epright9's Journal, 04 August 2016

After you put them down, never pick them up again. Not half a cigarette, not a couple drags, not even a puff. Ever. It sucks quitting. It's super hard with cravings, irritability, but it won't kill you. After four days, the worst is over. After a week, you've got it in the bag. Just never pick them up again. 

Epright, I was "forced" to quit smoking and lose weight and start exercising, changing my lifestyle altogether in May when I was diagnosed with Diabetes. It was my wake up call. My family is proud of me and keeps telling me they want some of my will power. I tell them it isn't willpower as much as it is determination. I could easily pick up that cigarette (and it has been 11 weeks since I have had one), I could easily have that pasta or pizza or dessert and definitely easily not workout every day, but I tell myself that this is for ME and my health and if I truly want to live a longer life and enjoy it, so just do this. Every day will get a little easier Epright, but I am not going to tell you it will be easy and you won't have cravings, because that just isn't true. I did use the patch for the first 4 weeks to get me started and for me I was able to stop using that and have been successful. As Lady stated DON'T let yourself pick up that cigarette. From anyone I know that tried to quit and did that, they went back to smoking. Every time I have that urge to light up, I remember what friends have told me and fight it off. I can be a cheerleader for you, I am on that same path. It isn't easy, but let me tell you it makes me feel so good about myself that I am accomplishing this. I also don't get winded and can breath so much better! So many advantages of quitting smoking. and I loved smoking. I enjoyed it. it relaxed me. I was/am truly and addict but believe I have kicked it for good! :)  

After 15 years not smoking, I still love the smell. But I refuse to give in. 

I quit about 25 years ago and now at my age, I'm glad I'm not lugging around an oxygen machine. Really glad I quit when I did. Twenty five years from now may seem like forever, but when you get here, it's a good feeling to know that you did it and your quality of life is better for it.  

There are two on here trying to quit smoking right now also. Good luck on your new marriage, just don't ask me for advice. lol Stop the smoking, as the worst thing is what it does to your teeth, and they can be expensive to fix. You need them for life too. good luck with everything, you are very pretty. 

Great decision to quit smoking! Just recognize that you may put on a few pounds as your body re-adjusts (the "experts" say about 5lb. can be attributed to stopping smoking), so don't get discouraged if you see little or no positive movement on the scale for a few weeks, or even a couple of months. Hang tough, and you will soon "catch up." Then you will be able to celebrate a double victory!!!  

Good luck with quitting smoking. I did it about 28 years ago, and I haven't regretted it once. At least now everything I own doesn't smell like smoke! BTW, don't say you'll attempt to quit - say, "I'm GOING TO QUIT!" It's a more positive affirmation. I know you can do it!  

Thank you all for the advice and positivity, it means more than you know. I've quit twice in my life...once for two years and the 9ther when I was pregnant with my son. Every time I started again my significant other (at the time) were smokers. My current fiancé is not a smoker so I'm hoping that will help. Currently I live with my parents and my mom and best friend is a life long smoker so it will be hard but I know I can do it...I will do it. I wanted to wait until I reached my goal weight but I think it's time to quit. Saturday is the day and you all me me excited about quitting...thank you again and hope you spend your weight loss journeys and my journeys supporting each other! :) 

Good luck! When I quit, I was also trying to lose weight..so some tricks I used instead of overeating were brushing my teeth when I had a craving (weird, but works), and keeping a toothpick in my mouth. Anyway, you can do it!