Update on my progress with quitting smoking...

Okay, so this is not such an easy thing to do. BUT I remain determined. I smoked 6 cigarettes yesterday. 2 the day before. But, as i see it, in 2 days i have smoked less than i notmally do in half a day. So this is excellent progress. My plans did not include smoking at all, but then I am not perfect, but continue to stay determined and focus on leaving them alone.
It does get hard with Paul continuing to smoke. Knowing the cigarettes are there, smelling the smoke on him and in the garage.

So I spent some time reflecting on WHY I did so much better the day before yesterday, and determined this: The day before yesterday, I used the patch. Yesterday, I got one out, then forgot to put it on. So, I am thinking this may be why I did not do as well. So, I have to try to remember to use that patch and I also need to find ways of distracting myself better when a craving hits. This can be tough.. but I shall prevail!

Patrece,

I was required to quit smoking before my surgery.  Quitting smoking is one of the hardest things I have ever had to do, but I have now been smoke-free for a little over 5 months.

If I can do this, anybody can.  The first week is the roughest but I promise that it will get a little easier each day once you get past that.

Good luck; I know you can do it!

Colleen

Thanks so much Colleen! I appreciate the support and words of wisdom. Congrats to you on your success in quitting. I quit for my surgery, but after i was back home 2 people living there were still smoking. They smoked outdoors, butI culd smell it all over them, and ohhh I was rady to kill em to get one. That was that.

Colleen... you need to update your weight lost ticker! You are doing great!

Hey girl, hang in there it will get easier as the days go by.   Going to throw a couple of ideas at you that helped when I quit anyway.   Like I said before I was among smokers at the time full time also and it was really difficult.   I did find that when I felt I needed a cigarette if i would put something else like sugar free hard candy in my mouth or even it seemed like if i kept my hands busy with my plastic canvas, crocheting etc.  That helped me to get thru the real hard times.     I actually chewed on twizzlers the first time I quit and that helped me but I don't know if you can get those in sugar free or not and I wasn't worried about that at that time.     Keep up the good work, you will kick them I'm sure.    Hugs.......Anna

Thanks Anna! I bought a few varieties of sugar free gum. Have been working on my website for my biz a bit and studying up on bariatrics as usual, but a bit more to stay occupied mentally. Even take a nap if it gets too strong of an urge. I seem to do much better with the patch on. Will have to deal with withdrawl from that later.. there are 3 strengths, step one , two and three.. By the time I get to step 3 I think I'll be good to go.

Thanks for the ideas and the encouragement and for standing beside me in this, and not judging. That means a lot to me.

Dear Patrece,
I'll pray for you. Nicotine is such a hard one to overcome. You have done so much to be healthier this is one more step. Say no one  time at a time. You can do it~
Blessings~
Annie

hey patrece, try the sugar free wurthers. something about the buttery flavor satisfied my cravings. of course i gained a lot of weight baack then because they didn't have sugar free then. i also prayed before i quit to have the courage.  i hope u do well. you will feel soooooooooo much better, physically and mentally.  i wish you nothing but success. you can do it. love ya, vick

I quit smoking in 1982.  Cold turkey.  I was a 2 1/2 pack a day smoker.  My daughter, then 5 told me she didn't want me to die.  That's all it took.  I crumbled up almost an entire carton into the trash.  Haven't had one since, except in my dreams. LOL

I cut drinking straws to the size of a cigarette and chewed the heck out of them.  It was more to have something to do with my hands than anything.  I wasn't even aware when I quit using the straws. 

My DH had quit a year before me, so that made it easier.  Now I find I have low tolerance for smokers (no offense LOL) and cannot stand the smell.  And when I'm around someone who smokes, I always think that I too, smelled like a dirty ashtray when I smoked.  YUK. 

Wishing you success.  I know it's hard.  You can do it!  Then you can start working on Paul to quit. LOL

Hi Patrece,
Quiting smoking is  hard , but it is very very well worth it. I quit 10 years ago by using the patch and taking it one day at time keeping busy all day to keep myself distracted . So good luck   

Yayyyyyy Patrece, good insight.  Keep up the patches, send Paul far away to continue his habit.  Hang in there, the cravings will reduce in time.  You will enjoy the improved energy and ability to breathe and do things.  Hugs, Kathy