New Non-Smokers Thread -

[ValidRouge]

Re: New Non-Smokers Thread -

Congratulations on 7 months Committed! Thanks for supporting us!!

[Laker75]

Re: New Non-Smokers Thread -

Yahoo ValidRouge!!!! Way to go! I really didn't imagine I would get many replies; let alone someone at the same stage I'm at!!! We are doing a great job!!!

Today it's day 9, and I'm feeling great (again). I, too, gained a bit (2.5lbs), but I"m used to seeing that kind of flux anyway. I have decided to ditch the scale until next Friday and then check to see where I'm at. I have a big family reunion coming up that weekend and want to look my best, but the smoking has got to go!!! For now that is where my priority lies.

Valid, how is your support network? My hubby quit along with me (and has actually decided to stick with it this time). Do you have anyone to call on when the times get tough? It was dreadful around our place for the first 3 days or so (even the cats looked like they were walking on eggshells), but things have started feeling much more normal again. I hope you are experiencing the same relief.

Anyway, be sure to check in and keep me posted on your progress. I'm not usually around weekends, but do like to check in weekday evenings. Give me a holler if I can ever lend some extra support. I'm a late night visitor, just so ya know. Thanks for the support!

BTW, I've said it before, but I'll say it again. You look absolutely gorgeous. Congrats on all your life changing commitments!!!

S.

[Laker75]

Re: New Non-Smokers Thread -

I'mCommitted; thanks so much for your story and support. I don't know about ValidRouge, but to me, 7 months seems like a lifetime away. You must be very pleased with your progress and success!

Your encouragement and support is very much appreciated. It must be nice to face each day feeling more at home in your non-smoking role. I'm still adjusting in so many ways that I am super sensitive to times that I am comfortable with not smoking. Thankfully, they are getting more and more frequent, so life is good.

Take care, keep up the great work!!!!

S.

[ValidRouge]

Re: New Non-Smokers Thread -

Laker,

Surprisingly the first week wasn't that bad. I did pretty good. But this second week is a TOTALLY DIFFERENT STORY. For whatever reason I am 100% OUT of ketosis. I don't know exactly why. The result is that every time a craving hits for a cigarette and I don't give it one, then the craving for sweet hits. I've been having a hard time with that. I think I'm a little hormonal too...Yesterday evening I was just totally irrational and got into a real hum dinger with my DH.

My support network at home is...well...my DH is an ex-smoker but in his mind he just put cigs down and never had a problem. His solution for me is to chew gum....well, I did try that too...but I think that has played a part in my sweet cravings...the whole cephalic insulin response.

So, basically....because I'm not in ketosis, I don't have the appetite suppression, I don't have the energy (keep wanting to fall asleep mid afternoon and going to bed at 8 or 9 PM), I'm not losing weight...and that's kinda freaking me out.

Sorry for unloading here, but you offered and I spewed! LOL

[rosecat2000]

Re: New Non-Smokers Thread -

Huraaah!! Congratulations on making a great choice for yourself. It is probably the hardest and most scary step in the battle of quiting smoking - physically stopping and entering the world of being a "quitter".

This is my story of becoming a quitter - I threw those death sticks out the window 12 years ago, after 15 years of heavy smoking. There were ups and downs, it was very hard sometimes, particulary in the first weeks and months or at social occassions, even up to 2 years later. Those sticks called my name out loud - I swear!! So be on close guard, they lurk and hide trying to entice you with "just one puff" won't hurt. Don't believe a word they say, it is all lies and excuses.

A big part of giving up for me was to examine all the excuses that I had for not giving up, believe me there were lots of them - stress, gain weight, mood swings, nothing to do with my hands, relaxes me, how could I drink a coffee or enjoy a meal without one and the BIG one - nicotine addiction. Once I went through them I realised that this was entirely up to me and these excuses were crutches created by me to support my habit.

There were desperate times when I thought that the smokes were going to get me again, but I clawed back and said "no excuses", and as time went on I found it easier to hold onto my "quitter" status. So now I officially regard myself as a quitter of the positive kind.

You can do it - be a quitter!!!

[ValidRouge]

Re: New Non-Smokers Thread -

Thanks rosecat...I've used all those same excuses too.

Someone said something a couple weeks ago that stuck in my head...

"You smoke not because you LIKE smoking, you smoke because you don't like NOT smoking" It really struck a cord with me.

I've just told myself that smoking is NOT an option anymore. I tell myself over and over, even if it was an option, you don't have any to smoke, etc. So far, seems to be working.

This week I'm actually having a harder time with the sweet cravings than nicotine cravings. Its much easier to resist the nicotine craving than the sweet craving.

I'm sorry, but my mind is just rambling...not really focused LOL

I swear I think that quitting carbs was MUCH harder than quitting cigarettes! Quitting cigarettes didn't give me induction flu, no headache, no dizziness, a little fatigue.

[rosecat2000]

Re: New Non-Smokers Thread -

Valid Rouge - your story of weight loss was the inspiration that made me tackle my weight problem. You look fabuloussss!! In fact I think that you a great inspiration to many board members, not to forget the support that you freely give to all. You made me realise that there is no way off this WOE and to just get up,dust off and keep going if I stumbled or made mistakes. So,here is my little bit of support pay back, hang in there, if there is anyone who can do this, it is you.

[ValidRouge]

Re: New Non-Smokers Thread -

Thanks Rose, that brought a tear to my eye! I can and will do this...I'm just stumbling right now until I get my footing so to speak.

Here's my plan
1) Back to induction for as long as it takes to get my appetite back under control, back into ketosis, and back to 198 lbs! Dang it! I went to WalMart on my way to work this morning to pick up induction legal "snacks" for work. I've got cheese, celery sticks, cream cheese, chicken breast and tuna fish, mayo.
2) Drinking lots of water
3) EXERCISE. Starting TODAY. NO EXCUSES.
4) NO ARTIFICIAL SWEETNER until I'm back in ketosis--no sweet n low, no gum, no sugar free anything.
5) No cigarettes.
6) Journal my food.

Notice how it's all diet related...the no cigarettes I think will be the easiest part of all of this.

[rosecat2000]

Re: New Non-Smokers Thread -

Way to go, take it head on! The dust is falling off already. Looking forward to see how you are doing.

[Sweet_Sadie]

Re: New Non-Smokers Thread -

Hey you Quitters!!

I just found this thread and made some notes as I read all the pages. Joy, I was looking for you and your progress and found a whole group of new quitters! I have been sending you healing white light as corny as that sounds. It's the same thing as a prayer for organized religion folks. You guys are losers and quitters just like me... we should make T-shirts that say "I'm a Loser and a Quitter!" Ha ha ha!

Ok, here's what I wrote as I was reading this thread... sorry long! Love you guys! I'm so glad I found this Forum because of the people who post here!

Brook, Thank you so much for posting about the book titled "Allen Carr's Easy Way To Stop Smoking". I'm going to buy it for my husband who was going to quit with me almost 2 years ago. I've told him about whyquit.com but maybe the book will do it for him. I'll stick it in the bathroom where he does all his reading... ha ha ha!

Let us know if those white strips make your teeth sensitive because I've heard that's a side effect to a lot of the teeth whiteners. When I quit I got the smoker's mouthwash called TARGON - removes smoking tar... my teeth look great and not artificially fake looking white. No sensitivity! I try not to, but I do chew ice.

I really remember missing a smoke when something changed or ended. Like when I'd quit eating, or when I walked outside, or when I got done with my grocery shopping, or turned off the lawnmower. I used to always have a smoke lit when I was driving too.

Bad news the other day gave me the feeling of wanting one that surprised me after so long! It was just a passing "time to light up" feeling as I locked the front door but it scared me! I NEVER want another puff! I've heard of people that have quit for 4 years and for some dumb reason, smoke one and the next thing they know they are chain smoking as bad or worse than before they quit. They say your body remembers so you are up to as much or more as you smoked in the past almost immediately - no matter how long you quit for.

I can't believe y'all are doing so well on week 1 AKA H E L L Week! I thought I was gonna die for the first 4 days and was consumed with the thought of a smoke! I bought fun sized bags of candy and ate and ate and ate and felt like poo poo! <<<NOT a recomendation!

Barbde... The patch is only changing your nicotine delivery system. Cold TURKEY is the only way to go and it's one week of H E L L, then it's doable! The only people who tell you the patches work are the people who sell the patches. Ask any one who's quit how they did it! Take a survey! I quit cold turkey baby!

About gaining weight - yes, you're going to gain some! Not as much as me in my signature but there is an article on whyquit.com about how there is sugar in cigs and how it does something to your insulin. It takes a while for your body to change.

Take Care All of you!

[Laker75]

Re: New Non-Smokers Thread -

Hello ValidRouge

I'm so sorry to hear you're struggling today. Those tiffs with the hubby can really get a person ready to hit the convenience store, can't they? Last time I found myself there under desperate circumstances (a pre-atkins quit attempt) I struggled until I finally grabbed a whole display of lifesaver suckers and angrily marched out of the store . The clerk must have seen my struggle, because I'm sure I could see sympathy in his eyes through the red fog of rage I was experiencing.

As for the sugar cravings, I just replied to a post in STAC saying the exact same thing! The sugar cravings I've experienced have been monstrous compared to the nicotine cravings. It's just our bodies freaking out a little, dropping our blood sugar - yet another discomfort to weather during this very awkward and draining time.

Anyway, you've proven yourself to be a very determined lady indeed. I'm sure if anyone is able to stick to their guns through this difficult time, it is you. If venting helps, by all means, bring it here. We can take it. I am facing a long car trip tomorrow and am kind of worried about my ability to weather the storm away from home. My plan is to hang out with a friend who quit a couple months ago, and my hubby's cousin, who quit years ago. Make them my best pals for the weekend, until I can return to the safe sanctuary of my own life and routine. Soon, this is going to feel normal.

Take care!
S.

[ValidRouge]

Re: New Non-Smokers Thread -

Sadie, thanks for being here and being supportive! You've already helped me a lot in PM and I do appreciate it!!!! I'd PROUDLY wear "I'm a Loser and a Quitter" t-shirt!!! I'm going to look for the TARGON mouthwash...where did you find it? Do you suppose Walmart would have it?

I agree that the "end" of things is when the urge hits the most. But I do find it not being as frequent and the urge is only passing. Almost like the urge hits, I realize it, say to myself, "nope" and then it's gone. It all happens in a matter of seconds. For the cigarettes that is.

The sugar cravings are another story ALTOGETHER! It's like there's a little kid on my back beating me over the head and screaming I WANT SUGAR! If I give in and eat something still low carb, but a little bit of sugar (like fruit...which I would normally have on OWL, or even a low carb tortilla) OMG it makes it even worse!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now, I grazed ALL DAY yesterday on legal foods...if you've been to my journal you've seen the food I've eaten....and I seemed to have a lot better ATTITUDE yesterday. Maybe I do need to eat smaller more frequent meals....just kinda graze all day instead of having "meals".

Laker, do you think that quitting while on Atkins is easier? Sadie, sounds like from your experience it might have been easier...It's what I keep telling myself anyway. If I keep repeating the mantra...it will be so! LOL

I went on a road trip last week with my husband and stepson. 1014 miles each way. We left on day 3 of my quit. Surprisingly, I didn't have a hard time at all. It was kind of nice. My husband and I talked and had a good time. We didn't even turn on the radio until the very end of the trip back home!! Maybe the change of scenery will be just what you need. I like the idea of sticking with the people who have quit...they can talk with you about their experiences and give you some support! I hope you enjoy yourself!

[Sweet_Sadie]

Re: New Non-Smokers Thread -

That's a link to some of the weight gain threads on whyquit.

http://whyquit.com/joel/Joel_Index_06_Weight_Gain.html


Because I used bad foods as a crutch when I quit smoking, I taught myself some bad habits that I'm now trying to unlearn almost 2 years later, but any way someone quits smoking is good!

Targon smoker's mouthwash - seems like I got it at Walmart or Eckerds (which is now CVA pharmacy) it was a little expensive but intense and lasted a long time because you use so little!

[BirdDawg]

Re: New Non-Smokers Thread -

Hi, gang. I quit Tuesday evening around this time, so I should be through my 72 hours. **Nicotine has officially left the building.**

I read "Quit Smoking The Easy Way" by Alan Carr, and love it. (I bought the book over a year ago, but just now decided to actually quit.) I smoked a pack a day, sometimes more, for 20 years. Smoking was "cool" to my 16 year old friends. Imagine that. Kids can be so dumb. But, as adults, here we are, being smart....taking care of us. Losing weight and quitting smoking. How wonderful! GO US!!

Anyway, I have found that I'm gaining a little on induction...just a couple pounds, but I figured this would be one of the best times to quit smoking...when I am limited to eating induction foods. So far, so good -- aside from one Atkins shake and a can of Diet Coke w/splenda. Not sure why I'm gaining, but I plan to get back to plan 100% again tomorrow....no more shakes or Coke. I can do this.

Just wanted to join in and give a hand to all of us who are quitting. So far, it's been fairly easy for me and I'm shocked by that.

[ValidRouge]

Re: New Non-Smokers Thread -

Hey there Michelle! Welcome to our little thread of quitters. Laker and I just recently found each other...I think we quit right around the same time. For me, Monday Aug 7 will be two weeks.

If you've read thru this thread, you've seen some of the struggles I've been having. However, today was a real good day.

Be sure to come here so that we can all support each other, okay?! This is really great!