Where did you get that Chubby?

You go, girl. My non-smoking but smokin' hot friend!

Hi again CR,

Good wishes in your attempt to quit smoking.

Many who are in the throes of quitting have found a lot of help on the forums at www.quitnet.org, for it seems to be inspirational to talk to others who are going through the same difficulties, who offer strong support, understanding and advice.

I hope that you have success in your effort.

ole joyful

Chubby I quit smoking 2 weeks ago for 3 days cold turkey and had severe nausea and a headache that suddenly stopped. After the 3 days I bought a pack out of weakness and have been smoking about 10 cigs a day since. I was a 2 pack a day smoker. But now I can take longer stretches between cigs for some reason. I'm not even having nic fits anymore. I wonder if that 3 days was like a "detox" for my body? Even now I don't have a cig lit beacuse I forgot to buy some yesterday and I'm fine. Maybe I'm some kind of medical freak? Anyway...good luck to you.

As I always tell people, you'll quit when you want to quit and not until. I quit smoking over 25 years ago and it really wasn't a big thing, once I decided to quit. And at one point I was over 5 packs a day. Decide you want to quit and then develop the method. One that helped me was get a brand with a taste I couldn't stand. Definitely dissuades you! And I got rid of a lot of stress and I just decided financially I preferred to have the money instead. So there were a lot of incentives for me.

Good luck in your progress. You sound like you have it under control.

Good for you! Cynic's the only ex-smoker I ever heard say "it really wasn't a big thing." To most of us, it was a huge thing! But certainly one of the best things you can do for yourself.

I hope you were kidding about the possible plan to have a real cigarette in celebration. I remember my dad doing that ("Don't worry, I'm just going to smoke one.....") and then having to go through the quitting process all over again.

Good luck, CR! My DH is also trying to quit using SmokeStik (that's the brand we chose because it's made in the USA). I wish that had been around when I quit 4-1/2 years ago. It's a great aid.

Here is a link that might be useful: SmokeStik

I got it here at the mall, Magic.It's called the Electronic Cigarette.Rather pricey at 100 bucks! But that's only a couple cartons of cigs,is how I figured it.They have them on ebay MUCh cheaper but they come from overseas.And I already had to exchange mine because a part went bad in it.Actually you can get different types of filters for them...some even have nicotine,I chose the ones with no nicotine.You can google Electronic Cigarettes and read up on them.
I didn't want to quit,still don't WANT to.But I HAVE to,so this is the way that is working for me.I can still have a cig to hold and "smoke" but none of the bad stuff from a real cig.

Wanda...that is just like mine but a different brand name..aren't they wonderful? I am so afraid of losing it! I gaurd it! LOL! I can even "smoke" in my office now....because it's not smoke and no heat,nothing! It's great!

Today is my 28th day without smoking with the help of Nicotrol Inhalers. So far so good and I haven't had to use the inhaler for the past 3 days.

I won't say I haven't had the urge to smoke, but the inhalers helped curb the urge so I think I'll be successful this time. Much better for me than when I tried to quit using the patch.

Good luck to all who are trying to quit!

That is terrific! I'm proud of all of you, it is not easy and I consider it a HUGE deal. I started smoking when I was 18, I quit a little over 18 months ago, I'm 56 right now. I smoked nearly 2 packs a day and with the help of Chantix I quit without ever looking back.

It is a BIG DEAL. So, CR, Mike, Mammie & Wanda, you hang in there and keep up the good work. I did not just smoke, I LOVED to smoke. And it is hard to think of your "friend" as the enemy, but it is.
It DOES get easier and while it may be hard to believe now, you will eventually have days then weeks then months that you don't even think about it.
Good luck!

Good for you Chubby!

Sounds like this was not a voluntary decision? (Bypass comment). I'd just like you to know that I quit smoking with the help of Chantix also. I just had to count on my fingers the months (18) because I don't obsess about how many days, weeks, etc. ever since I got past about two months. It feels great.

Just wait, pretty soon now you will discover your sense of smell has come back! That was a real joy for me! And not having phleghm in the back of my throat all the time, and taking a deep breath is something that I often do.

My friend who was a heavy smoker recommended the Chantix after it worked for her. I asked my doctor for a prescription, not really being on the bandwagon or having a huge incenive. I thought, "whatever". It's just a pill. But within days I noticed I cut way down without ever trying and it was only twelve days on the medicine when I realized I hadn't smoked in 24 hours. I was completely psyched then. My doctor said my "whatever" attitude possibly helped since I didn't stress about it and put myself under lots of pressure.

About a month and half into it, we were on vacation and I wanted to have a cigarette at a spot I was familair with where I looked forward to smoking in the past . My husband said no, no, don't do it! But I bummed a cigarette from someone (a Virginia Slims menthol light which I would never smoke in the past). I smoked it and it was awful. I haven't smoked since.

My friend did tell me it was okay if I fell off the wagon (meaning don't put yourself under incredible stress when you commit the program). It's like having a slice of cake when you're on a diet. You know you're not supposed to but be done with it and get back on the program.

With any luck, it'll be a Virginia Slim Light menthol and you'll hate it. That's my last memory of smoking and I'm clinging to it. Once in a while I see someone with a smoke and it looks good. But I get over that feeling quickly. I tell myself (as though I'm another person) You don't do that anymore. 99 1/2% of the time it DOEST NOT look good, it looks ridiculous and I actually pity the people that are hooked on it. I'm so glad to be smoke-free. Sorry to ramble but I sincerely wish you the best of luck. The rewards are phenomenal and to say that you don't smoke anymore is so powerful!

Good for you Deb!!!!!
I'm proud of you. A year ago when DH had some health problems we both quit cold turkey. He is still not smoking. I made it to the wedding, had a few at the reception and now I am back to it again. The first few made me so damn dizzy I couldn't believe I was smoking them! STUPID!! Don't have even one! Stick to the electronic one as long as you need to!

When I quit, I used to have a straw handy, or a pencil, or anything to fiddle with instead of the cigarette. Something to hold on to when I answered the phone, or drank coffee, or a drink, instead of the cigarette.
Leslie

Keep it going, Deb.
Wishing you all the best of luck with not smoking.
Keep us posted also about the bypass.
My Future SIL had it done last year and
he is doing great with only 65 pounds to go
and he will be at his goal. Of course, my DD
is getting jealous because he is really
looking good! LOL
Wishing you all the Best of luck!
Deb

Good for you! I'm very proud of you for quitting, and sticking to it. The first two weeks were the hardest for me, honestly. Because not only are you getting past the physical cravings, but learning how to change behaviors which are attached to mental desire. For me, the evening is the hardest because I'd sit out on the deck and listen to the birds and the quiet. It was so peaceful and calming ... and I just can't seem to replicate the feeling by sitting out there and not smoking. LOL!

But, my lungs are clear, I feel 100% better, I don't have an irritating, nagging cough ... it just plain feels good to not smoke.

If you really do break down and have *one* ... make sure it's one you bummed from somebody. 'Cause if you buy a pack just to have the one, you'll end up smoking the whole thing (rationalization: don't want to throw out 19 cigarettes!) and you'll be hooked again by the time you get through it. If you can just have the one ciggie, it'll taste nasty and you'll stay quit.

I have only the best wishes for you!

Just remember........NEVER QUIT QUITTING!
Kathy G in MI - quit 10 years ago, 3 pack a day habit

Keep on keepin' on! You're almost over the hump now, don't give up.

If I end up not getting the bypass for whatever reason,I plan on taking a day to smoke a real cig....eat some chocolate,drink some pop and real coffee and go into a smokin',eatin' stupor!

DON'T DO IT!!! YOU'VE ACCOMPLISHED SO MUCH. Find another way to get over your disappointment, but don't undue the good you've done so far. Those cigarettes are MEANT to be addicting; one may just do you in and you'll have to start all over again. It will never get easier to start again, so continue with the good work you've accomplished so far.

Good luck~~ !!!!

Don't be to proud of me...this is not something I did willingly....I'm quitting,yes,but I'm going down kicking and screaming the whole way! LOL! I absolutely LOVE to smoke.I love the smell,I love the taste.It hasn't been as hard as I thought it would be....if I didn't have this fake cig though,I don't think I could have done it.
But thanks for all the encouragement! I'm on day 17 now...never thought I'd make it this far!

Chubby, I, too, like the smell of tobacco and fresh cig smoke, BUT IT ISN'T WORTH IT!! Find something else to smell......like the proverbial roses!

You've almost got it licked. Don't go back now. Today it's EIGHTEEN DAYS! And think of the money you've saved!

Sherry

you know that was one of the first questions asked yesterday at the oncologist office...do you smoke...

Just wondering about the fake electronic cigarettes...do you get people who are annoyed because they THINK you're smoking?? I quit over ten years ago, but I think being looked down on by others was a BIG deterrent.

I haven't ran into any people that are annoyed by it...yet.Of course,I don't push the issue and try to smoke it where smoking is not allowed either.I don't want to make a scene! LOL! I do puff it a little in my office but no one here cares,they all think it's great that I can get by with this little "faker"!There are 5 others here that smoke and they've all told me they will go to the end of the block to smoke so I can't see them out my window.But I told them they don't have too...honestly with my little "faker" I don't mind them smoking,I still have something to hold and puff on,so I'm fine!

Please ...please... please don't smoke that cigarette even if the bypass doesn't go through. Many of us here on the board can tell you how hard it is to breath later in life because of the damage we did with cigarettes. Cancer may not get you, you could be one of the lucky ones...but it does get most people...

I don't want to lecture....but if you have gone 17 days...girl you have the job done now...don't let the thought of a cigarette derail you. Before you know it, you'll be like me and many others and have trouble remembering what it was like when you smoked. I still love the smell of smoke, I don't mind being around cigarettes but I don't want to smoke one......I quit way to late but I'm still so damned proud that I managed to do it. I'm going to send good thoughts that the by-pass happens for you and that you never smoke another cigarette.

Congratulations and KEEP IT UP!! Not an easy thing to do but so worth it, I quit just over two years ago.

My husband quit cigarettes when he met me. A few years later the doctor asked him if he smoked, when my husband asked why he asked, the doc said I hear wheezing in your lungs. when we got home I asked him what he was going to do about the smoking, he said "it's only wheezing". I told him, it will probably turn into emphazema (sp) and he quit pipe and cigars that day. He seemed to have an easy time of quitting, complained a little after meals and that makes me believe that he missed the ritual of holding the pipe or cigar.

My sis has quit several times and the doc told her it usually takes about 3 days for the nicotine to leave the body, then it really hits you.

And now its one more day that you haven't smoked! I can only imagine what it must be like to give it up.

I think it is interesting that you and some of the others mentioned that you like the smell of the smoke. That is what we non-smokers complain about! ;-)

You have a right to be proud of your self, please don't lose your resolve.

Sue

Good going, CR! I've got other friends using those "little fakers" and they like them, too!

I used to smoke, 2 packs a day. Quit when I knew Woody and I were going to be a couple, he wouldn't live with a smoker so I had great incentive to quit. Cold turkey, no aids of any kind. It was hard for a few days, but I stayed busy and took up a craft that occupied my hands. I would have LOVED your little electronic ciggie. I'd probably still be using it, though, because I loved the ritual of a smoke almost as much as the taste. And I still like the smell of a cigarette. I quit about 26.5 years ago, so my urge is gone, but I still dream that I'm smoking again and I wake up all bummed because I know I'll have to quit again.

I'm proud of you no matter what, CR, because I know it's hard and I admire your self-control!

I've been known to smoke one every few years, just for "fun". Because I know Woody would freak, I don't do it around him and I don't tell him because I don't want him to flip out with worry that I'll get hooked again. I'm not saying do what I do, but one cigarette will probably not start you up again unless you decide to let it.

Congratulations!! Being a former smoker I can relate to
what everyone else said. I loved to smoke also and the smell never bother me either and it still doesn't. But
I know that if I picked up a cigarette I would be back smoking. The damage is probably already done but at least
I'm not adding more to it.

CR can you say what kind of store you got your fake cig from. I've looked here and can't find them. I'm like you, really don't want to order on-line for one.

I stopped smoking on June 2, 1985. I still have dreams about smoking a cigarette, and I awake so upset that I have to "start all over again from Day 1" LOL!!

Good luck!
Dee

donner...it's just one of those little stands (kiosks?) that they set up in the middle of the mall.It's called Smoking Everywhere.
I did order one on Ebay for my husband....WAY cheaper! BUT...guess what...it DOESN'T WORK! So now I have to go through a bunch of crap to get it replaced....the lady wants a VIDEO of it not working...and a pic of the packaging to send to the company.I guess she sells right from a company,she doesn't actually have the cigs.What a bunch of crap,I can gaurentee you she's getting bad feedback from me!

donner, check out the website I posted (www.smokestik.com) --you can get information on local places that sell them, or you can order by phone.

We ordered a starter kit online, then later ordered additional cartridges. The other day, we got an e-mail asking if we had any questions or needed assistance. We were very pleased with the service, and were surprised at how quickly the orders were received.

NOTE: I forgot to mention in my earlier post that if you use the coupon code RISEUP, you get $10 off the starter kit, plus a discount on cartridges.

It took me 3 times to actually quit, but that was about 25 years ago. Keep up the good work!

I was at the mall on Monday and saw 3 gals in a real tizzy. They were on a hunt for mall security because they claimed there was a couple of people smoking near a kiosk. It turns out they were smoking, but it was a fake cigarette. The Kiosk was selling them, along with fake cigars. Boy do they look real, I had to do a double take.

Now if someone could produce fake chocolate candy, I'd sure be a happy girl lol

Good for you CR. I am proud of you! I lost both of my parents to lung cancer.

YOU GO GIRL!!! I've fallen off a couple of times...but have not bought a pack since March 16th...I'm wearing the patch...one of these days I'll take it too the lower step...if I don't kill my kid first...he's the reason I've fallen off the wagon...Good luck and keep it up!! We're both gonna be all fat and healthy in a few months...I don't even want to think of how much weight I've put on since I quit...but I don't care...cause it will come off when I finally start exercising and my metabolism evens out!!

My husband had two or three bad days (smoked 40 years) and was over it.

I was like normal quitters, it was hard work, but I stuck to my guns and am now over it. I've been quit nearly three years.

Quitnet.com is an EXCELLENT place to get educated about quitting smoking. Knowing how to quit is as important as the decision to quit, believe it or not. It's knowledge you need on how to keep a quit after you have put the last one out that is most important because if you really don't understand how to stay quit, people usually end up only pausing in their smoking, not quitting it.

If you need or think you might need bypass surgery, you need to quit smoking forever more urgently than most who quit smoking. Waiting too long is waiting too late.

Good luck!

Wanda, I just ordered, thanks for the code that was nice to get a savings. I hope it comes quickly, love to play with new toys, and maybe it will be a health benefit too! Wish me luck! CR I hope I do as well as you.

I hope you do too donner! I'm still smokin' my little "faker" LOL! Not as much any more but still depending on him.I think I'll name him...after all he is my best friend right now!

You go Chubby!
The nicotine is out of your system and it's all habit now.
I'm glad the fake ciggie is helping.
I wished they were available when I quit and I bet they make the process much easier!

You rock darlin!

Lori