Nicotene (cigarette) free for 2 weeks!

@maezee (41997)
United States
November 18, 2012 12:28pm CST
Just thought I would share my good news. Sort of good news, that is. I haven't been on here in over a month (or probably more like 2-3) but before about 2 weeks ago I was a pack-pack and a half a day smoker - BAD! This had been going on for about the past 5-6 years, since I was a junior in high school I believe? Anyway, my aunt was diagnosed randomly with Stage 4 lung cancer that spread to ALL parts of her body - pancreas, liver, chest, throat, bones, and 2 brain tumors. Very very sad but we are all being positive about it and she is currently getting chemo. Anyway, me and my parents made a "pact" to all quit smoking, and of course who is the only one who has followed through? Me of course! It is especially hard when I am stressed, after I have eaten, while I am out drinking, etc. It's also weird when driving. It feels as though I need to have something to do with my hands, and I am going a little mental from it. But I am proud of myself for making it as far as I have so far. Even if I fail, I can't say I didn't try. Plus, I am going to save around $180 a month if not more! Quite shocking... But it's a good thing, as I can perhaps put that money to better use (such as paying off my credit card or Christmas presents). My only problem is in that past two weeks.... I have gained five pounds. I have not been using the patch or any kind of nicotene gum and I HAVE been eating a lot... NOT GOOD. I am replacing one addiction with the other. I have tried chewing gum and drinking water instead but it's not helping me so much. I don't want to replace one addiction with the other, and I definitely don't want to gain any more weight. What can I replace smoking with?
3 people like this
9 responses
• Philippines
19 Nov 12
Well congratulations for that new milestone. Quitting on addictions like smoking, drinking and even online gaming is a tough but rewarding journey. Only few people have successfully gone out of their vices because they are determined to do it. Strong support system like family and friends could play a vital role on your personal endeavors. Maybe you can consider to seek medical help in order to combat the withdrawal syndrome that you're currently experiencing. Your physician can suggest techniques to fight those cravings. You can also join groups that supports people like you. Hopefully, you'll get thru this... successfully. :-)
@adforme (2114)
19 Nov 12
Your on the right track to better health. Quitting smoking causes immediate improvement in your body according to doctors. There is something to be said about that. Take this improvement a step further by keeping up the good work and working on a healthy diet and exeercise regimen. It will be good for you, and good for you for quitting smoking.
• Philippines
19 Nov 12
First of all, I like to congratulate you for being able to go this far. Keep up the good work though. It's just normal that you gain weight after withdrawing from smoking. I've seen this happen to my friends as well. Try eating and nibbling fruits instead of fatty foods. You can do exercise as well or engage in other healthy activities like sports. If you're not into sports like me, try reading a book.
@coldnpale (555)
• Greece
18 Nov 12
I have seen many people gain weight once the stop smoking. I don't know why exactly it happens, but it happened to a couple of people i know as well. First of all congratulations about your progress. But a piece of advice I wanted to give is that you should not say "at least I tried" if you fail to quit smoking. If you really want to quit smoking you should stop even thinking about the possibility of smoking again. If you can do this, you are strong;) I never smoked myself so I can't really understand how difficult it is to quit smoking, however, my fiancee quitted smoking 4 years ago and we are both proud for this. Best of luck and wishes to you!
@robspeakman (1700)
18 Nov 12
Well done, well done to you. I gave up smoking 5 months ago - I woke up morning and made the decision to stop smoking. I went completely cold turkey. I think that the fact that I WANTED to stop did help me give up without any real cravings - I did find it very easy to stop. In the 5 months since I stopped, my lungs have cleared and my skin does look better. I have also been surprised by the massive improvement in my sense of smell and taste Like you, I have gained a little weight, which I think is better than coughing up you lungs every morning. As for replacing an addiction - try snacking on raw veg and fruits
@glenng01 (71)
• Philippines
19 Nov 12
Sports!! Sports are fun, quite addicting but in a good way. Also, I heard guyabano fruits(don't know the english name though) is good for cancers. It's natural so there's no harm in trying.
• Valdosta, Georgia
18 Nov 12
That's so good that you got this far! That is awesome. It is a very hard addiction to stop. =) I would replace it with like someone else said some fruit, that is a healthy snack and not fattening. I'm sorry that your gaining weight, mostly everyone does that and no one likes it at all. My mom chewed gum, ate fruit, got some lollipops for the something to do with her hands (lol) and sometimes she had candy but not much of that...
@mariaperalta (19073)
• Mexico
18 Nov 12
good for you.. those things are very bad for you. I know its hard to quit. Keep up the good work.
• Philippines
18 Nov 12
Good that you transition in a much healthier and safer lifestyle. Indeed those stuffs are not good for your body and worse you can harm the people you love because of second hand smoke. but i congratulate you for the wonderful change you shifted your life. Keep a healthy lifestyle and life would be good! :D