns into another one, and then you feel bad for bumming so you buy a pack.

 

Don't let that happen!!!! I'm doing my best to avoid smoking during the day, and will allow a couple every once in awhile. Although I usually think it's gross when I've had one or two out drinking.

 

Anyway, someone said earlier deep breathing helps a lot. One time I quit I started drinking a lot of water. It makes you feel full too so you don't eat as much. Another great thing to do is get on a treadmill!!! Running is a great stress reliever, as is any exercise. And of course, that will also help keep off the pounds.

 

I've gained a few pounds since I quit in October, but they are definitely worth being able to breath easier and exercise longer and smell fresh and clean and taste delicious healthy food and not piss off my boyfriend from tasting like an ash tray and being able to look forward to having children one day and MAYBE EVEN grand children!!!

 

Quitting smoking is the best thing you'll ever do for yourself. Trust me. It is something that you will forget over time, but it IS. Do your best not to forget it.

 

Some crazy things you may want to do to keep you motivated: look at this:

http://www.ipass.net/a1idpirat/smoker%27sbody.html and

http://www.health.state.ri.us/tobacco/benefits-of-quitting.php

 

that sort of website helped me a lot, especially in the first 10 days.

 

You will still have cravings, possibly forever. Just stand up, stretch, get a glass of water, call a friend, brush your teeth, chew a piece of gum, etc.

 

In a few days you'll realize that you're having much fewer cravings, and it will become more and more manageable. You've overcome the FIRST hard part, the second is STAYING quit.

 

Good luck!!!

[citizen67]

After smoking for over 20 years, I read the Allan Carr book. I wasn't sure I even wanted to quit at that point. Well, I did - and it was the first time I ever attempted quitting and I have not had a cigarette in 1 year and four months. Initially I gained 5 or 6 lbs - but I lost it. I increased the intensity of my exercise b/c I could b/c of my increased lung function. Think how nice it will be not to cough up gross stuff in the morning. Don't miss those days at all. To avoid replacing smoking w/ eating I recommend chewing gum - not nicorette gum, just regular old, sugarless gum. Good luck!