Quitting Smoking Group

by jettgirl on Jul 30, 2008 at 7:58 am

You will notice that you have certain spots on your journey where you light up. It is crazy!!!
Suggestions..

Get a ball to squeeze
Chew on a straw OR eat gum. (DO NOT SMOKE WITH GUM, causes gum cancer)
Turn your jams up really loud and sing sign sign!!!

It gets better trust me. Throw all your cigarette's out.

by thorgrant on Jul 30, 2008 at 4:50 pm

Ditto what jett said and also take the money you would spend on cigarettes and throw it in a jar. You'll freak how quickly it adds up.

by vintageshot on Jul 30, 2008 at 5:44 pm

You can do it! Creepy how it becomes second nature to where you don't even realise it.

Ditto on the money thing, I love that method. :D

And WHOA on the gum cancer thing. Really?! @_@

by jettgirl on Jul 30, 2008 at 6:58 pm

Yeap, think about it! When you have gum in your mouth and you smoke that bad chemical gets stuck in the gum and you chew on it! *YECK*

by vintageshot on Jul 29, 2008 at 12:38 pm

Congrats to you, this is a WONDERFUL milestone for you! :) What are your plans to celebrate?

by thorgrant on Jul 29, 2008 at 1:39 pm

yay, jett. Seems just like yesterday we were all talking about starting to quit. How do you feel?

by joeyzz2 on Jul 29, 2008 at 5:06 pm

"What are your plans to celebrate?" - A beer and a cigarette? haha, just kidding.

I'm on day 2!

by laura4592 on Jul 29, 2008 at 6:14 pm

great job, jett. remember how hard it was at first? now look at you!!

by jettgirl on Jul 30, 2008 at 8:00 am

I know it has been a long road.... But I could not do it without the friends I have made along my journey here on this group. Thanks to all of you for everything.

by laura4592 on Jul 29, 2008 at 9:13 am

Living with smokers is always difficult. You CAN do this, though. Hang in there.

by jeppy on Jul 29, 2008 at 9:39 am

no chance he'd try to quit to help support?

my father lives with me and he still smokes. says "oh i wont smoke in the same room" but he does. its frustrating, but try to turn it into a positive - look how HOOKED and addicted they are, that they can't even pause for 10 minutes to respect you - in a way its sad, no? flip it around to pity 'their' addiction, and feel better about yourself that you are overcoming it and are STRONG! :)

by vintageshot on Jul 29, 2008 at 10:25 am

I commend you for trying to quit when you have a smoker living with you. It makes it rough, but you can do it! Stay strong.

by jettgirl on Jul 29, 2008 at 10:33 am

Yes very hard with him smoking. Can he go outside?

by thorgrant on Jul 29, 2008 at 1:41 pm

Don't let one slip up break you! Throw the pack away,take a deep breath and start fresh. You can do it and you are worth it.

by thorgrant on Jul 29, 2008 at 7:54 am

veggie sticks always work! Carry them around in your car and purse. Everytime you feel the desire to light up grab a stick.

Remember, you won't stay quit if you don't do it for yourself! Good luck and keep us posted.

by laura4592 on Jul 29, 2008 at 9:13 am

Frozen green grapes

by jeppy on Jul 29, 2008 at 9:41 am

herbal tea! zero calories (you wouldnt want to ruin it with milk/sugar anyways!) and if you get a nice tea set w/ cute cups it will also keep your hands busy. I actually got really "into" it myself getting fancy with loose-leaf blends and such. you don't have to go as crazy (tho it's actually pretty cool!) but its a zero-calorie way to keep your mouth and hands busy so hey! :)

by vintageshot on Jul 29, 2008 at 10:13 am

I am all about the veggie sticks, great for the hand to mouth motion and for getting your recommended veggies!

You can do it, but you need to be doing it for yourself, otherwise you will likely fail.

Focus on the benefits: breathing better, smell, taste.

Good luck!

by thorgrant on Jul 29, 2008 at 5:39 am

Oh Laura, I am so there for you! Yes, you can do it. Yes, you want to do it. Yes, you are a better person because of it. Let's go to the park and breath some nice fresh air. Oh wait, you live in NY. :)

You're tough! Don't give in to those nasty, stinky, yucky things.

by laura4592 on Jul 29, 2008 at 5:44 am

I'm going walking in the park with my sister today so we'll meet you there. Thanks, Thor. You're a great friend.

by thorgrant on Jul 29, 2008 at 6:00 am

Thank God for sisters. You are a great friend too, Laura!

by jeppy on Jul 29, 2008 at 9:43 am

LOL@fresh-air-in-NY -- its so true though. instead of popping downstairs mid-workday for my 'smoke break' i've been doing the "HEALTHY" thing of going for a break of a 'walk around the block to breathe freely!'... it dawned on me, midtown manhattan air isn't exactly "breathing freely" oh well! :P

by jettgirl on Jul 29, 2008 at 10:36 am

Laura,
You are a strong person and when you get upset get on a treadmill or elliptical. After you get off you cant smoke.

Who ever is messing with my girl Laura better knock it off! Do not make me come to NY!

by thorgrant on Jul 29, 2008 at 1:42 pm

Me too Jett.. I'll meet you there and take care of this person who makes Laura sad!

by icehouze on Jul 29, 2008 at 6:03 pm

You know I'm there for you! Feel free to harass me in any way you see fit until the urge passes.

by laura4592 on Jul 29, 2008 at 6:13 pm

Oh youz guys . . . you're the best!

by jettgirl on Jul 30, 2008 at 8:03 am

Laura,
Just give us the word. Thor and I will be there blazing to kick some serious then ask questions. With her military back ground and my Hatfield back ground NY will never be the same! LOL

by laura4592 on Jul 28, 2008 at 4:27 pm

Great job being a quitter! It takes a lot of control to do it. Keep it up.

by jettgirl on Jul 28, 2008 at 7:03 pm

Quiters are COOL!!! Good Job glad you are joining our plan of being a better YOU!

by joeyzz2 on Jul 29, 2008 at 3:32 am

ah, got through yesterdya evening! I had 1-2 rough spots, but I grabbed a bottle of water, called my non-smoking buddy and dived into the bible. Made it through without a problem :)

by jestock2 on Jul 29, 2008 at 5:30 am

Great job! Its a great feeling to know your doing something good for yourself! Keep it up!

by vintageshot on Jul 29, 2008 at 8:40 am

Great job and best of luck to you! I read your comment on the previous blog, and it is mind over matter - you CAN get through the rough spots without a problem and you will be a non smoker. :)

by joeyzz2 on Jul 29, 2008 at 9:21 am

Thanks everyone. Yes, if I can only remember to utilize the wisdom gained throughout my years, I will be successful. When I get ignorant to my knowledge is when I have difficulties.

O'well, time to PERSEVERE!!! :)

by vintageshot on Jul 27, 2008 at 10:23 am

Best of luck to you, the benefits are well worth it! I know what you mean about being mean, previous times I was so bad that my friends would actually beg me to start smoking again because I was so difficult. When it becomes the right time, I believe your mood changes.

We are here for you, and you CAN do this!

by thorgrant on Jul 27, 2008 at 10:50 am

Read some of the past posts to help with your cravings. Good luck with your quit. Have you talked to your doctor about chantix. I used it and so very glad I did.

by MissSavage22 on Jul 27, 2008 at 9:10 pm

nio i haven't talked to a doctor, i don't have insurance. My grandma used Chantix to help her quit smoking and it made her really sick [put her in the hospital] so i am kind of put off by it. Hopefully my family and friends can keep me sane will quitting. Last month i went two days with out a smoke and i broke down crying at the post office [and all the way home] because i couldn't buy stamps. Needless to say my father thought i was prego, nope just withdrawing.

by jettgirl on Jul 28, 2008 at 8:01 am

You will have issues like these. Yes I agree with Thor read the past blogs. I thought I was going to kill the guy at quick trip. Because I could not get my gas. So it to will pass. And your cravings will diminish.

It gets easier as time goes by!

by joeyzz2 on Jul 28, 2008 at 10:29 am

I'm new to the group as of today as today is my quit day.

MissSavage, here's a good piece of information for you - 90% of quitters who have successfully quit for longer than 1yr have done it cold turkey.

That means that 10% have quit by using some other method like chantix (which doesn't work.. read up on the papers, they have found that it does nothing in recent stuides), the patch, nicotine gum, etc. If these things work, it's only because the person's mind was changed, in the same fashion that someone changes their mind who goes cold turkey. Only 10% are successful past 1yr on these type of things. That tells you something! It's all upstairs.

See, the problem being, it's an addiction. Like for instance, if I was addicted to crack. My body is addicted. Why would I keep taking the drug via gum laced w/ crack or with patches laced with crack? My body is still getting what it is addicted to. Doesn't make a lot of sense does it? Find out what that inner voice is within yourself that says it wants to quit. Is it your soul?

It's all in the mind. Mind over matter. Or better yet, Soul over mind, over matter. :)

I'm a quitter, today.. and forever.

Persevere!!!

by jettgirl on Jul 28, 2008 at 7:04 pm

good job!

by thorgrant on Jul 26, 2008 at 6:51 pm

WTG!! You are doing it. Doesn't it feel nice being able to breath and smell.. Pat yourself on the back.

by jettgirl on Jul 28, 2008 at 7:05 pm

Great job you see it will get better at times!

by vintageshot on Jul 26, 2008 at 3:34 pm

Best of luck to you!
I find that dieting properly and quitting have gone hand-in-hand for me, seeing as I have become to health oriented it helps keep me motivated with quitting. Today is day 22 for me.

What I did was grab a bunch of baby carrots and celery to much on whenever I got cravings. I also opened a seperate savings account and keep putting the money I would be spending smoking in the account - so far it is $50!

Lastly, grab yourself a quitting meter at www.quitmeter.com. They are a great tool for me.

Good luck, you can do it!

by thorgrant on Jul 27, 2008 at 10:48 am

Good luck! I agree with vintageshoot. Lots of healthy muchies. I also used halls cough drops.

by Railbird on Jul 22, 2008 at 6:31 am

Congratulations, jestock - that's half a year without those nasty coffin nails!

On behalf of your lungs, your mouth, your gums, your heart, your skin, etc etc, THANK YOU! You rock!

by jeppy on Jul 22, 2008 at 7:23 am

big gratz! today too is my 5 month anniversary!

*high-five*

by jestock2 on Jul 22, 2008 at 9:00 am

Thanks railbird and jeppy. Congrats to you too on the 5 month anniversary! It feels good to be smoke free!

by jettgirl on Jul 22, 2008 at 10:44 am

Happy Aniversary, Happy Aniversary.......

I would sing a tune but it is not the same without seeing it in person. LOL

Congrats!

by thorgrant on Jul 22, 2008 at 6:08 pm

Awesome, Great, Fantastic!
I bet you feel 100% better than you did 6 months ago.

Take a bow!! :)

by laura4592 on Jul 23, 2008 at 4:51 am

That's wonderful!! Great job.

by draca on Jul 24, 2008 at 12:26 pm

way to go!!!!

by vintageshot on Jul 26, 2008 at 3:46 pm

This is awesome news, congratulations to you!

by jettgirl on Jul 21, 2008 at 10:27 am

Great Job!!! So proud! What are you going to do for yourself?

by jestock2 on Jul 22, 2008 at 5:35 am

Im not sure, my friend is coming over to work out with me and thats about it. My husband had hernia surgery recently so thats going to cost us. Not much extra money right now to go out and spend. Ill have to come up with something else, any suggestions?

by thorgrant on Jul 17, 2008 at 4:02 pm

Yahoo! I second that. **pat,pat**

by jettgirl on Jul 18, 2008 at 7:05 am

I raise my glass to all of us too. So proud of EVERYONE plus myself {{{pat, pat}}

by laura4592 on Jul 18, 2008 at 9:07 am

We're awesome. All of us.

by icehouze on Jul 19, 2008 at 7:39 am

woohoo! Group cheer! We ROCK.

by jettgirl on Jul 16, 2008 at 6:27 am

I gained 3 more years to live a wonderful life!!!! Thanks Thor.

by jettgirl on Jul 15, 2008 at 1:57 pm

I am proud of BOTH of you!

by thorgrant on Jul 15, 2008 at 4:46 pm

Be Proud! You'll never smoke again.

by laura4592 on Jul 15, 2008 at 7:03 pm

Hi Ice!!! Yeah, we didn't even TALK about smoking. Weird, huh?

by icehouze on Jul 15, 2008 at 7:32 pm

Actually I think in a slightly drunken state I may have mentioned that *you* and this group were the reason I wanted to quit in the first place- to be one of the cool kids!

by thorgrant on Jul 16, 2008 at 4:31 am

Awwwwwwwww! :)

by laura4592 on Jul 16, 2008 at 6:04 am

Awww, you're always a cool kid in my eyes Ice.

by jettgirl on Jul 18, 2008 at 7:06 am

Kool kid get it! LOL

by laura4592 on Jul 14, 2008 at 8:33 pm

This was great advice, Thor! Thanks.

by boltspinner on Jul 12, 2008 at 2:01 pm

Welcome Vintageshot,

I congratulate you on your future success in being healthy and smoke free. Kind of like yourself: I have been on and off the ?wagon? with this starting and quitting smoking since last August. This has been the longest smoke free stretch for me yet. Tomorrow will make the starting of week 12.

With all this new found free time and energy, it has made exercising easier to do. Sometimes I exercise in the mornings before work and evenings after dinner. The benefits of exercising more controls both my eating and smoking cravings as well. Thanks for the website to the quit meter and good luck to you too.

by draca on Jul 12, 2008 at 3:06 pm

I LOVE quitmeter! I'm on 63 weeks of not smoking and the results it tell me is great positive reinforcement!

It gets easier and easier the longer it is. Really, true! I swear!

Keep us posted and keep up your great healthy attitude.

by thorgrant on Jul 12, 2008 at 3:19 pm

Awesome job and welcome to the group. We are a truly supportive bunch of people. If you read below, I just made 10 months. I smoked 2 1/2 packs a day for 33 years. Never imagined I could live with out the cigarette. Today I feel great and I am so glad that you came in. Good luck and keep us posted on your amazing progress. :)

Edited by thorgrant, on July 12th, 2008 at 3:19 pm.

by angel-on-my-shoulder on Jul 12, 2008 at 5:16 pm

Welcome, welcome, welcome!!!!! We are here to support you on this journey!

by vintageshot on Jul 12, 2008 at 5:29 pm

Thank you for the warm welcome! ^^ It is nice to have a place to come and be supported for quitting - all of you are going through the same struggle.

Congrats on all of your successes.

And Quitmeter is seriously the best ever. :)

by Railbird on Jul 13, 2008 at 10:39 am

I ditto all the welcomes, Vintageshot. You're doing something wonderful for yourself that will make a big difference in your life!

This is a great group of people, very supportive, and you'll find every length of time smoke-free here: from a day to years. Also every technique for quitting. Whatever you're going through, someone here has been through it and can virtually hold your cyber-hand.

Railbird

by sushisuzi on Jul 14, 2008 at 9:13 am

Welcome everyone new, and HELLO to the rest of you!

I've been smoke-free since February 23rd and happy.
The weight loss since joining TDP May 7th was less than ZERO because I stopped smoking but finally the weight is coming off! 9 pounds in July so far.

It feels sooo good not to wheeze when I laugh, be smelly, or have to stress about running out of smokes the day before payday.

I wish everyone success!

by vintageshot on Jul 12, 2008 at 10:31 am

That is a really neat read, thank you for sharing that! I do have a lot more energy these days, and I focus that on working out or going for a walk. :)

by angel-on-my-shoulder on Jul 12, 2008 at 5:18 pm

Awesome read! Thanks.

by laura4592 on Jul 13, 2008 at 6:51 am

Great post, Thor! TY for sharing it.

by Railbird on Jul 10, 2008 at 9:43 am

Hooray! :D

by thorgrant on Jul 10, 2008 at 1:21 pm

Railbird great news about the 11 weeks. Yay, you!

Jettgirl let us know you were having internet issues.
She's awesome

by jettgirl on Jul 10, 2008 at 7:22 pm

Great job railbird...... 11 weeks are 11 weeks of the begening of your new life!

Ahhh, thanks Thor! :)

by laura4592 on Jul 11, 2008 at 8:06 pm

Glad you're able to post and GREAT - no - AWESOME job on the 11 weeks. WTG!

by vintageshot on Jul 12, 2008 at 10:23 am

Congratulations to you! That is a great accomplishment!

by angel-on-my-shoulder on Jul 12, 2008 at 5:19 pm

You deserve a huge {{{{PAT on the back!!!!!

by jettgirl on Jul 10, 2008 at 7:26 pm

Are you trying anything to help you? Honey please hang in there you have your children to think about. I am a child, of a parent smoker and I really think that had something to do with it. You can do it, hang in there!

by boltspinner on Jul 12, 2008 at 2:55 pm

Hello perks,

Good job on quitting smoking again. Hopefully this time it will be forever. From my personal research on quitting and weight loss thus far, I have found that exercising helps me with the cravings of nicotine and hunger. Exercise also keeps my mind and my hands busy enough to break the social addiction smoking had on me too.

If you do have to eat then choose vegetables and fruits instead of a high calorie snacks. If exercise for you isn?t enough to control the nicotine cravings you might want to think about talking to your doctor about nicotine replacement therapies.

I think you can do it too. Be patient; it took you time to learn how to be a smoker. In turn it will take you time to be a non-smoker as well.

by angel-on-my-shoulder on Jul 12, 2008 at 5:23 pm

You can do this as you have proven to yourself time and again. You will know when it is right and what you need to do.

by thorgrant on Jul 10, 2008 at 7:50 am

Welcome and congratulations on your quit. This is the group you are looking for. We rock.

by jettgirl on Jul 10, 2008 at 7:52 am

Welcome LeeAnn and yes this is so true about nonsmokers do not know anything about not smoking!

by angel-on-my-shoulder on Jul 12, 2008 at 5:20 pm

You will find a kinds of support here!!! WELCOME!!!!

by draca on Jul 10, 2008 at 6:37 am

ROCK ON! I'd say you're a Rock Star but you already know that!!! =D

by LeeAnn on Jul 10, 2008 at 7:44 am

CONGRATS TO YOU. 2 more months and it will be a year for you.

by jettgirl on Jul 10, 2008 at 7:54 am

You are awsome Barb, I am so proud and you ought to be too. So lets all hear it. What was your worst times? What keep you going, chantix? Have you gaied weight?

by angel-on-my-shoulder on Jul 10, 2008 at 4:06 pm

WOW - YOU ARE THE STAR!!!!

by boltspinner on Jul 12, 2008 at 2:30 pm

HOLY &%%$^%! Congrats on 10 months. I cant wait to post that mark.

by angel-on-my-shoulder on Jul 9, 2008 at 6:41 pm

Welcome to the group and congratulations on your life changing decision to quit!!! YOU CAN DO THIS! Instead of wanting a drag when you get upset try doing deep breathing exercises - so CALMING!!! Keep posting how you are doing - we are all here to support you!

by jettgirl on Jul 9, 2008 at 7:37 pm

Hang in there and welcome you ARE NOT alone honey!

by laura4592 on Jul 9, 2008 at 10:00 pm

Welsome to the group. Have you considered using the patch or gum? I quit using Chantix.

by jestock2 on Jul 10, 2008 at 4:40 am

Welcome to the group. You sound similar to myself. I smoked for 12 years and then decided to quit January 22 of this year. I did it cold turkey as well and I am still smoke free. It gets easier the further into it you get. Good luck and post often whenever you need some support.

by thorgrant on Jul 10, 2008 at 6:34 am

Welcome to our group. We are here for you and enjoy supporting each other. I swear by chantix, that is how I quit.

by boltspinner on Jul 7, 2008 at 6:29 pm

Nope. No cigs here other than my 14mg patches. I had to work Sat & Sun, so it kept me busy.

Ian

by jettgirl on Jul 8, 2008 at 6:42 am

Ian Great job, stay strong!

by thorgrant on Jul 9, 2008 at 4:19 am

No butts here. I am not even tempted anymore.

by jestock2 on Jul 9, 2008 at 5:23 am

Almost at six months and didnt want one.

by jettgirl on Jul 9, 2008 at 9:17 am

You all are so great! And smell so good. I can smell from here!!!

by boltspinner on Jul 6, 2008 at 4:21 pm

That's some very helpful info. I will use some of those ideas.

Thanks,
Ian

by kimmbah on Jul 5, 2008 at 6:09 am

Ian- Good for you! You can absolutely do this. I am on day 153 and feeling great. I get an urge every now and then, more for social reasons than for nicotine but it's SO much easier now. Good luck to you. We're here to help so keep us posted on your progress. You're an inspiration!! -Kim

by jettgirl on Jul 5, 2008 at 7:32 pm

Ian >>> When Momma is not happy NO one is happy, LOL
Stay strong you can do it and welcome!

by boltspinner on Jul 5, 2008 at 7:44 pm

Congrats Kim on 153 days smoke free. You are so right Jettgirl about that - lol. Thanks for the compliments from both of you and you both keep up the good work too.

Ian

by kimmbah on Jul 4, 2008 at 12:00 pm

(ah hum - clearing voice)
God Bless America
Land that I love
Stand beside Her
and guide Her....

hugs to everyone. I sure am thankful for my Freedom.

by laura4592 on Jul 2, 2008 at 3:18 pm

I had no idea that drinking and smoking stopped you from burning belly fat. Makes sense though; that's what beer bellies are. Thanks, Jett!

by jeppy on Jul 5, 2008 at 9:33 am

curious about that "at least 30 minutes" thing - what are you burning before that 30 minutes? also then if a person breaks up their work out to 15 min , 15 min , 15 min - they just wont ever burn fat? i'm just asking b/c sometimes i find i exercise "better" (stronger longer strokes etc) if i do it in intervals like that instead of boring myself to heck with loooooong sessions.

bah i am doing everything wrong :(

by jettgirl on Jul 1, 2008 at 6:40 pm

Thanks for the information!

by draca on Jun 30, 2008 at 1:19 pm

way to go!

by thorgrant on Jun 30, 2008 at 1:31 pm

Yahoo.

by jestock2 on Jun 30, 2008 at 2:16 pm

Great job!

by laura4592 on Jun 30, 2008 at 5:23 pm

Good job!

by jettgirl on Jun 30, 2008 at 6:40 pm

Ahh we are so proud, that is a great test and you passed with flying colors. Hopefully you was not driving! :)

by sushisuzi on Jun 30, 2008 at 8:06 pm

Way to go on not smoking. Not sure what you mean by one of those nights though.

Do you mean you tied one on drinking? Duh.
Drinking was never my thing, so that's why I didn't know. Booze never was my choice if I wanted to "get small".

by laura4592 on Jun 29, 2008 at 1:20 pm

When people gain weight after quitting, it's usually because they replace the cigarettes with food. Is that the case?

by jettgirl on Jun 29, 2008 at 4:47 pm

I heard that your matbolism needs to know how tho get kicked started again. Instead of replacing food for cigs, do some exercising......
Honestly 22 pounds is not bad honey. Hang in there!!!

by sushisuzi on Jun 29, 2008 at 10:13 pm

No, I eat WAYY less now that I used to.
It's the metabolism. Since the stroke, I move slower and tire out faster.

I replace them once in awhile with sugar free pops, but I have logged those in every time.

How did you know about the 22 pounds? :)

22 pounds since the stroke happened. The day before the stroke, I weighed 231, then in April, I weighed 251, same in May I think, now I weigh 253. Christ! I stopped that day of the stroke, not because I got the stroke from smoking, it was an accident that caused it, but because it scared the living @#*! out of me, so I figured that was as good a time as any to stop.
And I was in the hospital for 15 days. Quitting is easy when you're in ICU and hooked up to things. I couldn't walk for the first 10-11 days, I didn't walk without a can or walker for a month. It sucked all the energy out of me.
By the end of April, I could walk but I was still walking crooked, with vertigo, etc.
I goined TDP right when the vertigo was subsiding, I guess I figured it was time to start back on the road to health. I went back to work, a desk job, which sucks.

Anyway...one toe surgery later and I'm trying to get back to normal. WHen toe stops bleeding every day, then I can wear a shoe again, and maybe even do a workout?

Man, didn't mean to blab on and on here.

Edited by SushiSuzi, on June 29th, 2008 at 10:33 pm.

by laura4592 on Jun 30, 2008 at 4:17 am

It's not blabbing. We all need to vent sometimes.

by draca on Jun 30, 2008 at 8:38 am

don't eat less that will slow your metabolisim even more.

Eat more but more of healthy pure foods. not processed or refined.

best wishes! I hope you're able to take some nice walks soon!

by sushisuzi on Jun 30, 2008 at 10:47 am

I think you are right. Not to eat less.
I used to lose weight on 1300 cals a day when I was 160 pounds. I am 253. I do need to eat enough.
My metabolism has slowed down since that stroke and being immobile for so long. They told me that would happen. I guess I didn't believe it. I happened to put on a lot of weight after it also because my sister came out from Texas to help me, and she took me on errands and in exchange I took her to all of the good food places we used to go to growing up. So from March 7--April 3rd, we CHOWED down big time.
No wonder I put on a fast 20 pounds by mid April.
Then for 3 weeks after than I ate fast food because it was easier being that walking was hard for me.

Man, the Diet Coke has kicked in..I am wired and babbling!

Edited by SushiSuzi, on June 30th, 2008 at 10:48 am.

by jettgirl on Jun 30, 2008 at 6:43 pm

You are not babbling dear, I knew about the 22 lbs. cause I have looked at your home page.......
I really think you have came a long way, so pat yourself on the back OK!

by sushisuzi on Jun 30, 2008 at 8:07 pm

Word.
Thanks :)

by jettgirl on Jun 27, 2008 at 10:22 am

Yes we all are and you just climb back up on that right set of mind and do not look back. It is a new day a new start and you are a strong willed person and you can do it! I have faith on you. Some times we slip and fall that proves we ARE human.
{{{{{{HUG}}}}}}

by icehouze on Jun 27, 2008 at 11:31 am

I might be a little bit jealous.. lol

I'm glad you were able to hop right back on track. It's good to know that you have that power right?

by thorgrant on Jun 27, 2008 at 1:01 pm

Slip ups happen! You came clean with yourself about it now stay focused and try not to let it happen again. It's all good and we are here to help!

by angel-on-my-shoulder on Jun 27, 2008 at 3:10 pm

As long as you don't make a "habit" of it it's all good!!!

by draca on Jun 27, 2008 at 8:06 pm

*hugz*

by sushisuzi on Jun 29, 2008 at 9:15 am

So, did it taste good, or make you feel good??

Dn't make it a habit though. It's hard to stop when you have a lot built up in ya.

Edited by SushiSuzi, on June 29th, 2008 at 10:21 pm.

by kimmbah on Jun 30, 2008 at 10:16 am

Darn...I wish that didn't happen to you but I can understand how it did. How are you doing since then? Did you get through this past weekend without lighting up? I'm pulling for you. It was you and about 1/2 dozen others who kept me straight.

by thorgrant on Jun 26, 2008 at 6:59 pm

Sounds like you may want your life back :)

by laura4592 on Jun 26, 2008 at 7:25 pm

That's a great way of putting it. :)

by angel-on-my-shoulder on Jun 26, 2008 at 7:54 pm

You and Thor are the ones who helped me quit and I will be forever grateful!!! So in my eyes you are a total success!!! I LOVE YOU!!!!

by laura4592 on Jun 26, 2008 at 8:08 pm

Love you, too, Angel. (((((hugs)))))

by jettgirl on Jun 27, 2008 at 10:18 am

Laura, if it wasnt for you and all the people giving me strenght and a firm kick in the butt when needed, and lets not forget all the information reading...
I would be 6 months without a puff! And too I love you all for this. You gave me my life back! Even though Jettboy is smoking, I refuse to go back to that!
Hang in there if you need anything please use me!

by thorgrant on Jun 25, 2008 at 2:29 pm

Welcome, This group can help you stay focused on your quit. Go ahead and read through some of the old posts. Some great advice there.

by angel-on-my-shoulder on Jun 25, 2008 at 4:45 pm

Welcome and good luck - we are all here to encourage you!

by jenmk25 on Jun 25, 2008 at 7:41 pm

thank you... I hope to be able to quit this time

Edited by jenmk25, on June 25th, 2008 at 7:43 pm.

by jestock2 on Jun 25, 2008 at 9:05 pm

Welcome to the group. I also had set my quit date to be before my 30th birthday. Its been 5 months smoke free. Good luck to you, visit often for encouragement and help if needed!

by angel-on-my-shoulder on Jun 24, 2008 at 10:29 pm

Welcome to the group and thanks for telling us about your slips - we can always learn from someone who is a seasoned "nonsmoker".

by thorgrant on Jun 25, 2008 at 6:34 pm

Thanks for sharing your story. It gives me hope.

Welcome.

by legoffs on Jun 25, 2008 at 11:17 pm

Welcome! We are here for you...

by thorgrant on Jun 24, 2008 at 7:46 am

Jennifer,

Just when things start looking bleak, you will see the light at the end of the tunnel. Keep a positive attitude. Good luck with that puppy. I got a kitten and have completely forgotten how "off the wall" they can be. Don't worry about the weight it will come off easily when you are ready. Great job on the not smoking. Be proud! I know we are all so proud of your accomplishments.

by angel-on-my-shoulder on Jun 24, 2008 at 10:28 pm

Welcome back and glad that you are staying smoke free through all that stress!!!

by badjuju on Jun 25, 2008 at 7:41 am

Congratulations on 5 months, Jennifer. I think at this point, you know your body no longer needs cigarettes and it's just a matter of dealing with the occasional craving.
You're dealing with the stress well - just keep it up and don't look back.

By the way, have you noticed that when you walk by smokers, not only does not smell not appeal to you, but the very action of smoking just seems weird?

Also, an extra pat on the back for dealing with your debt head on. That's one of the things I had to address a couple years ago and believe me, it takes determination. After realizing that it won't erase itself, I started working on it and within a year got rid of a $25,000 debt.

If you need help with this also, I can assist. It's not going to be easy but it'll be an awesome feeling when it is eliminated.

by sushisuzi on Jun 23, 2008 at 3:53 pm

Cool!

I stopped Feb 23rd. I stopped the day I had a stroke and almost died.

They were unrelated, but if that wasn't a wake up call to STOP, nothing would ever be.

Now, I can:
1) Laugh without wheezing.
2) Not be pissy when I'm getting low on smokes and too lazy to go to the market.
3) Not be late 2 min. to work because I needed to go to the store to get them, because I was too lazy the night before.
4) Live long enough to see my great-grandchildren.

At the rate I was going, I would have died at 62, which is only 19 yrs from now. The year I would retired? Hell no! I'm not ready!

I had smoked on/off since 1981. Mostly ON.

Good Luck everyone!

by thorgrant on Jun 23, 2008 at 5:39 pm

Welcome and Congrats. 4 months is a milestone. Sorry about your mother. I can feel your pain. I lost both my parents to cancer,but continued to smoke. Convinced myself it wouldn't happen to me. Right!!

I quit 9 months ago using chantix.

I love:

1. Talking without gasping for air
2. Have feeling in my fingers and toes from my blood flowing properly
3. Being able to smell pretty candles that burn in my home
4. Feeling awesome overall.

I had smoke for 33 years at 2 1/2 packs a day.

We are non-smokers and proud of it

by jettgirl on Jun 23, 2008 at 5:40 pm

Way to go Thor you go girl!!!!!!

by jettgirl on Jun 23, 2008 at 6:25 am

I hear you, it is a hard battle! Stay strong!

by thorgrant on Jun 23, 2008 at 5:40 pm

Bastards.. :)

by draca on Jun 25, 2008 at 9:09 am

kick 'em out! :)

by thorgrant on Jun 21, 2008 at 7:37 pm

I am a firm believer in finishing the product till it's gone. I took chantix and used it right up to the 12th week, at times I thought I didn't need it anymore. It really does work. I am a few months short of a year and I have no desire anymore to smoke. So, Give the medication time to work, stay focused,drink lots of water and keep telling yourself I AM A NONSMOKER. It works and if anyone can beat this nasty habit. YOU CAN

by draca on Jun 22, 2008 at 12:11 am

just remember that there is NO such thing as "Just One Cigarette"

you can do it!

by jettgirl on Jun 22, 2008 at 7:53 am

Yes it is possible to quuit forever....... I am here to say I will never smoke again last smoke was Dec. 31 2007. And you have to have will power. For the first 6 months just like draca says just remember that there is NO such thing as "Just One Cigarette"!

And you CAN do it!

by legoffs on Jun 22, 2008 at 10:02 pm

It was different for me this time in the way that I didn't really have anxious feelings thinking about whether I can quit or not, or when that last pack was getting low. I felt confident in my decision to quit, I didn't plan ahead too far (maybe 2 days), didn't tell anyone, chose a week when my husband was out of town for work and I quit on a Friday (previous attempts were on Monday) when I knew that I would pretty much be alone all weekend so I could feel that this was totally my decision and that I could do it alone....it's all me! I wish you luck and if it's your time you will be sucessful. My family, friends and co-workers are WONDERFULLY supportive. If you slip up, just keep trying! We are all here for you!

This is just me but I think I had to put myself into a tough love mode and I just keep telling myself that there is no situation that can make you smoke, they are all just excuses, and I will no longer put up with my own excuses.

by sushisuzi on Jun 23, 2008 at 3:48 pm

I slept a LOT. That helped me. I did it cold turkey, but it did help that I was in the hospital for 15 days and they frown on smoking there.

by badjuju on Jun 25, 2008 at 7:49 am

Believe it or not, but I took deep breaths. I did not try Chantix (heard to many scary things about it), but tried the patch. The first afternoon, it ended up getting lost in my sweatshirt :) and the next day, I took it off after about 45 minutes because the smell was awful. It also tingled and knowing something else was being pumped into my body while I was trying to stop using nicotine was not a good feeling.

Cold turkey was not easy, but whenever I get a craving (everytime!), I tried to remain calm and took deep breaths. I even went for a walk with my smoke buddy, but did not give in.

The day is rough, the first week is tough, but if you can stick it out for one week, you should know you've made it.

One of the hardest things for me was long drives without smoking, but it was possible.

by draca on Jun 20, 2008 at 8:40 am

Hi Katy welcome to the group! Best of wishes drink lots of water and stay positive!

by angel-on-my-shoulder on Jun 20, 2008 at 3:31 pm

Welcome! YOU CAN DO THIS!!! I went cold turkey and drank lots of water and sucked on sugar free cough drops - something about the mentholated ones satisfied me!

by amgorton on Jun 20, 2008 at 3:39 pm

Cold turkey - good for you. I'm actually taking Chantix and have had the super sick feeling when I forget to eat before I take it and some pretty interesting dreams....other than that it has been a godsend for me. I've heard other people have had headaches and an all over 'weird' feeling too though. I guess I am one of the lucky ones. As for the weight gain - continue to log your calories and you will be fine - I became an addict to Dentyne Fire gum - The cinnamon flavor makes other foods taste weird. Working out is also a good way to work out those cravings. Just some thoughts...Good luck Monday and let us know how you are doing.

Edited by amgorton, on June 20th, 2008 at 3:41 pm.

by legoffs on Jun 20, 2008 at 9:39 pm

Good luck! You can do it! I never tried Chantix but am using the patch and unlike other times when I felt safe I quit using it, I am doing the whole program this time....

by thorgrant on Jun 21, 2008 at 7:18 am

Good luck with your quit date. That is a fantastic plan and I know it will work for you. I used chantix and while I did not experience any side effects I understand that some people do. Keep us posted and stay focused.

by Railbird on Jun 19, 2008 at 11:50 am

Congratulations, draca! Well done!

I quit on 4/22/08 (Earth Day), almost exactly a year after you did. Here's my info from my SilkQuit meter:

One month, four weeks, 7 hours, 46 minutes and 30 seconds. 1749 cigarettes not smoked, saving $437.43. Life saved: 6 days, 1 hour, 45 minutes.

I'm trying to picture 1,749 cigarettes in one big pile, and it boggles my mind. Also it grosses me out.

I may not feel as rich as draca does, but I do feel much healthier than I did before, LOL!

Railbird

by thorgrant on Jun 19, 2008 at 6:39 pm

Yeeha to everyone: I quit smoking on 9/17/2007 so here are my stats.

It has been: 39 weeks, 3 days, 21 hours, 33 minutes since I quit smoking.
13,844 cigarettes not smoked, savings of $2,768.80!

Wow! It's amazing when you see the numbers.

by legoffs on Jun 19, 2008 at 10:51 pm

Right on...good job everyone!

I finally decided "It was my time" on 16 May and here are my stats:
As of 10:46pm 19 June...
It has been: 1 month, 6 days, 1 hour, 45 minutes, 54 seconds since I quit. 851 cigarettes not smoked, and a savings of 177.01!

I feel better than I have in MANY years and am confident that I will not go back...it gets better everyday.

For me..realizing that all the things I thought made it too hard to quit (stress, drinking, friends who smoke) are nothing but excuses! I can do this..no one but me can do it!

Someday I will be as rich as thorgrant and railbird!

I like this group because it's ok to toot your own horn!

by draca on Jun 20, 2008 at 8:39 am

you guys all ROCK! Congratz!

by amgorton on Jun 20, 2008 at 3:45 pm

I quit (for the millionth time) on May 1. Here are my stats.

Time Smoke-Free: 48 days, 16 hours, 47 minutes and 56 seconds
Cigarettes NOT smoked: 487
Lifetime Saved: 3 days, 17 hours
Money Saved: $85.75

I can't believe that I could ever afford to smoke - I don't have extra cash now to buy smokes but I was able to afford them when I did smoke. Go figure. I hope this time it sticks......

by sushisuzi on Jun 20, 2008 at 3:47 pm

Awesome!
I quit Feb 23rd, and saved $240.59.
That's 1013 cigarettes that I DIDN'T SMOKE!!!
I feel powerful all of a sudden!

by angel-on-my-shoulder on Jun 20, 2008 at 8:30 pm

I have quit for 5 months and 19 days and saved $1,103.61!!!!!! I buy shoes for an award!!!!

by jettgirl on Jun 21, 2008 at 6:45 pm

Yeah you all are AWSOME!!!!!!

by angel-on-my-shoulder on Jun 18, 2008 at 4:17 pm

Good one thor!!!

by kristydragonfly on Jun 17, 2008 at 7:19 pm

Amen!

by draca on Jun 16, 2008 at 8:45 am

***HUGS*** sorry to hear about your husband. I'm gladd you have some Happy Pills, that does help when you're surrounded by unhappy situiations.

Congratz on staying strong. No more smoking for you!

by thorgrant on Jun 16, 2008 at 4:03 pm

Jett,

You have a lot on your plate right now. If you haven't smoked yet, I know you never will. Too bad about your husband though. Maybe he'll see it bothers you and try again.

I send you prayers for both mom and hubby :)

by jettgirl on Jun 16, 2008 at 6:26 pm

You guys are great. And being an Army bratt, And a single mother for 13 years.... I have a lot of will power. Sometimes I am a control freak. I try not to be that person. But sometimes it slips. Trust me I am not crazy to talk about myself as a third person. Just trying to let you all know where I am coming from. Thank you for your prayers, I know God is on beside me.

by angel-on-my-shoulder on Jun 16, 2008 at 8:42 pm

Jett - please remember that through Christ all things are possible! You can not change the decisions made by others - you can only do what is best for YOU! You are always in my prayers!!!

by sushisuzi on Jun 10, 2008 at 9:32 am

Congrats on stopping smoking!
I did it Feb 23, so at about 107 days or so.
I have other factors that caused me to gain weight this year, but OMG, the stopping smoking thing really did me in. It's made all of my efforts for the last month on this site worthless. Eh, it's OK. I eat better now, better than I ever did. But since Feb I've put on over 20 pounds.

I figure at some point, I will stop putting on and maybe even lose!!

by angel-on-my-shoulder on Jun 10, 2008 at 3:12 pm

Great job on quitting and joining the best site ever joanimal!!!

The weight gain is better for you than smoking ever was! Now just make up your mind to take it back off - easier said than done but IT CAN BE DONE!!!

by sushisuzi on Jun 10, 2008 at 3:16 pm

Angel---Nice pictures! Nice weight loss, too!

Don't I get automatic pounds off for having a stroke??
Dayyum! I wish I was still eating hospital food.
I try to eat bland, but I guess not bland enough.

by draca on Jun 10, 2008 at 4:01 pm

great work on your success of stopping smoking, joanimal!

While I didn't think so at the time... my husband now says he thinks I gained weight after I quit (although I swear I didn't replace any food w/ the smoke habit!)

Anyway... we are here for you! What's your daily routine like? Do you work out? Go for walks? Etc etc?

I know that I had to start working out for me to loose the weight... but even before that - stopping smoking was the BEST thing for me... regardless of weight gain. I don't regret it.

13½ months smoke-free! (ps I took chantix too - really helped)

by jettgirl on Jun 10, 2008 at 6:53 pm

Yes, me too! I gained a few pounds not to much though. It says that your matabilism slows down when you stop. But you need to train it to speed up. If anyones knows how to do that please advise the rest of us.
I myself when I get triggers I do something like liptical or house work. NO EATING do not replace food for that awful habit. Thats the worst thing you can do.
I stopped Jan. 1st. And still have not taken a puff :)
And waS on chantix. Make sure you follow the directions thats a must!

by angel-on-my-shoulder on Jun 10, 2008 at 10:03 pm

Sushisuzi - thanks for the comments but I did gain back about 10 lbs way after I quit - somehow I started eating chocolate like mad - well I'm over that now and am starting to lose again :)

I say anybody who had a stroke gets an automatic 20 pounds handicap!!! Keep up the great work! YOU are soooo worth it!!!

by plantcity5 on Jun 12, 2008 at 8:27 am

I have to say that I used Chantix as well and I tell everyone how fantastic it is! I tried to quit on my own about a month before I started on it so it was easy to make the direct comparison. That was almost 3 months ago and though I do still have some slight urges, I describe them as being "behind a wall". SO much easier than cold turkey!!

I did, however, gain about 15 pounds, partly because my Darling H bought literally $100 worth of candy bars for the kids to sell and earn money. Of course, they did this about twice before giving up so I was left with CASES of Hershey bars and Reese's cups in my closet! I told DH that it was like leaving heroin in front of a heroin addict!

He finally took what was left in to work and now I am back on the wagon!