Ex smokers...tips wanted

[anna_66]

Well first off...Congratulations!

I personally think that knowing your going to quit and REALLY wanting it is the key.

For years Mark (husband) tried on and off with the patches but in reality he never wanted to quit bad enough to stop for good. He went on and off like this for many years.
But finally last year just out of the blue he decided he was going to quit. He used the patch (if you decide on this method, don't buy the cheap ones. He said they are definitely NOT as good) and chewed lots and lots of gum (orbit seems to last the longest and they have lots of good flavors).

I pretty much quit on my own. There were a couple of times where I was so mad, angry and upset so I bought some of the nicorette. Yes, it's nasty but if you have a bad craving and are moody like I was it really works. I think I only chewed about 5-10 pieces of the box of 100 I bought (I'll send them to you if you want). I also ate a lot of hard candy when I felt the need for a cigarette. Honestly doing something to get your mind off it works best (for me it was the computer and PT).

That is our success secrets. Hope I've helped a bit and again, good luck!

[catnapper]

I never smoked, but I want to congratulate you on trying to stop. I never tried to stop something I never started but I do know from friends just what a fight it is... and I know you can do it! You have a ton of support here! And just stop to think about how it affects your kitties, and how much they'll thank you for stopping!

GOOD LUCK! We're behind you!

[JenBKR]

I chewed lots of gum and bought sugar free hard candy (lifesavers are good, jolly ranchers too). I didn't gain a pound. Although, when I decided to quit I had a cold and the thought of a cigarette when I am stuffed up makes me sick, so it was a good time I guess

[Laura's Babies]

I am saving these hints so keep them coming! Anna66, I will take that gum.. I did quit using it before but quit the gum and packed on the pounds so I picked the habit up again to keep frpm getting fat!

[kuhio98]

Laura ~ Congratulations on deciding to quit. After watching my family and friends struggle to quit, I am so thankful I never picked up the habit. (My mother once had a boyfriend who was a recovering drug abuser. He said it was harder to stop smoking than it was to quit heroin! ) So, anything you can do to be prepared ahead of time will definitely help.

My father had success by cutting down gradually. He counted out his cigarettes for the day and cut down one cigarette per day until he had stopped. He chewed the gum for a while. My boss just quit cold turkey after going to 2 lung-cancer funerals in one week (one was a 40 year-old!) .

I know the weight gain isn't pleasant, but I have read that you would have to gain 100 pounds to replace the health risks associated with smoking. But, knowing that doesn't help when you're struggling to button your clothes. What I've heard is that you have to replace one habit with another. So, if you don't want to gain weight, you could take walks, ride a bike, etc. to get more exercise. You might also check out on-line support message boards. If your hands are busy typing, it will be harder to smoke. And your knitting will keep you busy. Good luck to you!

[buttercup132]

My parents both got hypnotysed it took 2 sesions well one but they went back just to make sure. Thye havnt smoked now for like 3-4 years! When ever they get the craving they feel sick because that what the hypnotist .made it. I think it's better then going cold turkey.

[davidpizzica]

Laura's babies, I believe in another thread that I said that January 31st will be my 24th anniversary of quitting smoking. I quit the roughest way possible, cold turkey. In 1982 when I quit, cigarettes were 65 cents a pack, which was one of the reasons. Secondly, I was getting so out of breath walking up hills. While I don't recommend cold turkey, that's the way I quit.

[Logan]

All I can say is "good for you", Laura. I'm so glad that you are considering quitting. I've never been a smoker, but I have had to deal with weight issues, so I feel your pain. Hang in there and deal with what you need to in order to offset the weight gain issues. Stopping smoking will be the absolute best thing you've ever done for yourself.

If you didn't deal with the month long work ventures, I would say, "get a dog", and walk yourself crazy. I have 3 Golden Retrievers that would keep you busy! But I know this is not a solution for your current lifestyle.

Best of luck, my friend.

Logan