Advice from ex smokers?

[cassandramarie93 199]

One of my greatest concerns is one of my long time friends is also a coworker and we car pool. Part of our routine has a lot to with smoking before we go in for the day. I just told her that I feel that a change of routine is in order to avoid undue stress and triggers between the two of us. Currently I'm feeing rather guilty over this as I can tell she is upset right now even though I know I did the right thing. After reading these comments I'm feeling a bit more uplifted and reassured. I'm pulling at the leash as well as dreading tomorrow!

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[GSleeve822 394]

I quit 2 weeks before surgery as my doctor requested (4 mos ago) Scariest thing I've ever done. You'll survive tho. It only takes a few days for nicotine to be out of your body. You can do anything for 3 days. I used toothpicks and lollipops in the car and other times that were hard for me. It actually really helped. I am very glad I quit, but for the first 2 months, I hated life and hated quitting. I wanted to smoke every single day. Just know that it's normal to feel bad and that it will pass. Best of luck to you!

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[cassandramarie93 199]

@@GSleeve822 I'm currently going between feeling very empowered about my decision and being on the brink of panic lol I'm a mess. Thankyou, friend.

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[Guest]

I used Nicolette gum and inhaler for about a month to wean off the nicotine.

I also used a breath holding technique to get over nic fits. Suck in as much air as you can and hold. Suck in more in little sips until you are over inflated. Hold for as long as you can. Let out air slowly and you will feel great!

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[marnie86meg 1]

I quit smoking cigarettes 2 years ago today Aug 1, 2014. I used the ecigs and it helped tremendously. I weaned myself off of nicotine in 2 months and had no problem with withdrawal. Best thing I ever did. Whenever I have a craving to smoke I still use the ecigs (vape pen) once or twice a week. It worked for me. I was a 30yr+ smoker. Good luck on your journey.

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[ami23 7]

I went to an acupuncturist, don't know if it really helped but also used cut up straws and gum and a few times an e CIG but soo not the same IMO. I haven't had a cig since, was a 2 pack/ day smoker for 10+ years. Good luck

[thatmeanone 240]

I also used a breath holding technique to get over nic fits. Suck in as much air as you can and hold. Suck in more in little sips until you are over inflated. Hold for as long as you can. Let out air slowly and you will feel great!

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Completely unrelated but incidentally this technique is also very effective at getting rid of hiccups....

I quit 8 years ago using chantix but I want a cigarette every single time I see someone smoking. I just have to remember that it would only take one for me to become a smoker again.

Edited August 1, 2016 by thatmeanone

[kmorri 1,689]

I quit about 8 years ago after smoking most of my life....and I'm 56 years old so that's a long time!! My husband and I both quit at the same time and both did it cold turkey! One thing that was a great incentive was the amount of money we were saving.....even years after sometimes we'll go through the cigarette check out lane at the grocery store just to see what the price of our old brand is........It's crazy how much money we've saved by getting rid of those things!!

I wish you all the luck in the world! It's not easy but it is sooooooo worth it in the end. Just think about all the improvements you're making in your health....stopping smoking, and weight loss...Wow! Rock Star!!!

Edited August 1, 2016 by kmorri

[cdsjjotn 516]

One of my greatest concerns is one of my long time friends is also a coworker and we car pool. Part of our routine has a lot to with smoking before we go in for the day. I just told her that I feel that a change of routine is in order to avoid undue stress and triggers between the two of us. Currently I'm feeing rather guilty over this as I can tell she is upset right now even though I know I did the right thing. After reading these comments I'm feeling a bit more uplifted and reassured. I'm pulling at the leash as well as dreading tomorrow!

I hear ya!! My best friend and coworker took it pretty hard, kept thinking it was her. I explained over and over that I have to separate from our routine or I will never be able to quit . This included weekends out too so she is really not happy. Which puts the quilt on me tremendously. Unfortunately unless she will change too our relationship is not and will be as close as it used to be.

You have to look out for you , you are number 1 , you can do this !!

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[cdsjjotn 516]

Sorry I guess I don't know how to quote , the above message was @@cassandramarie93

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[cassandramarie93 199]

@@cdsjjotn lol I feel you I have NO idea what the hell i'm doing on this app... Yet! Thank you girl I'm realizing that change is completely terrifying but given the circumstances it absolutely needs to be embraced.

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[cassandramarie93 199]

Wish me luck today guys! I'm collecting all of the ashtrays up and then beginning a truly new day!

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[justhere4theshow 462]

Good luck!!!

[kmorri 1,689]

@@cassandramarie93 I thought of one more thing......tell everyone you know that you've quit! When I first started the quit process I told myself I wasn't going to tell anyone I knew, but then I realized I was doing that because I didn't want anyone to know if I failed......So as soon as I figured that out I told everyone I knew....plus I put a big announcement on Facebook....so everyone helped to hold me accountable.....so my advice is to not keep it quite!!! Good luck!!

[bigmamaAfrica 49]

I have quit twice in the past 2 yrs.. Both times cold turkey. Between pregnancy and nursing I was not smoking for most of 2014/15.. My second quit phase was right before the Sleeve surgery in March. Had my last ciggie week before my op. My wife smokes (heavily) and so the first few days is always rough on both of us..I'm sensitive to the smell and her always going for a cigarette just irks me! Lol. But, it gets better. I just redirect my attention - thank goodness for toddlers! Going out can be hard (alcohol n cigarettes are a match made in heaven).. But luckily, my alcohol consumption in general has drastically reduced... Again.. Could be the toddlers! So my advice is have very exhausting young children in the house at all times! Lol

On a serious note though - don't be nervous, you will be ok. It so commendable that you're even starting early. You're planning for success. Even without WLS, quitting is always the best choice for your health. Good luck

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