Starting Atkins and began taking Chantix to quit smoking=STRESSED

[tulsanurse1]

Hi all. Im starting Atkins in the morning and began taking Chantix today to quit smoking. Chantix is a medication that has a very high success rate. Ive started taking it before and by the 5 day it was hard to completely smoke a cigarette. I have no idea why I quit taking it before except that I think that I feel as though the cigarettes have been my "friend" for so many years. Well guess what, they arent my friend, in fact they are killing me slowly and this time Im gonna keep taking the medication and do this, for me and my children. Im so scared of failure, I dont know how to get positive and know that this will be okay. My quit day will be on September 29. Thinking about it stresses me, but I wanna breath more than I wanna smoke. P.S. I dont really have family except for my children and Ive isolated myself since gaining all the weight. Is this forum just for losing weight or could I ask for a few friends to help me also with the journey to becoming free from cigarettes?

[hopejoy]

Re: Starting Atkins and began taking Chantix to quit smoking=STRESSED

I don't know... but I'll say a little prayer for you... hang in there! You know you need to do this for you! You're right they're not your friends... you deserve way more than that! (cigarettes) Stop isolating yourself too... You're cute and I bet people think you're just stuck up now! lol! (I have the same problem... so it's funny that I tell you that! It is so hard to be around people when we're ashamed of how we look... huh? but try to reach out... it's not good this isolation thing...)
Also, sure... we can be friends.... come on over to my journal... and chat any time!
I am feeling so much better now after 4 1/2 months... like a whole new person actually! I thought the first few weeks were soooo hard.... but it will get better. Hang in there... You're going to be detoxing in more than one way... This board has been a great support for me.
liz

[tulsanurse1]

Re: Starting Atkins and began taking Chantix to quit smoking=STRESSED

You know hopejoy, I have seen ur pics several times while learning how to navigate through the ADBB. I laugh at the get up with the sword lol. People at work try and schedule their work days on days that I work, literally. They dont care that Im fat, they love me, my humor and my intelligence, so Im gonna really work hard on not just seeing me as a fat person. Thank you so much for taking the time to respond. Where do I learn about the journals and how to get there?

[SandyL2002]

Re: Starting Atkins and began taking Chantix to quit smoking=STRESSED

Welcome to the board.. The best thing you can do for yourself is give up those cigarettes. You CAN do it! I think once you start eating right you will start to feel better and have more energy. This is a very busy board..so post often

[Outback Jess]

Re: Starting Atkins and began taking Chantix to quit smoking=STRESSED

Hey again Laurie, girl I am glad you are here. I think coming and sharing your heart and allowing us to support you will be a good step for you. Sounds like you are loved and appreciated and ENJOYED! by others...
You have a rocky road ahead as you break the habit of cigs and foods, but you know you can do it, and we are here doing the very same thing! That's the truth, we've all been stuck in something and now we all WANT OUT, and truthfully it's a journey of changing one day at a time!

[BLAZING IN FL]

Re: Starting Atkins and began taking Chantix to quit smoking=STRESSED

Hey there, welcome to this wonderful world. We all have other problems other then weight and we express them here now and then, we'd go crazy if we didn't. I've never smoked, so I don't understand the addiction. I do understand the food addiction, so I can help you there. Hope you join our Second time around roll call that we go to everyday and good luck to you....sending prayers your way and hugs, Michelle

[hrgillespie]

Re: Starting Atkins and began taking Chantix to quit smoking=STRESSED

Welcome to the STAC!!!!! So glad to see you have found your way to the ultimate support spot!!!! I think the tools for breaking any addiction are very similar and you being here and taking a stand is the very first step! I have had two daughters successfully quit smoking with the very medication you are talking about it was a godsend tot hem and both are now a little more then 4 months smoke free and having no desire to go back! You can do it! Once you begin the Atkins WOL and get past the first few days of induction you will ahve so much satisfaction and energy that it will not only help you in your weight battle but also in other areas of your life as well! You have certainly made the right decision to take contorl of your life and to do it with the freinds and support you will find here!!!!!



Oh to find Journals for everyone just go to the forums tab and then scroll down to find Journal chats ..........there are alot of us there don't get overwhelmed trying to do to much just pick one and get to know whomever it is a little at a time! Also don't ever be afraid to post and ask questions thats what it's all about!

[ValidRouge]

Re: Starting Atkins and began taking Chantix to quit smoking=STRESSED

Hi, tulsanurse. Welcome to ADBB and the Secont Time Around Club (STAC). I quit smoking July 2006 while doing Atkins. I'd actually started Atkins (for my second time around) in January 2006. Basically, I used the same tactics for quitting smoking that I did for quitting carbs. I read about what physical symptoms to expect and found coping mechanisms for that. I got a lot of support from this site for the diet aspect and a lot of support reading at www.whyquit.com That site advocates a "cold turkey" quit, which is what I did. But, I know several people who've used Chiantix and been successful. Really, whatever method you use to quit, the bottom line of that is to "Never Take Another Puff". Same goes with the sugar. Never take another bite.

Quitting smoking (and carbs) isn't hard. STAYING quit smoking (and quit from carbs) is the hard part. And, that can be really, really, really, easy as long as you Never take another puff (or bite).

I read on www.whyquit.com a lot of information about chemical reactions in our bodies when we smoke. Did you know that when you smoke, there is a chemical reaction in the liver that triggers an insulin release. So, not only does the cigarette deliver nicotine (and lots of other garbage/drugs) into our bodies, but it also basically delivers a shot of sugar...the body doesn't really know the difference. I think that's why it's so addictive to many. I think that's also why some people are perfectly fine smoking all the time and not eating...they are getting their shot of sugar. Then, there are those of us, who are smokers and FAT. We are addicted to not only the cigarettes, but the carbohydrates too. My theory is that smoking the cigarette CAUSES us to want MORE sugar so we smoke, eat, smoke, eat, smoke, eat, eat, eat...ACK!

When I did all that reading at www.whyquit.com I got PISSED OFF at the cigarettes and how they had me sick, stinky, out of breath, nasty phlegm/cough in the mornings and cost me a small fortune over the years. I also got pissed off that they had contributed to my weight gain and carbohydrate addiction.

The physical withdrawal from cigarettes only lasts 3 days. After 3 days you are physically FREE from nicotine. You can give them up for 3 days, right? (yeah, its hard, but it CAN be done). Before I actually quit, I spent quite a few days actually CRYING at the thought of quitting my cigs...how sad is that?

The next two weeks is getting the mental withdrawal over with. Building new habits. I found that I had to come up with new routines. I always wanted a cig when things were over. When dinner was over, when the movie was over, when work was over, etc. So, I had to find ways to "end" things that weren't a cigarette. After the two weeks, it gets a lot better and continues to get better day by day.

The only thing that I would caution you against (this is where I had trouble) was replacing one addiction for another. I never, NEVER drank coffee my entire life. But, when I quit smoking, I took up coffee drinking. Coffee with cream, creamer, half n half, low carb milk, and sweetner. Kind of like a junkie going to the methadone clinic. Yeah, I wasn't smoking anymore, but I was still USING. And, I gained weight. (It did eventually come back off). I bring it up, just as something for you to watch out for. If you can really quit the cigs without taking up another habit, crutch, "methadone" you'll be much better off.

Feel free to reach out any time. I'll be glad to "pay it forward" as there were members here who helped me with my quit.

[Evermind]

Re: Starting Atkins and began taking Chantix to quit smoking=STRESSED

Welcome aboard! This is THE place for support in all of our efforts to begin and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

I'm sure that quitting smoking is really difficult, but well-worth it. Take care of yourself during this time - doubly so because you are doing induction as well as reducing your dependence on cigs.

Try to find at least one thing to do just for yourself every day or every other day. Doesn't have to be expensive. Might be a bubble bath with relaxing music, or a manicure, or having candles at your dinner. Maybe a relaxation tape, or trying some new yoga moves. Buy yourself a flower.

[*Wendy*]

Re: Starting Atkins and began taking Chantix to quit smoking=STRESSED

Hi TulsaNurse,

I'm so glad you are quitting smoking!

I quit cigarettes July 5, 2006. And traded the addiction for those nicotine lozenges - BIG MISTAKE.

I just started taking Chantix this week, in hopes that it will work for the nicotine in the lozenges too. (I checked w/ the manufacturer and they say it's not tested for quiting lozenges or nic. gum, but I'm trying it anyway.) At $130 for a four week prescription, I don't think I'm going to go for the full 12 weeks though!

I can tell you that on day 4 (where I'm at right now) I have already noticed that my consumption of the lozenges has dropped dramatically, and I'm thrilled. I only have about five left and I'm not going to buy any more - and I honestly am not panicked about that!

So I know that it works - just give it more time this time!

And I highly recommend visiting that site Valid Rouge cited - she sent me there too and although the stories on there are VERY disturbing you'll never look at cigarettes the same way again - it's information you probably already know because of your profession but the way they present it really gets ya.

Good luck to you - I know you can do this!

Wendy

[AlaskaGirl]

Re: Starting Atkins and began taking Chantix to quit smoking=STRESSED

I was a closet smoker for years as was my mother whom actually died from Cancer when I was about 20.

When my daughter who is now 14 started kindergarden she was educated about smoking instantly. I promised her I would quit by Christmas..... My neighbor and I decided to quit on her birthday October 3rd. I went to the store and bought some clove cigarettes (I never inhaled them), but I did light up a few times over the course of a week. I remember going to the DR and getting a presciption for anti depressents (I forgot which one) and I quit. I had bad craving's for about a week but then (kinda like induction) they went away.

I felt so addicted and out of control by those cigarettes- that I thought I would never be able to quit. I also felt that way about processed carbs not more than 6 weeks ago. Very similar feelings.

You got this Tulsa Nurse. You will do great!

Julie

[Mickkey]

Re: Starting Atkins and began taking Chantix to quit smoking=STRESSED

You can do this. I know you've heard this many times, but If I can do it, anyone can. I quit 3 years ago, and I'm so glad I did. It wasn't easy, I won't lie, but after 3 days when the physical addiction is gone, it's all in your head. That's what you'll have to deal with the best you can. I used the patch and had good luck with that. I've heard good things about Chantix. One thing that was an enormous help to me was water. I drank water whenever I wanted a cig, and I took it with me everywhere I went. It helped keep my weight gain down too. Another good site to try is Quitnet.com. Those people helped me so much. I couldn't have done it without them. I also walked 3 or 4 times a week, but quickly gained weight when I quit walking. So I suggest exercise, water, and following Atkins if you so choose. You'll feel so much healthier and energetic. Best of luck to you. Feel free to visit my journal anytime.

[tulsanurse1]

Re: Starting Atkins and began taking Chantix to quit smoking=STRESSED

Just thought I would post an update. Today is my fourth day taking the Chantix. I have been watching the "WhyQuit" videos but still kind of feel kind of lost. Hopefully tomorrow I am going to feel well enough to sit down and watch even more of them. Im really scared of failing, its my biggest fear in the world right now. Since I was 14 years old, I have never gone even 24 hours without a cigarette. Thats 31 years of being a slave to these things. Sick but true.

[kristenxo]

Re: Starting Atkins and began taking Chantix to quit smoking=STRESSED

Hello, tulsanurse1! You've come to a great place for support.

I'm afraid of failing too. I think everyone is. I try not to think about failing. I know it sounds cliche, but it actually helps me. I focus on the present, thinking about next year, next month or even next week can be really overwhelming (for me, anyway). I'm following the plan today and that's what matters! Of course I think about the future at times, but when I start to freak out or become overwhlemed I just remind myself that I'm taking this one day at a time.

I've struggled with addiction too. I took the same approach to breaking my bad habit as I am with Atkins - one day at time. In the begining it was one minute at a time on certain days. It took about three months before I wasn't "coaching" myself through each day. Now I don't even think about it (it's been eight months).

Just remember to take things slowly. Don't worry about the future, focus on today. Before you know it you'll be free from your carb addiction AND cigarettes! Good luck!

[Evermind]

Re: Starting Atkins and began taking Chantix to quit smoking=STRESSED

Well, now. What is going to happen if you fail tomorrow? Will it be so swift a punishment from above that you won't even have a chance to plan another try? Will everyone condemn you and call you names?

Here's something to try: Talk to yourself as though you were your best friend. If your best friend was doing this, and had the same fears, what would you say? "You can do it! I know you can!" "If you don't make it, we will try again the next day,and I'll be with you the entire time." "Hey, look how far you've come!"