Any Former Smokers?

I am 12 days without a cigarette.  I'm doing okay, I've not slipped up at all, and I went cold turkey.  I know I can do it, that's not the problem.  The problem is that I can't get past being mad about it.  I'm just pissed off about the whole thing right now, and can't seem to overcome the anger part, even though I know why it's important that I quit before surgery, know all of the reasons that smoking will hurt my WLS success, and am perfectly aware of how much a pack now costs.

It's like I've been stripped of all of my crutches, and haven't found anything to turn to to fill the voids yet.  I can't eat just to eat, can't smoke, have never been a drinker.  And sorry, sugarless gum just ain't doing it. 

So, help me out, if you've been through this part.  When will I stop being mad?

I quit cold turkey too...years ago...and have had an occasional slip up...some which have lasted more than just one smoke....so, I know where you are coming from.  I can't remember ever being mad, but do remember feeling like I was being cheated.  Of course, by smoking, all I was doing was cheating myself out of years of my life.  When I quit, I chewed the hell out of things like straws and pen caps.  At least they were calorie free LOL.   Its ok to feel angry...actually, its much healthier than trying to stuff those feelings down.  Have you tried exercise?  Maybe find a punching bag to take it out on?  I can't answer when you will stop feeling what you are feeling, but it should get easier (yeah, i know...great help I am huh? LOL) 

Hang in there...you can do it!

Heather G

Withdrawal hits people so many different ways - I quit smoking almost 20 years ago and all I remember doing was crying - OMG it was horrible! I had my last cigarette at 9:00 AM on Sunday, March 11, 1990 (how's that for remembering?) and by 9:00 that night my husband was ready to go buy me a CASE of cigarettes because I was such a mess. At work that week I told my 2 friends (smoke friends) that I couldn't be with them that week for carpooling or lunches - I had to stay away from smokers totally - and I must have had this look on my face because people would come up to me and have this 'Oh you poor thing' look and say 'Is everything okay' - and I would literally burst into tears and cry 'Yes, I just quit smoking...sob...sob....sob' - it was pitiful.

I did that for one week - I don't know if I was mourning the loss of my closest 'friend' or what, but after a week it was like my body was cleansed of it and I was fine - of course I probably didn't have any bodily fluids left either!! LOL!!

I've slipped a couple of times - always when I've been totally plastered and got the craving, only to feel sick as sh*t afterward, so trust me, once its out of your system leave it out!

I'm convinced cold turkey, as hard as it may be, is the best way to quit - cutting down rarely works because you always find a reason to ramp it up again. And yes, the cost is a killer! Take the money you were spending on cigs and put it aside for that BRAND NEW WARDROBE you're going to need post-op!!

The things you are going to be able to do with not smoking, losing weight and feeling better are far going to outweigh what you're feeling right now - its just going to take some time. But you know you can't smoke anywhere anymore - and if you do light up people look at you as tho you're a leper or something. You'll be able to fill the 'voids' by becoming a lot more social - shopping in new stores for clothing - exercising like you've never been able to before - walking - and just being a whole new person. And you'll smell a whole lot better too!

I wish you all the best - keep coming here for support - we're not just about weight loss and we'll help you get through this.

Kathy

ps: I was FAT all the years I smoked, so I can't even say that cigs kept me thinner...

Hey Jessica,

I smoked for 27 years and quit with the help of Chantix.  I  was not a happy camper, because I enjoyed smoking.  I felt like I was loosing a friend. 
I had my DS surgery almost 7 years ago and after quiting smoking have gained back 30 lbs!  You wanna talk about being mad!!!!!  So please take it from me, you want to quit now BEFORE your surgery! 
I have started drinking water!  It really does help.  Not as good as a cigarette, but gives me something to do when I get an urge.  Also I used to hate the way my hands smelled after smoking, so when I quit I would smell my hands all day long.  Sounds weird, but whatever works! 
Try to focus on your surgery date and how happy you are gonna be when you are on "the other side"!   It truly is worth it!

Hope this helps a little! 

Hey there Jessica!

I'm in the same boat you are.   I quit last monday...  and it hasn't been easy, but chantix makes it easier.  I get moody, or aggricated easily now.  And i know it's all in my head.  I need to find another way to deal with my stress...   haven't found it yet, but the wedding is keeping me preoccupied.  reading, cross-stitch, doodling, browsing the internet........

Thank god norm is supporting, and dealing with my moods lol....

Good luck...  I know we can do this.   

I too quit in September as a condition of getting my RNY surgery.  I still have feelings of anger, frustration, and pity for myself.  I gained nine pounds in one month.  Wanted to start smoking again.  I talked to someone at my support group who had been through the same thing.  She told me it gets better but those feelings never go completely away.  I had to retrain myself to do other things besides smoke.  I walk, drink water, and avoid putting myself in situations that were always associated with smoking.  My newest problem is that my sense of smell has started to return and I have discovered that my house stinks!!  So when the urge hits I start housecleaning.  It is great exercise and the house is starting to look better than it has in years.  I have lost 25 pounds and see my surgeon in May for my for my pre-op appoinment.  Hang in there and vent here when you feel the need.  This is a great place.
Kathy K

Thanks everyone.  I appreciate it.  I've quit before, so I know it gets better.  But the other two times were before I got pregnant, and it didn't bother me, because if I continues, I'd be hurting someone else, and I'm not all right with that.  Obviously, if I'm willing to smoke in the first place, I'm not too concerned with hurting myself, and that's the problem.  I'd rather do for myself what I WANT, then do that hard part and give myself what I NEED.  Which would be exactly the thought pattern that led me to needing WLS in the first place. 

poor jason continues to try and quit he quit 9 mos and then his mom came to visit and he started again. quit for 6 then we bought a house and he started again. what we learned is that his anxiety is very bad and unmanageable and that in order for him to be sucessful he would need anxiety management tools. he is getting there and ready to try again with chantix.

The one thing he did that helped was he walked around the block on the hr or around the parking lot. He was used to taking cigarette breaks so he took the breaks still but walked around.
also he ate the heck out of some SF popsicles LOL.
Good luck

Jessica, Mary, and anyone else who's trying to quit smoking---don't give up!!!   It gets easier as time passes.  I was a heavy smoker (first thing I did each day when my feet hit the floor was light a cigarette, but I quit 11 years ago with the help of the patch and straws.   I never thought I'd make it, but I no longer have the desire to smoke.  I'm so glad I quit---one of the best things I've ever done for myself.  It might help to look at it in smaller chunks: "Just for today, I won't smoke."  I can do anything for a day at a time.  Keep up the good work!!!!!

Hi Jessica - I'm a former smoker.  Smoked for 10 years and have been a non-smoker now for 10 years.  I agree with some of the other posters - cold turkey is the way to go. 

I am a true believer of deep breathing exercises.   It really calms me down.  Take a full, deep breath and let it out slow.  Envision the anger leaving you little by little each time you exhale.  Close your eyes too and think of something else.  I use deep breathing whenever I have anything crazy going on in my life.  Whether it is stress, anger or strangely....cramps.

Good luck and hang in there.
Lisa