I have been smoke-free for 16 hours--loving support, please...

I'm kind of going crazy, but kind of okay, too. I'm using the patch, and I think that's controlling the "I want to jump off a building" kind of cravings, but all the rest of them are still there.

The nice thing about the patch is that you can't give in to a momentary urge to smoke. You have to take the patch off and wait for 2 hours before you can smoke. So it removes that momentary temptation.

I have today, tomorrow, and Sunday off work and can do whatever I please. I'm feeling very antsy--give me some suggestions for smoke-free activities. It's hotter than blazes here, so no running, etc.

Tell me how happy I'll be when I get through this!

Cat

Good Karma your way,. Maybe one day I can stop also.


DDQM

have a cigar!

I've been smoke free (cigarettes anyway, smoke 2 cigars a week and that's only if I drink) for 11 years. It sucks at first, but you can do it.

I don't know if it's still in print, but the American Cancer Society had a book out called 21 Days to Quitting Smoking, or something like that. The book has 21 chapters, each a couple pages long and you read a chapter a day. It gave tips and inspiration as well as information on what's happening internally. Track it down if you can.

Your body will love you for it. Here's a support hug.

((((((((((CatPower2000))))))))))

He smoked for 40 years, and gum helped him.

I say, go window-shopping at the local mall. Walk around in air-conditioned comfort. Go see a movie.

When you start to think about having another cigarette, imagine George W. Bush's smirking face getting re-inaugurated. Then think of the money you're saving, the improvment in your sense of taste, the lack of smoke stinking up your clothes, car, house, etc. Think of the guys who DON'T like smokers who will hit on you. ;-)

I quit 13 years ago - no patch - just thought about how GREAT I would feel - GREAT and FREE!!!! No dirty ashtrays, no smelly clothes, no searching for butts when I ran out.

After that, your body is "cleansed" of nicotine.

You will still want nicotine after that time, but you're no longer craving it. The physical symptoms are very hard to separate from the psychological ones.

If you're not using patches or gum, then you may want to give it a try. The patches helped me survive the cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

One trick that I did was to drink ice water when I wanted a cigarette. I would also do deep breathing. Most craving-spasms last about a minute, so if you can hold off for at least a minute or two, it will pass.

Congratulations!!!!! Keep it up!!!

Brag on yourself! Tell your friends and relatives about your accomplishment... family support meant a lot to me and helped me along with the difficult moments.

You can do it!!!

-- Allen

or a boat. get on the water, take whatever smokes you have left with you, and 'accidentally' drop the whole thing in the river. go to smoke free restaurants. go to movies. go to the zoo. whatever you do, DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL.

good luck.

on edit: if you need to relieve some 'oral fixations' I'm sure there are many people who would be willing to accomodate you :evilgrin: (note that I'm a smoker, so I'm not volunteering...)

and bring a water bottle with you.

The first week will be relatively easy. You'll think "hey, I can do this!"

Then the 2nd-3rd week you'll become a raving lunatic. That's the hard part. Stay away from people who don't understand what you're going through. Stick with positive people who will congratulate you and not be disappointed in you should you slide.

Never pick up a cigarette again. Two years after I quit and went through all that crap I decided to smoke a cigarette to see what I used to like about it. I've been smoking ever since.

Ever tried crossstiching?

Stay with it!

Yeah, the 2nd and 3rd week. DAMMIT.

Well, I've certainly got lots of people (EVERYONE I know is a nonsmoker, except my mom, and she's in another state) who will encourage and support me.

That's good advice about NEVER smoking again. I guess I know that I have such an addictive personality, I couldn't "moderate". I'm either a smoker or a nonsmoker, and NOW--I'M A NONSMOKER!!!

Cat :)

I had quite for seven years and thought I could have one -- I was very wrong. It is great to quite. When I was smoke-free I would chuckle at my husband going out in the rain, sleet and snow to get a pack. I was the only smoker in my family, so when I quite I got to visit with my siblings in a much more meaningful way. You are getting very good advise -- gum, water, excersise, get out of your normal environment, and for me relaxation techniques worked great. Good luck -- you can do it!

:toast:

2 packs a day for like 15 years, I can relate to those dreadful first days...

if it helps, this is the most difficult part, the first 30 days or so. After that I stopped having the nightly dreams, etc, and began to get used to not having something in my hand all day.

You may feel the urge to yell at someone and/or slap them. Not always easy to resist, so stay away from the TV, cashier lines, DMV, etc. Anything that requires extra patience, urgency, or understanding should be avoided like the plague. Calm and quiet, if possible...

that said, I do still sometimes (though rarely) light one up whilst partying :evilfrown:

and turn not to the smoky side!

I quit so many times it became a running joke but finally on my 40th birthday I decided smoking was no longer an option. I quit without any help and found it a lot easier than I expected.

I realized that it was so easy because I was absolutely certain I had to quit. I also realized that in all my previous attempts there was something in the back of my mind telling me I would start again.

It's now been 3 years and I never have the urge to smoke.

Good luck.

.

My favorite reason not to smoke was that the savings of not having a nicotine habit was being able to afford a new guitar every year. Now I have too many guitars, but I don't regret this.

My second favorite reason was that Big Tobacco always contributed large dollars to Jesse Helms, who was my least favorite legislator.

Dunno if either of these motivations apply to you, but you're welcome to use them.

I spend 40 bucks a week on cigs, which is $2080 a year.
Has any one used the pills to quit?



.

That equates to a few days over 6 monyths, BTW...

Go to a museum, theatre or something.
The patch helped me. I haven't smoked in a little bit more than two years. It'll do a lot for your pocket book:D

I'm so glad I don't smoke anymore. Especially when I see people having to stand outside on the street cause basically, where can you smoke anymore?

Food is going to taste better. Your clothes will smell good.

I'm wheat free for two days and I already feel a big difference.

Go shopping. Go places where you can't smoke or see people smoking. Try not to do activities you always associate with smoking. You can't do that forever, like I always used to like to smoke while I wrote.

Oh Dear, did you used to smoke while posting? Well, try to take a DU break for a few days, and when you come back, oooh, I know.

Go to Spencer's gifts and get this little wand cause a magic stick, basically it's filled with water and glitter and your turn it upside down and the glitter falls down to other side.

I use that sometimes when I'm on the computer to have something to do with my hands.

I don't spend time with ANYONE who smokes--except my mother, but I'm not visiting her anytime soon. All my friends here in VA are nonsmokers--all my friends and family in Philly are nonsmokers. My roommate is a nonsmoker and I never smoked in the house. So I would have to be outside in this ungodly heat right now if I wanted to smoke a cig! So, no, I didn't smoke while posting. I MUST have my car detailed, because that's the only thing that smells like smoke--and I have to have my winter coats dry-cleaned. But the house is smoke free, so that's a REALLY good thing.

I need to not drink for a while, that's for sure! I can easily go through a pack of cigs in a night out. (isn't that disgusting?)

Thanks for info!

Cat

I quit again about a month ago. Just finished lunch and felt that urge but it is gone now. I have replaced smoking with brushing my teeth. I have the shiniest teeth in town now. :)

But that is my tip to you. Get rid of the taste of food in your mouth. For me it is a powerful trigger.

on taking the first step. It's been 1 1/2 years for me and I can't tell you how wonderful I feel now.

What got me through was tons of gum and candy. Suckers are good, too, because you have the same hand-mouth thing going. Lots of water will help flush all of the toxins from your body. I didn't use the patch, so I slept a lot for the first couple of days.

For me, the first week was REALLY hard, but it kept getting better. I stayed away from smokers -- if that's possible for you -- for a good month and I didn't drink for a couple of months because I was afraid of those triggers. Now, it's not a problem to drink or be around smokers.

One thing that was surprising to me was that a couple of months in I started coughing a lot, particularly when I was exercising, and felt out of breath. I guess that was just part of the process.

Good luck. You're a very strong woman and I'm sure you can succeed with this.

Man, my body must be READY.

I'm a very strong woman? *blush* Don't feel like it right now, but I sure will try to keep that in mind in the coming weeks! Thanks. :)

Cat

start cleaning themselves out after 12 hours or so.
You will also be more touch sensitive, because nicotine dulls your nerves and emotions.

One excellent way to deal with the physiological aspects is to admit to yourself that you want a ciggarette, but do not smoke--fighting and denying you want one is part of the way you weaken your will.

Drink LOTS of water! you gotta keep that crap "thinned-out" so it will move up and out easier.

That was the WORST part of it for me. All this crap coming up...almost didn't seem worth it, but after 2 weeks or so, all 30 years's worth came up and left.

That was 6 months ago. I have had no desire to smoke since. I used Zyban for 3 weeks before i quit, and 2 months afterwards, then stopped the Zyban and did not get any desire to smoke again. But, I don't "Club" or drink anymore, either.

Now you need to start stretching those new, pink lungs. I started bicycle riding again after 20 years off. I can ride 13 miles in less than an hour, and my lungs feel great afterwards! (legs burn, but that's supposed to happen)

Hang in there, Cat! After a week, you can prety much consider youself an EX-smoker!

I'm taking your suggestions. This afternoon, I'm going to go to a movie--should I go for American Wedding (stupid, but funny) or Seabiscuit (poignant/funny)? I've already seen Tomb Raider and Pirates of the Caribbean.

Tomorrow I'm going to metro into DC and go to the National Gallery of Art. Air-conditioned and smoke-free!

Anyone of you who has tried the patch--any side effects I should know about that aren't listed on the package? Did you wear yours overnight?

Thanks again, the more support I can get through this process the better. I knew I could count on DUers! :)

Cat :loveya:

x( *grumble* x(

Go for the goofy movie - it's "Slacker Day" in the UK, celebrate appropriately. Check back if you need encouragement. I can go R. Lee Ermey on you if have a relapse. Ask my dad! :-)

Get yer skinny butt up here before November and I'll TAKE you to the National Gallery!

You're right, American Wedding it is. Thanks :)

Cat

If the Instructions state that you should apply a new patch after a certain period of time, be sure to take the old patch OFF even if the Instructions don't tell you specifically to do so. :-) (This is my favorite opening story when talking to people about user documentation.)

Seriously, good luck: it's a good thing you're doing for yourself, and it will pay off in many ways. (Unfortunately most of my weekend band jobs are either in smoky clubs or playing at Ford dealerships in Manassas, so I'd not offer to put you through that.) And when you're 100% smoke-fee and comfortable, one of my employees is now posting on DU ,and I will be able to hold you up as a Shining Example.

One more suggestion - DUMP FREDERICKSBURG ASAP!!!!! :loveya:

Philly in November! NOBODY in the city smokes anymore--it is very declasse. So I'll be in good nonsmoking company!

Thanks, Geff. :loveya:

Cat

Quitting smoking is hard...I'd know, I did it once. Just chew some gum and have a small object you can play around with, those helped me get through it...

You can do it Catpower - it'll be like hell the first couple of days but you have the patch to help you through. If it gets real bad check with a doctor and get a prescription.

We love you - goodluck!!!

I just bought a pack last night. Hang in there!!!

Chances for success are good! Keep us updated, please.

good for you.

i've tried it myself a few times now so i can truly empathize with you.

get some movies or read some good books and keep your mind occupied.
if you are absolutely crawling out of your skin, get in the car go to the mall or something and walk around. avoid smoky places obviously and music that will get you worked up.

i applaud you for taking the steps.

whatever support you need, pep talk,etc,i'm here for you.

positive thoughts and ((((hugs)))) going out to you.

:loveya:

Yeah, I may have to get up and do something here soon. Sitting in one place for too long makes me think, hey, I should stretch my legs take a break, smoke a....DAMMIT! :)

That's why I decided to quit on Thursday night--I don't work on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. I know work is going to be harder--I'm an office manager and I sit for 10 hours a day. The only breaks I take are to go outside and smoke. I am going to have to figure out something else to do to take a break from the computer once in a while at work.

Thanks for the support, my dear!! :loveya:

Cat

Congratulations!!

Something that helped me resist the temptation to starting up again is the horrible thought of having to go through quitting again!

For me, once I crossed over, mentally from the image of myself of a smoker who was denied access to the pleasure of smoking to that of a non-smoker seeing how disgusting the habit is--making my clothes and hair stink, my teeth yellow, and my lungs black, it was easier. Smoking was no longer an option so I did not obsess over it so much.

Being around non-smokers helped me a lot.

Pat yourself on the back and hang in there. Keep in mind that you will be one of us reformed smokers who can give others lots of advice!:)

Just think of all the money you'll save in addition to the health benefits.

I have a friend who stopped smoking years ago with the aid of Altoids - lol. Seriously. Only problem now is he's addicted to Altoiods :-). Oh well, he always has minty fresh, kissable breath :-) .

whom I kiss! I'm sure they'll be very pleased. :)

Thanks hon,

Cat :)

I made a comment about my aversion to kissing smokers the other day on a thread and felt bad about it after. It's just that I have an overly sensitive nose. I'm not kidding. If I even get mail from a smoker, I can tell they smoke and I don't know what it is but I just can't tolerate the smell. Funny too as I smoked a bit when I was in Jr High and again in college. More to be social than anything.

Yes, and your house and your clothes will smell good too. Even your hair! :-)

When I'm in a store and a smoker walks past, I wrinkle up my nose! LOL! And I smell like that! AARGH. Well, not anymore. :)

Well, the house is smoke-free already (my roommate is a nonsmoker and it's her house), the car is about to be detailed, and the winter coats must be dry-cleaned. I showered this morning before I put on my patch, so I still smell fresh as a daisy!

That's another nice thing--when you shower and get all clean and put on nice perfume, and then go smoke a cig! DUH!! :)

Thanks Sue :hi:

Cat

ps. Also, all my nonsmoking friends who've been sweet enough to sit with me in the smoking section without a WORD of complaint--I'm sure they'll be THRILLED to go home afterward without their hair and clothes REEKING of smoke! I'm staying out of bars for quite some time--that's a trigger I know I won't be able to handle.

Lots of support there, as well as helpful hints and interesting information.

It's been 5 years and 5 months for me. It's the 2nd best thing I ever did.

The first couple of weeks are the roughest, Marshmallow woman damn near told me to go get stuffed. I was a bear to be around, it's an oral fixation so satisfy that urge with suckers, gum, hard candy, I went through a ton of that stuff.
Clean all smoking apparatus out throw away ashtrays, cigs, you can keep your fire it comes in handy sometimes. If you don't do it or know how learn to meditate and relax, when the craving washes over you reduce the need to go without a cigarette to a minute you can smoke after a minute just not this minute, then expand it out.
I don't know about the patch, I've only heard that you shouldn't wear it at night, good luck.

My husband did the patch thing about 3 years ago. And he is Sooooo proud of himself for hanging tough. You will be too.

How 'bout yo yoing?

Each time you get the urge, when possible, drink water. It will help to flush your system. Also, if you could just hang it there for seven days, I promise, it gets really better. It is so worth it to be smoke free!

I forget, have carrot sticks and other healthy crunchies around, they help.

I'm so glad you're quitting smoking! For all you talk about eating healthy, this is just another step in the right direction for you! My aunt quit smoking four months ago because she is getting gastric bypass stomach surgery (which she had on tuesday), and the quitting smoking REALLY made her less irritable and happier in the end. She used prescription pills that help you control the cravings, I don't know if you know about those, but she swore by them. :)

Good luck! :hi:

I know about Zyban. It has some wonky side-effects, because it's a psychoactive drug. I'm pretty drug-sensitive, so I'll stick with putting just the nicotine into my system via the patch and see how that works first.

Thanks for the encouragement! I know you find smoking gross, and so do most kids your age. I know *I* did!! I ran cross country and track in high school and I would as soon have cut off my arm as pick up a cig! So, remember, it can happen to ANYONE, and never, never smoke even one. Believe me, you don't want to go through this!

Cat :hi:

Now I'm a fellow with a heart of gold
And the ways of a gentleman I've been told
The kinda guy that wouldn't harm a flea

But if me and a certain character met
The guy that invented that cigarette
I'd murder that sonofagun in the first degree

Now, it ain't cuz I don't smoke 'em myself
and i don't reckon that it'll hinder your health
I smoked 'em all my life and ain't dead yet

But nicotine slaves are all the same
at a pettin' party or a poker game
Everything gotta stop while they have a cigarette

-----------------------------------------------
CHORUS


Smoke, smoke, smoke that cigarette
Puff, puff, puff and if you smoke yourself to death.

Tell St. Peter at the Golden Gate
That you hates to make him wait,
But you just gotta have another cigarette.

-----------------------------------------------

In a game of chance the other night
Old dame fortune was doing me right
The kings and queens just kept on comin' around

I was hittin' em hard and bettin' 'em high
But my bluff didn't work on a certain guy
He kept on callin' and layin' his money down

He'd raise me and I'd raise him
and I said to him buddy ya gotta sink or swim
He finally called and didn't raise the bet!

I said aces full Pal how bout you!
He said, "I'll tell you in a minute or two
But right now, i just gotta have another cigarette."

CHORUS

The other night I had a date
with the cutest little gal in the 48 states
A real high-bred, uptown, fancy little dame

She said she loved me and it seemd to me
That things were just like they oughta be
As hand in hand we strolled down lovers lane

She was a long way from a chunk of ice
And our pettin' party was goin' real nice
And I got the idea I might have been there yet

So I give her a kiss and a little squeeze
Then she said, "(Pocho), Excuse me Please
But I just gotta have another cigarette."

CHORUS

Congratulations to you catpower and best wishes to keep it up one minute at a time. I Remember that song from singing it solo with guitar on stage in 1952, when smoking was still considered sophisticated. The reminder hasn't worked for me yet though I've quit several times this week and many past. May it work for you when posted, after I go open another pack.

If you haven't done it, go to the store now and buy bottles of water keep one in your smoking hand at all times. It helps trust me, and if you try to smoke when you are full of water you may get sick.

Now that your hand is busy that takes care of the smoking motion, think of something else to do.

Catch a movie you can't smoke in there.

If you live near a big city go to all the local museums you always wanted to go to air conditioning, ahhh.

You haven't smoked in so long treat yourself to an ice cream cone(happy cold).

Good luck keeping busy, if you quit at quiting then just try to smoke one a day for several days, but only smoke one when it's an insanely killer craving.

you can _light_ one, put another UNLIT cigarette in your mouth, and play with it, and breathe deeply in and out. Oh yes, and drink Coke or Diet coke or your preferred brand of caffeine. Gives you all the comfort and energy elements of smoking, although only about 1/5 as strong.


I wish you success. I quit in 1989, after many many years of thinking I'd never be able to.

Quitting can be really tough. But if you are able to last through the third day ,which was the worst in my expierience, you can do anything.
Good luck.

I quit 3 years ago and it was one of the best things I have ever done! The patch is great but keep candy or gum around to satisfy the oral gratification needs. Do something to keep your hands busy, too. Like typing posts at DU!

it's all downhill from here.

Seriously, congratulations on giving yourself the gift of good health. You are going to feel *so much* better and healthier and happier really soon. You'll have more money in your pocket and fewer colds and food is going to taste so much yummier.

It was thirteen years this past July that I quit. Getting rid of that addiction was the best thing I ever did for myself even though I never thought I'd make it. I know you've got willpower, girl!

Good luck. Here come the ((((((((good vibes)))))))).

I haven't smoked in 6 years. The patch worked for me too and I think gum helped since I was used to the cigarette to mouth movement for over 30 years.
Go shopping in an air-conditioned store! Not buying, shopping!
I was able to buy our satellite tv system with the money I saved when I stopped smoking. At today's prices for cigarettes, you'll have a retty good wardrobe or a huge cash surplus for gasoline!

I smoked 3 plus packs a day. 21 packs a week times 5.00. 4000.00 dollars a year. Quite a savings. where do you want to go on vacation?
4000.00 flies you just about anywhere for a week.

keep it up, you'll love being able to breathe again.

THE MONEY THAT WON'T SUPPORT THE REPUKES. YES INDEED!

With the money she saved, she took us all out for a nice meal every month. She still does.

somewhere around 20 minutes after you put out your last cig. No joke! I think it was something like "blood pressure returns to normal."

After nine years, I went cold turkey just last week!!! Hating it! But glad I took the step.

to you as well. I did cold turkey, too! Hang in there. The worse is over. Just think, do you want to repeat the last week again?

BTW, welcome to DU, DealsGapRider. :hi:

Good point...last week was hell. My worry is that I'm going drinking tonight for the first time since I quit, which will be tough. Smokes and drinks go together.

And thanks for the welcome!

:kick:

I couldn't have done it cold turkey, I know that for sure. So I am in awe of you!

Hey, 10 days, that sounds pretty good to me right now! If you ever want to commiserate, just drop me a PM. :)

Cat :hi:

There's been some great advice in this thread so I'm sure a combo of all of them will help you get through it one day at a time.

I was never really a cigarette smoker although every one in my family is. But I can well sympathize with the dilemma of the addictive personality because I have that big time!

Here's a {{{HUG}}} and be strong when you can, but when you feel weak don't do anything that will set you back.

You will survive, prevail, and be stronger and better for your choice!

hands on, made lots of popcorn and we all watched movies for about 4 days or so. After that, it became a bit easier.

Hang in there, we're all supporting you.

for two years. I can be done...hang in there.

:toast:

I've had countless friends in my teenage years (I was in Minnesota, BTW, the teenage smoking capitol of North America) who told me that they quit by using the patch and chewing gum CONSTANTLY. (Yes, most of my friends smoked) It's something about the sugar buzz that distracts attention from the nicotine cravings, I think.

but you are so far away. :evilgrin:

You'll do fine - just remember how great life will be when you're 55 and NOT dragging an Oxygen tank around behind you!

And take your smokes out of your hand.

Yoga or Tai Chi...

It'll pick your metabolism up so you don't gain weight like I did when I quit 17 years ago.

Good luck! ~hugs~

I quit in 1981 and we ex-smokers are about a third of the population. Drink lots of water. If you backslide, quit again. If you have any interest in non-tobacco smoking, go for it.

It gets easier, trust me. The first few days suck, then it gets a little better. But look out: once you get to the two week mark, you get the worst of it.

The true test is to go out and drink. If you can get through the night without smoking, you've got it licked. I did that after three weeks, sat in a small room with ten others who were smoking up a storm. I got through it. That's when I knew I'd never smoke again. And I haven't.

Another thing: the key is to HATE cigarettes. If you still like them, or think they're okay, or not bad, forget it. It won't last. Learn how to completely hate cigarettes more than anything, even *. Finally, get off the patch. Do it cold turkey. Get that crap out of your system right away. You can do it.

Hope this helps.

I want to thank all of you who posted such great encouragement and support on this thread. There was a lot of good advice on this thread and I'm pretty much using it all! I went out yesterday and bought Vitamin C, because some kind soul told me in a PM that it helps remove the nicotine from your cells. I've been brushing my teeth all the time, too! (I can't believe how fuzzy they DON'T feel--even without the constant brushing, my mouth feels unbelievably clean.) I exercised yesterday morning, and will spend the day today walking around museums in DC, so actually yesterday, I LOST 1/2 a pound. :) (I know that won't last, but if I can keep the weight gain to 5 pounds or less, I'm okay with that.)

Thanks to all who shared their quitting stories--you guys are my heroes! Thanks to all who reminded me how much money I'll save and the fun things I can do with it (note to nonsmokers: smokers don't really think about how much cigs cost. Sure, we bitch about it, but if they were $10 a pack, we'd still buy them.) Thanks to all who reminded me that my sex life and enjoyment of food is about to improve!

Thanks to all of you for caring. It means a lot to me. :loveya: Now, I am off to the National Gallery and some vegetarian food later! Have a great day, all! I know I'm going to!

Cat :loveya: :loveya: :loveya: :loveya:

Hope you went to the US Botanic Garden, now that you're getting your sense of smell back!

I had to put that in capital letters, because it's true and it was very unexpected. A few weeks after I quit smoking, I noticed myself getting "antsy" and easily aroused. I couldn't figure it out at first, but there's no other explanation. Six months later, I'm still smoke-free and I'm definitely staying that way! Try it out. Quit smoking for a few months and see what happens--what do you have to lose? Best of luck!

well, I'm not a woman, but you know what I mean..

and your lungs will feel better and you will live longer and you will get less wrinkles and you will save money and......

Damn it is hard, I loved smoking as a social habit. But I quit about three years ago and I know it was the smartest thing I did in a long time.
Congratulations, just like alcohol, you will have to avoid people, places and things that caused you to smoke, at least for a while.

Emphazema. I was 16. Now, at 24, I'm a very staunch (SP?) anti smoking advocate. I'm always telling me friends the truth about the way they reek, and how they'd be so much prettier if they didn't have that smell following them. My mom, of course, hasn't learned a thing from my father's death. She smokes like a chimney. Constantly. It's disgusting. I went over there to do laundry before I moved back to school...Big mistake. EVERYTHING Smells like smoke now. I have to go redo all the laundry I did. It's really gross. Anyway, good luck. When my aunt and uncle quit, she got hypnotized. My uncle picked a day that coincided with a full moon...and neither have had a cigarette since. I'm so proud of them. Good luck, Cat. Hope it all works out. You will be so much healthier. Enjoy the extra money...buy yourself something pretty.
Duckie

he had lung cancer from smoking, his brother (my uncle) faired better with his smoking related cancer. He's still alive but lost part of his jaw and tongue to his cancer. At this point we just let our uncle smoke and stop bugging him about it. He can't chew real food so this is his only pleasure left.

Omg - my mom and her friend were just here visiting and my mom is alomst 70 and has never smoked. Her friend is in her early 60's and has smoked heavily her entire life. STill does even after fighting breast cancer. Anyway, I was shocked when I saw her! Haven't seen her in a few years and her face looks like a fucking road map! Lines everywhere. She's never been an outdoor person either. I rarely ever saw her out in the sun when I was growing up. She just sat in the house smoking. Anyway, my mother looks about 20 years younger than her. She hardly has any wrinkles at all.

Just a little more incentive Cat. Keep on going!

Not too bad! My roommate and I were at the museums ALL day yesterday--five hours of walking around in an air-conditioned, smoke-free environment. :) Came home exhausted and slept really well.

I'm still having cravings, but I'm really loving the patch, because it just doesn't let me give in to that urge to SMOKE ONE RIGHT NOW. The cravings pass in a minute or two, and I'm really okay.

After meals is definitely the hardest. But, if I'm at home, I brush my teeth right away, and if I'm out, I pop in a piece of gum. It really helps! Thanks to whoever it was on this thread who said that the taste of food in the mouth was a HUGE trigger--it is for me, too, and as soon as I get rid of it, I feel better.

Only bad news: I've gained 2 pounds. And that's with walking probably 10 MILES yesterday and eating light, healthy food. I'm very discouraged by that. I'm also drinking a lot of water, but my water intake was limited yesterday by all the time I was in the museum. Since I lost 40 pounds 2 years ago, I have a terrible fear of getting fat again. Does ANYONE have ANY suggestions at all on how to avoid gaining weight through this process? I know for a fact that if I gain too much weight, I WILL go back to smoking. I wanted to kill myself when I was fat, and I just won't go back. I'd rather be unhealthy and smoke. So ANY suggestions will do. I'm already eating light food, exercising like crazy, and drinking a gallon of water a day. Plus a multivitamin and extra Vitamin C. What else can I do? Any help MUCH appreciated!!!

Thanks, all. You guys are the BEST. :loveya:

if you stick to a sound diet and exercise plan, it only will be temporary. Your body is used to having that stimulant in it and it just needs time to readjust your metabolic rate to a non-smoking you.

I gained a little when I quit, but you are NOT going to gain 40 pounds unless you let yourself get totally out of control. Now, more that a year later, I actually weigh less because I was able to kick my physical activity to a higher level because of increased lung capacity.

For now, just focus on the quitting smoking and STAY OFF THE SCALE! If you gain a couple of pounds, you can tackle that next.

BTW, congratulations on your first 57 hours. :toast: You are definitely on your way. You will be amazed at how much better you will feel. I know I was.

I know I need to not obsess about it, and I know I need to stay off the scale, but after losing that much weight, you really don't want to get out of control again, you know? I feel like I have to obsessively moniter myself, and I guess that's what's driving me crazy right now.

I will try very hard to concentrate my energies on staying fit and healthy and NOT on the scale in my bathroom. You're right, I can always lose the weight afterward. By then, I'll be back in Philly and I can walk everywhere. Until then, I work in a Physical Therapy office, so I have a free gym available to me. It could be a LOT worse! :)

Thanks, Proles, you really calmed me down.

Cat :loveya:

and I knew once you make up your mind you will do it.

Don't worry over weight, once you are free of the smokes you'll have more energy plus more $ and everything will fall in place.
Your health will improve in every area and saving yourself less wrinkles before your time.

Very Proud of you Catpower2000!!! :loveya: :hi:

:loveya:

you're doing great and keeping that positive attitude- way to go!

i'll second what prolesunited has already said. the metabolic change is going to happen, the important thing is to concentrate on the positives. the weight gain will not last. continue to workout (are you using weights in you workouts?-i recommend, if you're not already)and keep mind too that nicotine has changed your entire biological function. some of that weight you may be experiencing could be water weight,especially in this weather :-) and continue to eat right.
be careful of soda. there is a good chance that if you were/are a regular w/caffiene that your body will crave more of it (caffiene also changes your metabolism). look for coffee,tea if you absolutely need it.

i would suggest an uptake in calcium. the nicotine has deprived your body of it. a new study, by John Hopkins i think , has found that women who had the daily recommended amounts of calcium had an easier time losing weight or didn't gain, something to do with fat cells-i'll look for you if you want.

whatever you need,Dear, i'm here to help.
i am very impressed and proud of you.
happy for you too. you are going to feel soo much better.
and you'll be around longer-- everyone gains :-)

all the best,Catherine.
stay strong but, call on us whenever you need.

love you!

but I could add weights no problem. I'll try that! And the calcium.

Thank you very much for your support--you are awesome! I feel better already, actually. My lungs don't ache when I wake up in the morning. Yesterday at the museum, I passed a security guard who smelled like smoke, and I thought, I'm so glad that I'm in this beautiful place and I'm not polluting it with a gross smell! Also, we took my (nonsmoking) roommate's car, and I didn't have to rush to hop out of the car and light up every time we stopped somewhere. And I can take smaller (cuter) purses! :) It's amazing what you notice.

The cravings are definitely getting easier. I know I can do it. If I don't sabatoge myself with my weight, I'm going to be smoke-free forever!

Love you! :loveya:

Cat

Are you staying strong? :-)

:thumbsup:

DTH

I used the patch, and for like three weeks, I went totally insane.

Ever heard of "vivid dreams?" The Nicotrol people are even running ads now that mention them in the context of "sleep disturbances."

HA! They WISH they were mere "sleep disturbances."

Ever wondered what it would be like to dream with a quality such that the dream is totally indistinguishable from your waking life? You're in the same sort of horrendously fucked-up dreamstate, and yet it feels as real as, say, driving a car, brushing your teeth, standing in line at the bank, etc. That's what a "vivid dream" is. I can't even begin to describe how mind-destroyingly WRONG it is, after two weeks of moving seamlessly into and out of dreamstate, losing the ability to distinguish between the two, going totally schizophrenic and being unable to trust that anything is actually real.

If you're not into that sort of thing, I imagine it'd be vaguely disturbing.

http://www.getfunnypictures.com/crt135.html

Joking aside, I tried several times to quit them cancer sticks, this last time it worked. Have not been there for a few years now. If you make a mistake on it, don't worry it's a goal and not a game, just keep on trying anyway possible.

Keep that up for 60 sum odd years, and you have it made.

Just remember everytime you smoke a cigarette, you're giving money to the Republican party! My friend quit - it took her a few months, but she hasn't smoked in a year. You can do it.

You'll do fine.

Well! I'm DEFINITELY doing better than the last time I posted to this thread! The cravings are getting easier and easier and easier. I just DON'T SMOKE. In the end, that's what it comes down to. The patch is a GODSEND.

Whoever posted about dreams above, yeah, I had a really bizarro one the other night. I don't find them disturbing though, just vivid and I remember every little detail when I wake up.

I have managed to control my weight gain through a combination of severely restricted caloric intake, working out HARD 2-3 times per day, large doses of calcium, a gallon of water per day, and (*ashamed*) two cups of coffee per day. I haven't lost what I put on those first few days, but thank GOD I haven't gained any more either. I am only 4 pounds above my normal weight, and if I can maintain that until my metabolism evens out and I lose it, I'm happy. :)

Thank you thank you thank you to ALL of you who have offered advice, support, and love on this thread. I can tell you I got some VERY helpful tips here, and I put them to good use!! It's amazing, we DUers can be sad for a poster if they have a tragedy, or revel in the joy of a poster if they have a success. We are amazing!!

I love you all!! :loveya: :loveya: :loveya: :loveya: :loveya:

Cat

I'm really happy for you. :-)

I'm very impressed. You're an inspiration, whether you know it or not.

- Mac

YAY !

thanks for the updates.

to you and your smoke free life :toast:

woohoo! :loveya:

Better luck to you. I think the key is you have to want it, you have to do it for yourself.

The first thing you'll get is freedom--you won't have to schedule your life around being able to smoke. And your health comes back fast. And you'll stay young and prettier longer. Plus cleaner.

What helped me was that I hadn't realized how much I didn't do to improve myself because of smoking. Like why eat healthy, or take vitamins, or drink lots of water, or exercise, or practice breathing for serenity, or anything. For God's sake, I was smoking. It's like that old joke about toothpaste for smokers--you think smokers care about yellow teeth when they've already demonstrated they don't care about heart and lung disease.

I remember an old Barney Miller skit. There were two guys in the cage--one laying down, the other pacing back and forth and complaining. The pacer had just quit smoking, and his agitation was clearly due to that. Finally, the one laying down asked him to stop--seems he was very sick, withdrawing from heroin. The smoker looked at him with disdain and said "Big deal." :hippie:

You also might check out quitnet.com. They've got an online messageboard where you can post to other reformed smokers:). Most non-smokers just don't understand how difficult quitting really is, and it can be a little frustrating when you don't get the support you hope for from them. It sometimes helps to post to others who are going through the same thing you are.

Good luck. Keep the quit!!