introduce yourself
craft338
Posts: 870 Member
Hi! i'm Sandra
i quit almost 200 days ago, and i feel fantastic!
I smoked for about 9 years, at least 5 cigarettes a day, but sometimes I went over half a pack. I smoked in high school and college and with my friends after that. It was always fun for me, and pretty much always a social thing. Now that I've grown up a little, it was just an unhealthy addiction. I wasn't going out to places where I could smoke anymore, like house parties or bars and clubs, and i didn't have a job where I could take a bunch of cigarette breaks with my co-workers. I usually found myself smoking alone, in the car or out my bathroom window. It wasn't fun anymore, it' was just smelly, dirty, ashy, and i set several things on fire on many different occasions...
The main part of my diet is "clean eating" or getting as close to it as possible. I'm working so hard to be healthy and spending all this money on stuff like goji berries and quinoa and organic natural food because it's so good for you....but then i would go and spend $10 on cigarettes and ruin the whole thing...
I picked my 100th day of MFP, May 3rd 2011, to quit smoking. I did the whole ritual last cigarette at midnight the night before. I started off just using the e-cigarette, but after a few hours, had to go to the store to buy the gum. I only needed the gum for a few days to get over the really bad cravings, but then the e-cig was enough. I stopped needing the e-cig after a few weeks, and haven't touched them since. They're still on my night stand, but I just don't have the urge anymore.
My weight loss slowed for about a month, but picked up again after that and i've lost over 40 lbs since then! :drinker:
Anyway, I hope people are willing to share their stories and experiences on here. Knowing people are going through the same thing will definitely be a big help to a lot of people! :bigsmile:
i quit almost 200 days ago, and i feel fantastic!
I smoked for about 9 years, at least 5 cigarettes a day, but sometimes I went over half a pack. I smoked in high school and college and with my friends after that. It was always fun for me, and pretty much always a social thing. Now that I've grown up a little, it was just an unhealthy addiction. I wasn't going out to places where I could smoke anymore, like house parties or bars and clubs, and i didn't have a job where I could take a bunch of cigarette breaks with my co-workers. I usually found myself smoking alone, in the car or out my bathroom window. It wasn't fun anymore, it' was just smelly, dirty, ashy, and i set several things on fire on many different occasions...
The main part of my diet is "clean eating" or getting as close to it as possible. I'm working so hard to be healthy and spending all this money on stuff like goji berries and quinoa and organic natural food because it's so good for you....but then i would go and spend $10 on cigarettes and ruin the whole thing...
I picked my 100th day of MFP, May 3rd 2011, to quit smoking. I did the whole ritual last cigarette at midnight the night before. I started off just using the e-cigarette, but after a few hours, had to go to the store to buy the gum. I only needed the gum for a few days to get over the really bad cravings, but then the e-cig was enough. I stopped needing the e-cig after a few weeks, and haven't touched them since. They're still on my night stand, but I just don't have the urge anymore.
My weight loss slowed for about a month, but picked up again after that and i've lost over 40 lbs since then! :drinker:
Anyway, I hope people are willing to share their stories and experiences on here. Knowing people are going through the same thing will definitely be a big help to a lot of people! :bigsmile:
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Replies
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Thanks for setting this up Sandra. And congrats on your ability to quit and stick with it. I'm looking forward to quitting this Tuesday, Nov 15th. I was going to make it tomorrow, Monday, but I still have some smokes left and I want to get to the end of the pack and feel the satisfaction of having that last one tomorrow night and saying "see yah!". I smoke very light cigarettes but it's been a habit for about 30 years. Gawd......that's a long time. I'm 47 next month. Actually longer than 30 years because I smoked my first cig at age 11. I totally agree with your posts - it's places like the car, and gatherings.....but like you, I see that not that many people actually smoke any more. If you light up, you feel like a monster. You feel like you're sitting there injection heroin or something. You were my inspiration to quit...reading your posts and seeing how you stuck with it gave me that final shove to say to myself that it's now or never. :flowerforyou:0
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Hi Lauren and Sandra.
Lauren, I thought about going that extra day too, but decided I was stronger than that and smoked my last cig at 9 PM. I then took the remaining cigs and crushed them between my fingers. Man that felt good. Good luck!0 -
Hi, my name is Candice. I am 30 yrs old and I've been smoking since Sept. 2006. I still can't believe I smoke seeing as though I hated when my husband smoked and i couldn't stand the smell of cigarette smoke! I've tried to quit numerous times and it doesnt last longer than i week. And really need to stop because i have high blood pressure. I was just talking to my bf telling her that times i really dont even wanna smoke buts its become such a habit now that i automatically think i need one at these certain times: when i first wake up, in the car, on my break, on the ride home and after eating. Even then i will take a couple of puffs and either put it out or toss it. Im really looking for the support to help me stop and i hope i have found it here!
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Hi, I'm Lynn. I have been quitting for the last five months. I had been smoking since I was 15 (now 46). I have been using a nasal spray to help me quit but now find I'm stuck on that.0
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Hi I'm Caroline, smoke 20 a day and hate it, I know I smell, I know I look stupid, I know I spend way too much money on them, about £7.50 a pack in the UK.... I REALLY want to stop, I know if you really want something you can do it, I felt like that with weight loss and I lost over 4 stone. I'm maintaining now so if I put on a few lbs it won't hurt.
I'm going to start tomorrow, Tue 15/11 - don't know why but I'm scared, excited not sure which....
well done to everyone that has given up and good luck to everyone that is giving up :happy:0 -
Hi I am Phyllis, it took 4 bypasses to get me to quit smoking. I smoked for 40 years and kept thinking oh it will never happen to me.
I have been smoke free for 6 months but beleive me I was at deaths Door it did happen to me.
I have 4 beautiful Children and 8 Grandchildren I want to see grown. I have never felt better in my life> I can breath ! I don't stink.
Please do all you can do to give up this deadly habit!0 -
hi, i'm ally, i quit 3 months ago and managed to put on a stone in weight which is probably why i never did it before, i do not feel any fitter or better.0
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Hi, I'm Robyn, and I quit 7 months ago tomorrow. Best thing I've ever done!!0
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Hi, I began smoking at the age of 18 and quited at 31. I am clear 8 months and 3 days. I feel very proud for myself and healthier than ever in my adult life!0
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Hi Lauren and Sandra.
Lauren, I thought about going that extra day too, but decided I was stronger than that and smoked my last cig at 9 PM. I then took the remaining cigs and crushed them between my fingers. Man that felt good. Good luck!
lol - I'm going to still have some over by tonight, so I'm going to do what you did....crush them and laugh an evil laugh. :bigsmile: :devil:0 -
Hi! I'm Heather. I started smoking when I was 17 and I quit this year right after my 30th birthday. I will tell you my lungs feel so much better. I can breath without weezing and no more coughing!! But I feel horrible in every other way. I have gained ~40 lbs since I quit and have debated weather I should just start up again in order to lose this weight. Of caurse I don't ever want to go back to smoking, but i'm just being honest, it's definitely on my mind. I can't beleive I let myself gain that much weight! I definitely need some help.0
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Congrats to those that have already quit, and yay for those of us starting that smoke free journey. I think a lot of it is mental....I'm actually excited to quit! :happy:0
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Hi, I'm Caroline, I've been smoking since I was a teenager. I quit for 2 years but I had gained an enormous amount of weight. It was a very bad time in my life and I'm sure smoking wasn't the only reason for the gain. I struggle with weight issues and it's one of my excuses not to quit smoking.
In my mind, I know I really NEED to quit. I cant' stand the smell of myself or my clothes, I sometimes have trouble breathing, especially when I'm exersizing. My dad was recently diagnosed with lung cancer (and you'd think that'd be enough to make me quit cold turkey) and I don't want that to be me in 30 years. Not to mention that it costs a small fortune a week to smoke.
I'm thinking about tryin the e-cigs, I know a few ppl who have had great success with them.
Thank you all for your support...0 -
Hi! I'm Heather. I started smoking when I was 17 and I quit this year right after my 30th birthday. I will tell you my lungs feel so much better. I can breath without weezing and no more coughing!! But I feel horrible in every other way. I have gained ~40 lbs since I quit and have debated weather I should just start up again in order to lose this weight. Of caurse I don't ever want to go back to smoking, but i'm just being honest, it's definitely on my mind. I can't beleive I let myself gain that much weight! I definitely need some help.
i know the feeling! i stuck to my diet 100% and i didn't lose a single pound for a month after i quit, but then my body got used to it and i started losing again like normal. so, i figure that if i WERE to start up smoking again, it would do the same thing in reverse. it would speed up my weight loss for about a month, and then it would slow down again. but by that time i would be addicted again and be in the same mess. BUT, i would be a few pounds lighter. is it worth it to start up smoking again after all the hard work you've done just to lose an extra few pounds in a couple months? it's a struggle, but you have support here, and a lot of us know what you're going through. don't give up and stay strong! :flowerforyou:0 -
Hi I'm Kristy. Smoke free since August 12th 2011. Now I am trying to get my boyfriend to quit!0
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Hello, I'm Pina. I smoked for 28 years. My last cigarette was on June 9th, 2009. The best thing I ever did. I had lost 50lbs on my own prior to quitting smoking and gained it all back in the course of a year. Now back on track to get that back off and hopefully some!!!..lol..I quit cold turkey, and only used the nicorette inhaler occasionaly to help ease the cravings.
I feel good now.. hate the smell of cigarettes and I love the fact that I don't smell like a tobacco factory any more.0 -
Hi, i'm Mary. I'm 28 and I started smoking when I was 14. I had my last cigarette on friday around 1 am, so I've been 5 days smoke free. I didn't plan on quitting that day. But I tried to start c25k and my lungs did not like it. I came home and laid on my floor gasping for breath for about an hour. After that I was done. The hardest part is the after dinner cig, but so far I haven't slipped.0
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35 hours no smoking, found during the day fairly easy, evening was difficult but did it ;-)0
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I quit 3 months ago. I've been a regular smoker since I was 12 years old. 3 years ago, my mother was diagnosed with lung cancer which had already metasticised to her brain. She'd never been a smoker herself. I left my life in San Francisco and moved to the east coast to take care of her and be her live in nurse. I clothed and bathed her. I medicated her. I cleaned up after her. I fed her. I held her hand. I permanently injured my shoulder lifting her off the floor one of the many nights she'd forgotten she couldn't walk. She cried when I asked if she wanted a feeding tube when the nurses told me the next thing to go would be her ability to swallow. Still I couldn't quit smoking.
She lapsed into a coma for 9 days before passing away. I wore a baby monitor around my neck when I wasn't next to her bed, listening to her labored breathing and moaning. Still I couldn't quit. I'd listen to her breathing while outside smoking, and I'd hate that cigarette. But I needed it.
3 months ago I quit using an electronic cigarette. It's one of the hardest things I've ever done and I think it's my biggest accomplishment thus far.
I knew I could lose weight. I really didn't think I could quit smoking.
I've been on a plateau with my weightloss since I quit. But that's okay. Someday my body will normalize and I'll start losing again.
^This was copied and pasted from the other quit smoking group.0 -
I'm Jackye. I started smoking a few months before I turned 13 and now I'm 29. I've tried and gotten addicted to a lot of things but cigarettes were the only thing I could never just walk away from. I went to the library on Sunday and picked up Allen Carr's Easy Way to Quit Smoking. I didn't intend on quitting, but I read that whole book in one sitting and put it down a nonsmoker. That was on 11/13, and aside from some cravings I've been doing and feeling great.0
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My name is Susan, and I started smoking a pack a day when I was 18. I would sneak a few here and there prior to that, but I waited until I was old enough to legally buy them (and should have been old enough to know better) before I became addicted.
I quit two years ago when I was 35 -- after my favorite aunt was diagnosed with lung cancer and my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. My mother survived...my aunt did not.
I had tried everything...my ex-husband telling me we *had* to quit, smoking menthols because I didn't like the taste, smoking full-flavoreds because they were too harsh to smoke, e-cigs, patches, gums, lozenges...
When I finally realized I was a puppet to the tobacco companies, I got mad. I downloaded a self-hypnosis cd and fell asleep to his soothing voice telling that cigarettes were disgusting every night. Then I borrowed Allen Carr's Easy Way to Quit Smoking book from the library. I figured if it didn't work, I was out absolutely nothing but a lazy Saturday afternoon.
I quit. I think the self-hypnosis helped prime my mind to quit, but Allen Carr's logic brought it home.
After I quit, I quickly gained 15 pounds. But more important...I gained control of my life and my choices. I choose not to smoke. It is not something I struggle with now. And other than my children, it is my greatest achievement.0 -
Hi, I'm Marcus, 38, smoker for 20yrs and now I've started my new life transformation journey, I realise the next step is to get rid of the smokes.. Just started on MFP and in my first 1.5 wks have managed to lose 2lbs (very happy bunny) and have fallen back in love with exercising and actually enjoying the fact that I have pretty good lung capacity, but know it could be much better if I didn't smoke.. My lung age test was that of a 30yr old, but I know that could change any time..
I attempt to quit almost annually and the longest period I've lasted is about 11days - this year I did the same, but the minute I was bored (moved to a new area) I picked them up again. I realise that now I am exercising I can fill the void I had for a while..
So my quit date is 2nd December 2011 (the 11th anniversary of my father passing) and if anyone has any advice, great tips - anything - please do pass them on them. I will spend time to read through all the comments in the group as well.
To those that have quit - congrats, to those like me wanting to - we can and wil!!..0 -
Hi, I'm Barbara , 52
I started smoking when I was 15 and I smoked 1 to 1 1/2 packs per day. I tried so many times to "kick the habit" but was never successful.
Originally from Germany, I moved to Ireland with my hubby 6 years ago. We started growing our own fruit and veg and are trying to be as self-sufficient as possible. Wow, green ideas and a black lung:noway:
About 10 weeks ago I decided to change my diet; my cholesterol was sky-high. I managed to lose weight and reduce the cholesterol a bit when I found out about MFP. With MFP losing weight, getting in shape and eating healthy was so much easier and then, on 11.9.11 I thought: if I can do this, I can quit smoking as well. I got Allen Carr's book from the attic and started reading...couldn't stop and don't even know when I had my last cigarette that day . I realized it is not just a "habit" I have to kick but an addiction. Anyway, I quit smoking after 37 years, I am not on NRT......Cold Turkey seems to be perfect for myself, I am still losing weight (1 pound/week) and I am feeling fabulous. The only withdrawal symptoms I had: insomnia for 4 nights.
This time I KNOW I am successful.
To all of you who have fought or are fighting this nico-demon : this is the best thing you can do for yourself. Don't be scared, you won';t gain a lot of weight and, by the way, with MFP and more exercize you won't have to.
Good luck to the new Non- Smokers and hats off to those who have already managed to stay off the drug.:flowerforyou:0 -
Hi Sandra;
My name is Lucia. I live on Long Island, NY,
I smoked since I was 13, I am now 60. It was both easy and hard for me to quit. I will explain. Two years ago in March I had pneumonia, for the third time. It was not getting better, so I went back to my doctor. He calmly said, go to the ER. I did and the next thing I knew was that I had had a pulmonary embolism. They told my son my chances of living were 30%. I had been on a respirator for 3 weeks in ICU. Obviously, I was unable, nor did I have the desire to smoke. I wont bore you with the rest of my story, but one thing the doctors said was if you smoke, you will die. When I came home I ha no desire to smoke at all. A few months ago a good friend was diagnosed with cancer. He has 3 to 6 months. Well, I tried to smoke but the pain in my lungs was incredible, so I could'nt . Honestly I miss it. Also between laying in bed when I came home, having to retire and quitting I gained 50 POUNDS. THIS WAS DEVASTING as I never had a weight problem.
That is m story. I had been a special ed teacher for 30 years, I do miss it and honestly my income has dropped 60% and it is difficult. I live alone and rarely see my friends. I have 2 sons which I rarely see and due to extreme circumstances I do not see my grand kids. My sons are my only family, so I do need support and friends. MY Mom passed 6 months prior to my illness and it was tough without her. She was an only child as was I. Thefore, lack of family. Holidays are extremely hard.
I apologize if I have depressed anyone. My intention was, do not smoke. Appreciate your family.
I hope you will friend me. TY for letting me share.
Lucia0 -
I give you much credit for being your moms caretaker. My Mom also passed 3 years ago, but in her sleep. My Dad had lung cancer , many years ago. He lasted 1 week and did in th hospital. This was over 30 years ago. Since he died so fast an autopsy was done because the doctors had no idea why he died. He had lung cancer, the kind you get when you do not smoke.
I didnt give up smoking, but I have now. I you read my response to Sandra you will understand why.
My best to you. feel free to friend me.0 -
Hi, My name is Crystal. I have been quit for 90 days. I had smoked since I was 13 and I am now 29. I had talked about quitting so many times. I hated that I got winded going up steps, or walking far. I knew I was too young to feel that bad. In Jan. 2011, my dad was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. We knew it was coming eventually, The man chained smoked for year. But the reality was hard. I quit right after we found out. Lasted 30 days, ran out of patches and tried to go cold turkey. My husband was still smoking and I eventually smoked on of his. This time I quit 8/21/11. I bought enough patches to last the first 2 months and my husband quit with me this time. Two days after I quit, we found out the cancer had spread to his brain. A month after I quit, he died. Luckily, he went very peacefully and didn't suffer. He had just been put on hospice. I stayed quit through the entire ordeal.
When I first quit, I started using MFP so I wouldn't GAIN weight during my quit. I was going to wait a while before I started to try dieting. I didn't want to take on to much at one time, afraid I would fail at everything. Well, after I quit smoking I had a lot of energy. A LOT OF ENERGY!!! I know some of it at the beginning was probably nervous energy, but hey, I used it. With in a few weeks, I started walking with a friend and doing the 20 min cardio video of Turbo Jam. I no longer cough when I wake up, I can smell and taste food. I can do an hour long workout and only pause for breath a few times (it was every couple of mins in the beginning). I traded enough good habits to counteract the withdraw effects from nicotine. It was easy, except for the grieving. The few times I was upset and thought about smoking, I would tell myself "A cigarette is not going to solve your problem, it is the cause of your problem." I used a lot of self talk, a motivational college with quotes wrote on my bathroom mirror, and the quit hotline. Website is quitcoach.net I think. It helped alot!! I went there everyday in the beginning, now I go back once in a while to check on my day count. Also, I got a brita water bottle and I carrying it everywhere. I think this helped since drinking from a water bottle is a similar motion to smoking and it gave me something to hold in my hand. Drinking water is a MUCH healthier habit!
I love reading about everyone's success stories! Keep up the awesomeness!0 -
Hi Crystal
Well done you :flowerforyou: You are so right: a cigarette doesn't solve our problems, it causes too many of them.
It's not even 2 weeks I quit but I know this time I'll pull through. I will try the water bottle! Great idea!!!
I have no problems with withdrawal symptoms although I quit cold turkey, but my hands need a bit to do and water is always good.
So I will give it a go.:drinker:
Barbara0 -
well done Crystal, I'm on day 6 with no smoking so early days but feel better already, started doing more exercise and drinking water now, have probably put on weight but was expecting that, will see on Tue morning.....0
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Hey all. I'm 43 years old and I'm looking at my 25th year of smoking. I started shortly after joining the Army and I've always promised myself I'd quite when I retired. That was five years ago and I'm still smoking like a freight train - a little more than a pack a day. I've made several serious attempts at quitting and many many minor attempts, none of which obviously stuck. I've used the pills, patches, gums, shrinks, the whole nine yards, and while they all help, ultimately it is still up to the individual's desire to quit the habit.
I'm currently gearing myself up another serious attempt to quit once the holidays are over. I'm still working on my plan to finally make it a successful one, so any advice or tips will greatly be appreciated.0 -
Hello All! I'm Kelly. I've been smoke free since Thursday, Feb. 3, 2011. I started in 1995 or around that time. Quitting wasn't easy and there were moments, but I'm so glad I decided to stop. So many things are better now. My health, the taste of food, my hair is healthier, everything smells wonderful and my mood is way better because I'm not living for the next smoke. Oh and a smoke free kiss is soooo much better than a smoker's kiss (I had to throw that in there).
For those of you just starting, please stay strong and know that you can do it.0
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