*9 Days Smoke Free* definatley NOT fun!

[Peterlock]

Hi Folks, :wave

Well, today is day 9 without a single cigarette - it's been a miserable 9 days!

I'm kidding, it's had it's ups and downs, I still crave cigarettes deeply..old 30 year addictions die hard. It's disillusioning to see the weight I worked so hard to lose come back on so fast, I need to change my ticker from 10 pounds lost to three.

According to consumer reports health www.consumerreportshealth.org The average weight gain of person who quits regardless of diet or exercise is 8-13 pounds. Now logically I know that this weight will eventually come off, and if anyone reading this rambling mess has read my other posts that you know out of all the benefits of Atkins the one I mention least is the weight loss.

My Gastric Reflux, sleeping disorders, constant indigestion, depression ~ all gone. In addition I've become an arm chair nutritionist reading everything I can get my hands on regarding vitamins and supplements, my copy of Dr. Atkins Vita - Nutrient Solution is less than a week old and looks it's from the 1800's.

All that said, the desire to smoke remains, and I can't stop thinking about it. I suppose if I kept a journal or a blog it would help...writing always helps, regardless of the problem or what your up against, I think just the act of writing is cathartic, so until I start a journal or blog which is redundant because aren't they really the same thing? I'm going to have to use ADBB as a sounding board and whine occasionally.

Awful post, I know. I don't have a question or anything to offer with the exception that kicking smoking is much more difficult than I expected

::

Peter ha

[ex-barbie-doll]

just think of the money you are saving! :yes

[michele4ad]

Peter,
I smoked a pack a day for about 10 years and 5 years, 3 month and 28 days ago I quit. So I know how hard it is for you right now. Once you make it past the first two weeks, it gets much easier, and after the first 2 months, it gets even easier. Are you using the patches or the gum? I used the gum and I found it helped tremendously. And it obviously worked, since I am still smoke free. I was so into smoking, it was part of my rebel persona, and I never thought I could still be "cool" and be a non-smoker. I never thought I could drive a car without a cigarette, never thought I could sit at a diner, or a bar, but I can. And you will too. After the first month I felt so much better. The biggest withdrawel symptom I had when I was quitting was loss of concentration. I couldn't concentrate on anything. My DH said it was because I never started or finished anything without a cigarette. That was hard to get over. One hard thing was figureing out when a meal was over. I used to signal the end of a meal with a smoke, but then after I quit, I would find myself grazing long after I normally would have stopped. In my opinion thats why I gained weight when I quit. Anyway, the point of all this rambling is to say that I sympathize with your struggle, and I offer proof that allthough it is hard, it can be done!!
You can do it!
Michele

[ravenfan]

Hey Peter,
Smoke-free for almost a week and miserable myself. I'm going to the store right now for some nicorette because the cravings seem worse now for some reason. I didn't want that, but I figure it's better than the real thing. Hang in there, keep yourself busy, and know that there is someone else right now who is going through the same thing. I have been working out alot more, maybe that would help you too? I just feel so much better.

[goin2Bgood]

Pull out your Allan Carr book and re-read some of the chapters Peter. I found that to be a big help. Kind of like how rereading DANDR helps when I falter lol.

ravenfan, I would strongly encourage you not to do that. If you've been smoke-free a week the cravings you feel are mental and not physical nicotine cravings. Have you got your book yet?

[ravenfan]

gointobe,

I didn't end up getting the gum just yet. My book is on it's way from Amazon, so should be here soon. I can't wait to read it. Hopefully will help me feel much better about this.

[goin2Bgood]

Hang in there, it will :hug

[Elleth Faewen]

ravenfan,
goin2bgood is right. The physical nicotine addiction is gone in 3-4 days. Hang in there, drink some water, read a book, write what you're feeling in a journal. You'll be glad you did later. I promise!

[mrslee44]

Big Hug to you PeterLock, I'm smoke free for almost 2 years now.

I still find certain situations will trigger that old craving. I don't think they ever go away.

I used the gum, but I also recognized when I was triggered and in time it became easier for me to deal with the cravings.

I did gain over 40lbs after I stopped smoking, which I'm now in the process of losing.

Good Luck.

robin