Post Your Smoke Free Stats

[Atriana]

OK everyone, I'm looking for some reinforcement here! Here are my stats:

12 days, 11 hours, 26 minutes and 41 seconds smoke free. 480 cigarettes not smoked.
$48.00 and 3 days, 16 hours of your life saved!

[pegm]

Stats: Been a non-smoker for 8 months, 4 days, 3 hours, 13 minutes. I'm not even sure how much money it's saved, but can say how much heathier I am and how much better I feel!

[agonycat]

Smoke free since June 2000. :D

Hrm what do cigs sale for now? When I stopped they were 2.75 a pack....at 2 packs a day....$2,007 a year .... holy moly! :lol:

Glad I quit..... :)

[Atriana]

New, up to the minute stats:
14 days, 18 hours, 53 minutes and 55 seconds smoke free. 560 cigarettes not smoked.
$56.00 and 4 days, 6 hours of your life saved!

When does this get easier??

[Brian H]

I haven't smoked in 396 days. I smoked heavily for 12 years and I don't miss it one bit. I used the patch and Zyban (drug).

I save $110 each month by not smoking, but now I'm spending all that money for the pricier "extra lean" foods and cooking paraphenalia to support my new low-carb lifestyle. :spin:

Keep it up. Remember...after the first week or two, it's all mental.

[Atriana]

Thanks Brian!
Mental or not, I am definately still missing it. But, the new updated stats are:

19 days, 18 hours, 17 minutes and 8 seconds smoke free. 760 cigarettes not smoked.

[happy2lose]

I am happy to say that I have been smoke free for 11 days and it feels great. This is about the 4th time I have tried and I am positive this time it will work. I am using the patch and don't seem to have the cravings as bad. Everytime I want a smoke I reach for my water bottle! I have also found sunflower seeds to be helpful for those times when I want to munch...at least they a low carb. I also always have a pack of Dentyne Ice...as it's one gum that is carb friendly.

Good luck to all of you who are trying to quit......better health to us all. :clap:

[Atriana]

happy2lose - you are doing great. You sound so positive about the whole experience!
As of today, my stats are:
23 days, 18 hours, 16 minutes and 20 seconds smoke free. 920 cigarettes not smoked.
I am not having an easy time of it, but still hanging on.

[phonemarsh]

I quit almost exactly 4 months ago. It does get easier. You're almost past the very worst. I can go a couple of days without even thinking about smoking now, and when I do think about it it's only in casual passing. I was the last person you could imaging quitting. So if I could do it, anyone can.
Whatever you do, DO NOT PICK UP ANOTHER CIGGARETTE!!!
Just think about suffering these past couple of weeks all over again just because you were curious to see how it would seem to smoke again. In my case, I know that one cigarette would be equivalent to being a full fledged smoker.
Once, about a month into quitting I had my shoes on to go to the gas station and buy cigs., thank god my husband had the smarts to ask me to wait 20 minutes and if I still wanted a cigarette, he would go buy it.
As he suspected the desire passed and I've never looked back. Good luck to you, hang in there..... :thup:

[Atriana]

Thanks Phonemarsh! I think I need to put myself on a deserted island for a month or so. I don't seem to have a problem with going out to get cigarettes, my problem is that 90% of my friends smoke and I find it way too easy to ask them for a cigarette. Probably, if I averaged it out, I smoked 95% less in the past month, now for that last 5%.

[happy2lose]

Thanks for the support and kind words....I have now been smoke free for 25 wonderful days! The cravings are less and less and I find that I rarely think about smoking anymore. I love going into stores now and looking at the packs of smokes and knowing that they no longer call my name....I find it amazing now when I walk past people still smoking I am so thankful it's not me anymore.
Keep strong and just remember how much better your feel without them...food tastes better and the air smells much more fragrant!

Keep up the great work!!! :cheer:

[Gillian]

Hello all you great QUITTERS AND LOSERS!

I'll add my stats -- as they are the reason for having to lose the extra weight. (1Y, 1M, 3W, 3D etc.) No, if I were truthful, my choices of what junk to put into my mouth are the reason for having to lose the extra weight. Smokers are notoriously bad eaters, and I was/am one of the worst! Two things: 1. IT DOES GET BETTER, just take it one step at a time (just keep repeating, "at this moment in time, I do not choose to smoke" repeat: repeat: repeat etc.) and 2. If you're needing/wanting additional help, go to Whyquit.com -- excellent information!
It looks to me as if you are doing very well!

[agonycat]

:clap: Nice going Gillian

All of you are doing great! Keep it up.

I am getting close to my 2 year date and to be honest I never think about it anymore :)

[fiona]

I'm feeling kinda smug about this but I've been smoke free all my life. That's not to say I don't have any vices but I am thankful that I was just never tempted to smoke.

That's not to say it's been easy. Twenty years ago it was such a chic thing to do here that you simply were not part of the "In Crowd" if you didn't smoke.

The smoke used to make me sneeze, my eyes water and I felt sick within minutes of being in a roomful of smokers. At work I learnt not to complain about it - in those days employers listened to the majority.

Things have turned around slowly and a lot more places are smoke free zones. I'm counting my blessings.
Take care.

[Bambi]

17 Days ( I think) Im trying not to think about it.

Ive saved probley close to 200 dollars, dear husband has quit with me and his favourite saying is ' I quit smoking I can afford to.....' Its driving me batty. Im now replying 'yes dear but we cant afford everything' ;)

Second time I have given up and it better be the last, I gain far two much weight, I am however watching it this time.

Finding it hard to find non-smoking friends, most of my friends and family smoke, they dont relise it, but they stink and there houses stink, he he he dont I sound real smart.

Yep Im going to be the worst reformed smoker there ever was.

I have one little complaint: my boys (aged 4 and 6) havent even relised that we dont smoke anymore, well I dont think they have anyway.

Keep up the good work, Regards Joanne

[Mila]

6 months smoke-free for me after 23 years of 2packs/day. most days I do not even notice, but when it comes to creative writing, the urge is almost unbearable. I keep a pack of cigarettes in my desk drawer and see it everyday. it helps me to get used to be around cigarettes and not smoke.

mila

[misscindy]

:clap:
What an accomplishment for all!!! I am now going on my 6th week after smoking for 37 years. I am around smokers at work, so I have become use to being around the smoke. I opened my desk draw yesterday, and guess what I found lurking in the back of my drawer. yes a cig. boy did the temptations run wild. But, I thought of all I had been through the past 6 weeks, and did not want to start all over again. :angel:
Cindy

[dizzyd]

I have been smoke-free (but not nicotine-free, thanks to the wonderful, lovely, delicious, fantastic, stupendous patch) for 32 days.

That means $112.00 not spent on cigarettes and 320 cigarettes not smoked.

Of course, with the cost of the patch, I have actually spent about 5 more so far than I would have buying smokes. But that will all change in a matter of weeks now. After I no longer use the patch, I will be saving $28.00/week, or $112.00/month or $1,344.00/year.

That's enough to take a cruise with. Oh my!

:sunny: :Party: :dazzle: ALOHA!!!

[misscindy]

dizzyd :wave: hello

you are doing great, i am still smoke free, am off the Zyban but still use the gum We are going to make it. :wiggle:
miss cindy

[dizzyd]

Good for you! I've been tempted to try the gum, but I know myself too well and know that I would just be addicted that instead.

And hey, look at your stats! You're almost done you lucky thing! I am so happy for you. When you look back at this year you will be so proud of your accomplishments. What a good feeling that is!

I hope you are proud, because you certainly should be!

[tyranna]

I still want a smoke now and then, mostly from habit, though. The nicotine has long left me but 33 years is a lot of habit to divert. I gained a lot of weight, maybe 40 or 50 pounds but I'm on the way down now. I've been overweight most of my adult life and a smoker all the way through until last summer. (I'm 47 now). I wish I could tell you how many decades I wasted wishing that I could lose weight and get off the smokes. Well, I am off the smokes and I am losing weight. This has been quite a journey. :) I know now that I can do anything.

[gwilson38]

Well u wont believe this....Because our cigs went up here tremendously [ at least 8.50 a pack] I figured out I have saved at least $225. Wow thats a lot of money in less than a month. LOL ok so I have soent it on other things already.

[Jeanner]

I am so happy with myself....I smoked almost my entire life (23 years). I quit smoking in January...DH quit at the same time. I gained almost 15lbs just afterwards. I didn't eat anymore than normal and figured this was the first step. My low-carb WOE was the 2nd. Congrats to all.

[gwilson38]

Glad to hear U R doing well! I reached my goal weight several months B 4 I quit smoking [6 weeks ago] I am on the patch and it has been a big help. I think that low-carbing may be also helping my cig cravings and keeping my weight gain to a minimum. Altho my scale says Im up 6 pounds....I have been working out with weights so some could be muscle. All I know is that my clothes are fitting about the same as I did B 4 and thats a good thing!! U wont have a problem at all losing with a low-carb way of life. Keep in mind 2 things tho. 1st because U dont have much to lose your weight loss witll be slower. Also it might take a while longer for your metabolism to speed up. Good luck and keep up the great work!

[alto]

I started smoking, mildly, in 1966 as a teenager. By the time I'd graduated from college (1970), I was up to a pack a day. By 1979s, in a high stress job with a higher stress moonlighting job (writing daily reviews: 500 words in 45 minutes) I was up to 3 packs a day.

Quit in 1984. Never looked back. I can't imagine how much money I've saved, because a pack of cigarettes here costs more than a carton did when I quit! So lots and lots and lots. Hmmm. The cost alone would have driven me to quit!

Congratulations to all of you who have decided to quit. It is worth it. Your mouth feels better, you can breathe easier, people don't shun you in restaurants -- not to mention the breath! And the health benefits, of course, are obvious.

Bravo to all!

[dizzyd]

I quit in February and gained 15 pounds too, also not by eating too much, just by not smoking. It hardly seems fair, and I was pretty upset about it but I guess one thing first, then the other. I plan on sticking with Atkins because I know that it will work eventually.

Congratulations on quitting!

[henbane]

It's been 8 days. That's $9.75 I've saved so far. Plus my lungs, which are kind of important to me. :)

henbane

[henbane]

:eek: You mean you can gain weight from quitting smoking even if you DON'T replace the cigarettes with food? Woah, this is really bad news. I was hoping Atkins would prevent the weight gain. How come one still gains? Anyone know?

henbane

[mmoranmic]

After smoking for 19 years and two packs a day (near the end) I quit on Feb 5, 1990. What a miracle that day was! I have not found it necessary to pick up a cigarette since. God bless all of you who have found the courage to quit. I think it's the hardest addiction to give up and I spent a lot of time on my knees asking for willingness and for the obsession to be removed. Today I ask for another day of healthy living and I am grateful for each one that I am given.
Take care, Maureen

[dizzyd]

Yup, you can gain weight even if you don't replace the cigarettes with food. I believe that not smoking sends your metabolism for a loop and your body needs to some time to recover. I was talking to someone whose husband had quit smoking and he was one of those people who could eat anything and not gain any weight, and when he quit he gained weight, and it took him a year to be able to lose it again.

Not the best news I ever heard, but I have decided that not smoking better than being a little overweight. We have to honour our bodies needs and wants and give it the time that it neesd to heal. A lot easier said than done, I know...

Hang in there, it has to get better!

:bhug:

[dizzyd]

Woooo-hoooo!!!!!

May 25th marked 3 months as a non-smoker, and 5 weeks competely nicotine free. (I was on the patch)

I had lunch out with my dad and my sweetie to celebrate and it was wonderful!!!

:cheer: :cheer: :cheer:

[karenmee]

:D Thrilled to death or I should say life, I have been smoke free for over 2 1/2 months on atkins and doing well, I did back slide a bit but back on track now. You all are wonderful for the encouragement and the site is very helpful.

[aggieamy]

Last cig on june 7 1998 :)

[McRumi]

Lordy...that sounds boring!!

But 4 years ago, I sold the TV. Don't miss it. Found my brain instead. 9 months ago quit smoking after numerous attempts with patches, gum, Wellbutrin...this time cold turkey with prayer. Never looked back. Gained 50 lbs. THEN found Atkins 3 weeks ago...already lost 20 lbs. This is a WOL for me. And Sunday morning I quit booze. Free at last. Amazed at how "imprisoned" I was by these addictions.

I'm 45, feel better than I have ever felt in my life, and intend to get the most out of every remaining day my Creator gives me.

Immediate goal: IronMan in a year.

Wish I could have done this when I was 20. Didn't. But I is doin it now. LOVE the 40's...the "now or never" decade!

LOL.

Love and blessings,
Mark

[suzon]

44 yrs old ..quit 7 months ago cold tukey. I gained about 15 lbs and now I seem to have an obsession about food. I'm now trying to give this up to the Lord.I didn't quit smoking to now be obsessed about something else.I work out 5 days a week, 3 days of resistence training and 5-4 days cardio. I am healthier now than I was in my early 20's. I just need to get a handle on this food thing.It must be that compulsive behaviour thing. I'm great at being very good in this WOE but when I'm bad,I'm very very bad.The only good thing is I can get right back at it the following day.

[dankar]

I haven't had a cigarette in a few years but I did smoke cigars until June 25th., 2002.

I thought cigars were different, they were... they were worse. They were like smoking a giant cigarette and yes I did inhale.

I quit cold turkey on my wedding anniversary, June 25th. I haven't had the craving for a few months now but my old enemy, nicotine, is knocking on the door again. I know if I have one then I will be right back where I started. I don't know if I could stop again and I certainly don't want to go through the withdrawl period even if I could.

I just wanted to share my situation with some of you who may have experienced something similar. I'm hoping the renewed craving stops soon. This addiction just doesn't want to die. I love being a non smoker. Good luck to everyone. Dan

[agonycat]

29 months now and still going strong :)

Dan, there were times when I wanted a cig, but after the 2 year mark those cravings have pretty much ceased. Even when I am around people that are smoking my body has no desire to have one. In fact they smell rather foul at this point. It's more of a revolt reaction.

Even after I drink a cup of coffee, no desire either. So I think I can safely say at this point I am passed the returning point ;) Hang in there, the longer you go without the less it has a hold on you.

[dankar]

Thanks, cat. Dan

[quietone]

smoke free...three days alchohol free...not caffeine free yet...not carb free yet...

One poison at a time, please. :rolleyes:


Good luck, Jeff (McRumi) on the IronMan goal!!


:thup: to everyone who is smoke free!

[quietone]

:cheer:

[Chickadee]

Hi Bambi,

Don't feel bad that your kids haven't noticed that you aren't smoking. People tend to notice things that annoy them. Your boys are breathing clean air. That is a normal thing. Just tell them that you have quit, and they will give you big hugs! I speak from experience. When I quit the same thing happened. I expected everyone I knew to notice right away. The only people who noticed were people who still smoked. Then I just started telling people, my kids, friends, family, etc... You won't believe how supportive they can be.

Just tell them! :D
Chickadee

Congratulations on quitting! It is one hard thing to do!

[Atriana]

Hi everyone!
Tomorrow evening will be my quit time. Before you congratulate me, be aware that it was me who started this topic 10 months ago. Gee, I certainly have spent a lot of time without an accomplishment.
Anyway, I am having surgery on 1/10 and absolutely, positively have to quit 4 weeks before it. I still don't know if I am ready for it, but I have to be - there is no other option.
Anyone have any success stories they would like to share?

[fred]

:wave:
I haven't had a cig. for about 5 or 6 years I didn't write the day down. Good luck Atriana.

Fred

[Atriana]

Thanks Fred!
I smoked my last cigarette this evening - it wasn't even all that memorable. Somehow, I thought it would somehow be more special - it wasn't. Maybe that is a good sign.

[fred]

:wave:

Just renenber Atriana if you don't smoke the first one you won't ever start smoking again.

Fred

[Atriana]

You are so right!
I am feeling rather edgy and weird today. Of course, instead of sleeping in (which would have been the smart thing to do) I've been up since 5a.m.
They tell me the nicotine is totally out of your system after 3 days and that any symptoms after that are purely psychological. Is there any truth to this?

[Atriana]

I am sure hoping that things get better soon - the meter says 2 days, 11 hours, 31 minutes (but who's counting, LOL) I am quite edgy, am up 4, yes 4 pounds in 2 days - I'm sure it is just water weight, but...
My dog (Dana - a 4 year old Boxer), knows somethings up - she hasn't left my side. Which is nice and supportive in a way, but in the other way, she smells! Very doggy! But she's clean - has she always smelled like this and I just didn't know?

[Rainbowgc]

I'm an old timer (nearly 2 years) but it still feels good to post mine
so here goes:
Time passed
89 weeks, 6 days, 2 hours, 57 minutes, 42 seconds
Cigarettes not smoked
18,873
Money saved
$ 2,689.40

Erika

[Atriana]

That is awesome, Rainbowgc! How long did it take before it felt good?

[Rainbowgc]

It took about 2 months - I had awful withdrawal but I was determined.
The only thing that worked for me was not to pick up another cigarette. I did it by going cold turkey with patches available for backup - which I never used.
Erika

[Atriana]

OK, I'm scared. 2 months of active withdrawal? I am doing the cold turkey thing and everyone keeps telling me it gets a lot better after 72 hours. It doesn't?

[Rainbowgc]

Oh yes it does but you will have bouts of witdrawal for up to two months. Just treat yourself like the addict you are when it hits you and you will get through. A lot of hot baths and personal pampering got me through some tough spots. Also I treated myself to new perfum so I could smell myself for once in 30 years AND smell good LOL.

When the going gets rough, remember, like any other drug addict your body is going through huge changes - that's why you feel so lousy. Your body is ridding itself of poisons! That's why the first 72 hours are the roughist. After that your body is still adjusting - screaming for the drug of choice (nicotine) Slowly it subsides - normally within the first week or two. Then, if you are like me and have smoked for awhile, it will take awhile to break the habits associated with quitting and that's part of withdrawal too!
I had a very difficult time sleeping - I was having jolts in my sleep.
Called the doc and he said to take benedryl which worked very well for getting rid of some of the physical symptoms.

Even today, sometimes I want to smoke - but the addiction is gone and I can easily tell myself that like a herion addict if I can't have just one or I'll be hooked all over again!
So I let the thought pass without acting on it.
This is the part that gets easier each day after the first 72 hours.

Hope this helps,
Erika

[Atriana]

Thanks Erika!
I've been trying not to romance the cigarettes, not to feel deprived because I am not smoking. TomX's "That's ludicrous" works very well at vaporizing the cigarette thoughts. It is just the general uneasiness, tenseness and irritability that is bothering me the most. Actual cravings can be almost fun, in a sick sort of way. I know I can win that battle. it is the feeling not myself part that worries me the most.

[Rainbowgc]

Wow how insiteful! Keep kicking those thoughts butts and you will make it! Just remember it does get better every day!

[mischa]

Atriana...did it and tossed the last 10 cigs out...today I only had 2 first thing this morning...decided at 12 Noon to quit..with NO last cigarette to say good bye.
Ok I will not start whining with if's and but's....funny thing is I am totally emotional since I've decided to quit. Can not stop crying and have a headache from that.
Anyhow just wanted to let you know:) I am here suffering with ya

Mischa

[Atriana]

mischa (((hugs)))
Are you sure you are ready? I feel like I guilted you out with whyquit? (http://www.whyquit.com)
Read all the stuff you can on the Freedom site - there are some really good articles. Don't mope and be sad - try to rejoice in the fact that you don't have to poison yourself every hour or so. It does get better - promise!

I have chosen not to smoke for 5 Days 8 Minutes 3 Seconds. Cigarettes not smoked: 200. Money saved: $26.03.

[Atriana]

mischa - are you OK?

I woke up wanting to smoke for the first time in a few days. Odd. The thought went away almost immediately, but it was still there.

I have chosen not to smoke for 5 Days 11 Hours 1 Minute 7 Seconds. Cigarettes not smoked: 218. Money saved: $28.39.

[mischa]

Atriana, I feel edgy...like you said in earlier post's. My coffee is sort of "nacked" but I can still handle it. I feel a headache coming up...other then this I just want to smack someone...heheh I have the urge to ring someones neck :lol: I guess my nerves are a bit stretched....well I will keep busy today and do my biking and hope I get through day 2 without freaking out:)

22 hours, 10 min, 2 seconds:) wohooooo

Mischa

[Atriana]

Mischa - Use that edginess to good advantage, LOL, lay into the next telephone solicitor that calls you, tell off that rude clerk at the market.
Physical activity helps this edginess - you need to release some endorphins!
It really does get better.

[mischa]

Atriana, how did you get through the day...did the urge to smoke ease off again?
I had a really good day but I kept busy all the time. Gulped down buckets of water and did 30 min stretching exercise (Pilates) this morning and 70 min biking and Elliptical Trainer this afternoom. So far so good and I gained 2 hours 45 min by not smoking. Hehehe John said time watch an extra movie *smile*.

Anyhow time to prepare my supper...did not need my afternoon snack but should eat it with dinner, because I keep calories just above my metabolic rate so I won't gain!

Have a great evening

hugs Mischa

1 day 6 hours and 28 min *jump* and not even ripping my hair out:)

[Atriana]

I got through the day and what a day it was. My husband is sitting in Atlanta, his flight was overbooked, the next one was overbooked, there was a question for a while if he was even going to get home tonight at all, (he will be here at 11:05). Anyway, seemed like the perfect excuse for a cigarette - but - realized that a cigarette wouldn't make this or anything else better.

You are doing so well - just don't get caught offguard when the craves hit unexpectedly.


I have chosen not to smoke for 5 Days 23 Hours 19 Minutes 16 Seconds. Cigarettes not smoked: 238. Money saved: $31.05.

[mischa]

You are doing so well - just don't get caught offguard when the craves hit unexpectedly.

In a way I guess I am lucky...even if this happens I would be stuck here without a car and 50 min walk to the next store. So there is plenty of time to re-think a craving. Trust me now I am suffering...just had dinner and my body wants to go in this damn garage. Maybe I should just go in and stand around for a while..:lol:

You are doing great...almost 6 days:)

M

[Atriana]

Hang in there Mischa. Try not to romance them - you are not giving anything up - you are gaining your freedom.

[mischa]

I am hanging in there and have to say, it is getting a bit easier. I slept better last night and just a brief thought of a smoke this morning, when I grabbed my coffee and came on to the computer. The Garage is right behind me...my body kind of turned this direction for a second. My weight was back down, which made me happy...but I still have the feeling I am bloated. Rings are tight and I have a feeling my face looks like a blow fish ;) But not smoking...man I am Happy...almost 2 days *wheeeee*
Mischa :)

[Atriana]

Mischa you are doing great!

OK - all you other lurking-want- to- be -quitting- smokers, have we inspired you just a little yet?

I have chosen not to smoke for 1 Week 12 Hours 19 Minutes 30 Seconds. Cigarettes not smoked: 300. Money saved: $39.07.

[mischa]

whohooo Atriana...you got me to stop...Thank you Thank you Thank you!!!! And I feel great...my lungs don't whistle any more in bed or when I laugh:)

I have chosen not to smoke for 2 Days 21 Hours 7 Minutes 21 Seconds. Cigarettes not smoked: 37. Money saved: C$13.57.


Mischa

[Atriana]

And Mischa, can you imagine, if you can inspire one person to quit, and they can do the same, and onwards and onwards.

[mischa]

Atriana you are right, I send the website to a good friend of mine in Germany and hope it will have the same outcome on her, then it did on me. Hubby gave the Smoke free Website to a colleague at work....her parents are heavy smokers and struggle with the thought of quitting...so it does make some rounds. Oh in a few hours I can join this website....I am almost at 72 hours. You really think all the nicotine is out of our bodies? I feel sort of ok but noticed how puffy I am...even my face. I wonder if this is a reaction from my body for not getting it's drug? I am very pale as well...but sort of really ok with coping. Of course there are moments...like just now...but it is all manageable:)

Oki I better feed my animals and send hubby off to go Up-Island and then start doing things here.

hugs Mischa

[Rainbowgc]

You guys are doing great! Hang in there!
Erika

[mischa]

I have chosen not to smoke for 3 Days 19 Hours 54 Minutes 34 Seconds. Cigarettes not smoked: 49. Money saved: C$18.05.

Atriana oh boy yesterday I was in the foulest mood ever. I could not stand myself :lol: Thank god this day is over and I just hope its better today. Was a tad upset this morning and it must be nerves..the Freedom smoking site denied my membership and here I sat crying at 5 AM hehehehe. Man my nerves are really thin the past few days!!! Oh well...I can get through this without them...I came this far ..didn't I :)
My weight is bouncing too...this bugged me as well this morning..I was really hoping I could avoid this with my lowering my calories and upping my exercise. But I still retain water...my hands feel so hot and tight. Do you have this too?

I am whiny today...sorry:) How are things going at your house. Hubby doing alright...the 2 of you not in each others hair all day? :p

I wish you a nice Sunday

hugs Mischa

[morcant]

You guys are just doing amazing, support is what really makes a difference with the dreaded quit!
I have chosen not to smoke for almost 6 months, and though it is still a struggle, it's NOT an every day struggle anymore. There are still times when I "romance" the cigs, thinking that my smoking friends "get to" smoke and I don't, but that's usually when I'm feeling whiney... :(

Off to some family do's...keep the quit!

Huzzah to all you gorgeous good smelling non-smokers!!

Sarah

[mischa]

Hi Sarah,

I kind of expected it to be rough...and I guess the first 2 days I was lucky...I felt great. Just yesterday I started getting really bitchy..hehehe but I am sure this will pass :) (or I hope for hubby's sake :lol:).

I am glad that there are no smokers around me and with the smoking law here in BC you won't find any smokers in Restaurants and Bars neither. This should help for the cravings as well. Can't wait until I reach 6 month...for now it's a day at the time ;)

Thanks for the info and congrats to you for reaching half a year!

Mischa

[Atriana]

Mischa - Go over the stuff required for Freedom membership. In your request you need to tell them the date and time you stopped using any nicotine products. You also must mention that you have read their relapse policy. There was a list of stuff - they denied my first request because I only had 70 hours completed. It sounds hard assed, but they want you to read the stuff on their site. Check out the Join Now section again - include all the necessary stuff - they will welcome you then.

[Louise V]

Hi Atriana & Misha!
You can do this!! I've quit cold turkey it will be 9 months on Dec. 24th. I feel wonderful, no longer being a slave to a cigarette, I would never go back, the smell is now repulsive to me, I just can't believe I put my family through this for so many years.
Get through the first week and you'll see it gets easier, I think you should really keep yourselves busy, anything to keep your mind off smoking and before you know it the cravings are less, and the thoughts of smoking are less too...I'm a very happy person now and you both can be too..
Good Luck to you!!!
Louise

[mischa]

Hi Louise

thanks...I am on day 4 and coping. It bothers me to be so bitchy and I have hot feet and hands :lol: But I am glad I did not smoke for 4 days :) I will never smoke again..this is for sure and I know those days will ease off and become more normal. Were you low carbing then too when you quit? What did your weight do? I lowered my calories and upped my exercise...but my body is bouncing with a pound. I found my heart rate slow..checked it today and it was 40 (resting heart rate) a few weeks ago it was always around 65 or so. Ahh I am just bitching..hehehehe But hey...I AM A NON SMOKER :)

Mischa

[Atriana]

Thanks Louise V! It is always good to hear from the people who have had successful quits.
The cravings are way down, my consumption of sugar free mints is way up, and the appetite seems to be increasing a bit.

I have chosen not to smoke for 1 Week 1 Day 22 Hours 30 Minutes 9 Seconds. Cigarettes not smoked: 357. Money saved: $46.48.

[mischa]

Atriana, I just tried to apply again;) I hope this time I did not forget anything :p

I do drink water every time I have a craving or get restless. I find it helps a bit....but stay close to a bathroom :lol:. I must consume about 2 gallons right now but then its better then snacking for me. I have such a long way to go until I am in a comfy weight range.

How is your hubby coping? I really hate to be such a bit** and I hope this will get better soon....

I have chosen not to smoke for 4 Days 6 Hours 3 Minutes 14 Seconds. Cigarettes not smoked: 55. Money saved: C$20.04.


55 cigs not smoked...I don't even have my cough anymore and I don't wheeze and squike anymore when I laugh :)

[Atriana]

Hubby is one of those totally even tempered people who never raise their voice or cause a fuss. The only difference I can see in him is he has less tolerance for people who drive stupidly on the road.
I still have my moments, will get worked up over the smallest thing, but they are less and less as time goes on - and I am not naturally one of those calm type people anyway.
I have chosen not to smoke for 1 Week 1 Day 23 Hours 48 Minutes 54 Seconds. Cigarettes not smoked: 359. Money saved: $46.76.

[mischa]

Atriana

now I just got denied again. The last time I stated my smoke free stats...promised that I read the policy and will stay nicotine free and a few nice words...and now they tell me again I have to reply to a letter and read the site right. Well I am reading the site since days and unless I am missing something in this application again...it beats me. I guess I will just be a quiet reader on this website and share my progress here with you:)

I had no craving after dinner:) Ahh felt good not to think of a smoke:)

I have chosen not to smoke for 4 Days 7 Hours 49 Minutes 49 Seconds. Cigarettes not smoked: 56. Money saved: C$20.39.

[Atriana]

Mischa - here is the info:

We're sorry but all applications will be immediately denied unless they contain the following information:

1. A statement that you have not used any nicotine for the past 72 hours (including nicotine patches, nicotine gums, nicotine sprays, nicotine inhalers, nicotine pills, nicotine liquids, nicotine candy, cigars, snuff, dip, cigarettes or any other product containing nicotine)

2. The date you stopped using all nicotine

3. A valid email address

4. Tell us that you have read Relapse Policy.

If you apply for membership without providing the above information, or apply early , we have no choice but to deny your application. Please do not get discouraged by the nasty denial letter than MSN automatically generates when an application is denied. Once your body is nicotine clean simply reapply - providing the needed info - and we'll get you in as soon as possible. Thanks for your patience!



How about:
Hi. My name is _____ and my email address is _________. I quit smoking on _(date)___ and have not used any form of nicotine since then. . I have been nicotine free for at least 72 hours - my quit meter tells me it is actually been ________ hours. I would like to be a member of Freedom, I have read and understand the Relapse Policy.

[mischa]

Atriana:) :lol: this is worse then getting into Harvard!!! The 3rd. time I forgot the Date...and now its my name, too close to someone else's ;)

Almost 5 days for me :) whohooo I find it is getting easier to cope in the mornings now with my coffee. Evenings are still bad. I just read in your journal that your hands are still puffy as well..same here. Boy wonder how long the body retains water...you are heading into your second week. Congrats!!!

I have chosen not to smoke for 4 Days 20 Hours 26 Minutes 17 Seconds. Cigarettes not smoked: 63. Money saved: C$22.86.

smoke from 62 cigarettes not in my lungs:) I bet you they are celebrating :D

[Atriana]

But, if just anybody could get in, both Harvard and Freedom wouldn't be as special, would they? LOL.
It is worth it - remember - I'm going to be gone for about 5 weeks.

[DebA]

Hi Everybody. I quit smoking 8 months ago and chose to use nicotine gum to assist. At that time, though, I started picking up some of the 15 pounds I had lost while still smoking on the PP Plan. :eek: I thought that was kind of weird because PP says that losing weight on their plan would be more difficult if you were still smoking. The only thing I finally came up with is that I must be ingesting more nicotine through the gum than in the 10 cigarettes/day that I was smoking. I have doubled up time on my workouts and have been very restrictive in my carb intake. I decided last night to throw the gum down too after reading :idea: "Plateau Busters" on this website. I'll be disappointed if this actually means I might gain weight, but my plan is to keep not smoking or getting nicotine in any other form for that matter. I've been nicotine-free for 18 hours and I'm having my moments :confused: :confused: . Thanks for the guidance concerning that the worst is over in about 3 days. I understand this doesn't mean that it isn't over. I've been such a nicotine junkie (30 Years!), I realize it will take quite a while for urges to calm down.

You are all so extremely encouraging!!!! Please keep those tips and experiences coming!!!! :wave:

[mischa]

Hi Deba,

I quit smoking 2 weeks ago and stalled in weight loss. But this is normal as the body must adjust and go through nicotine withdrawal. I am glad you gave up on the nicorettes and face a life without nicotine.

Here is a helpful website to read up on

http://groups.msn.com/FreedomFromTobaccoQuitSmokingNow

good luck

Mischa

I am a non-smoker for: 2 Weeks 1 Day 3 Hours 12 Minutes 42 Seconds
Cigarettes not smoked: 196
Money saved: C$71.32
Life saved: 1 Day 8 Hrs 47 Mins 23 Secs

[Hoish]

I have been lurking around this board since Aug. I just found this thread so I figured I would post my stats.

I have been smoke free for 6 years this past November. I had been a 2 pack a day smoker for 18 years.

I made a promise to the DW that I would quit when she got pregnant. Well I did it.

I used the patch to help with quiting. I think it helped alot. My habit was very severe and I just could never go cold turkey. It took 6 weeks using the patch.

After quitting I gained 50 pounds. I have now lost almost 45 of those pounds using atkins. So the weight loss is the second major change for me.

If I ever think about smoking again, all I have to do is think back to the past. When I had a flu, chest totally congested and a cigarette in the hand. I thought how stupid I was and wished I could quit. Well I have quit. So can you.

Jim "Hoish" Hirsch

[mischa]

Jim Congratulations. I just quit 2 weeks ago cold turkey and I am trying to lose more weight. I am at a stand still at this moment however.

Well most of your quit weight is off:) You doing really well.

Keep up the good work

Mischa

[slawrie]

You haven't or can't quite bring yourself to even think this but...............you have quit smoking. Yes you have. If you have made it this far you are over the most difficult time.
I quit Feb. 8 th of last year. My first grandchild was born and I new that I DID NOT want to smoke around him, and I also wanted to live as long as I could. I couldn't quit for myself, but I could quit for the ones I love.
I have a super hyper personalily, always doing something with my hands. I never sit and do nothing. That was the hardest part about giving it up. I choose to eat instead. Thats O.K. I can lose the weight, I can't loose lung cancer.
Hang in there. Let us know how you are doing. Suzanne

[DebA]

Since i have only been off the nicotine gum for 4 days, what are some of the symptoms I can expect from withdrawing? Drs. Eades say on their website that people really shouldn't have to gain any weight if they quit while they're low-carbing. How true is this?

I sure appreciate all the support you guys give concerning this issue! :)

Thanks! :wave:

Deb

[mischa]

Hi Deba,

I am smoke free for 18 days now. I did gain a few pounds the first week, but it was water weight and today I am back to the weight when I quit smoking. I am glad you are off nicotine and the worse should be over with cravings. There is a good website you can read up on or join...lots of helpful hints for cravings. If you are interested I reported day by day of my withdrawals...mood swings and WOE down in my journal.

Here is the website

http://groups.msn.com/FreedomFromTobaccoQuitSmokingNow

good luck

Mischa

I am a non-smoker for: 2 Weeks 4 Days 3 Hours 56 Minutes 5 Seconds
Cigarettes not smoked: 236
Money saved: C$85.60
Life saved: 1 Day 15 Hrs 21 Mins 18 Secs

[DebA]

Hi Mischa! Just a quick line to say thanks for the info on the website. I'll check it out! Today I'm feeling kind of weird - I can't really explain it, but it's not a good feeling. Thanks also for the encouragement regarding sticking to my low-carb way of life. I originally went on the diet as a means of finding a way to quit smoking without gaining. However, as I got into learning about this lifestyle, I learned that there were some even greater benefits to eating this way - like heart, brain, mood, etc!!!!!

Again, thanks so much for your help!

DebA

P.S. Are you calculating those wonderful statistics on days quit, money saved, etc?

[mischa]

Hi Deba,

yes on the website I gave you there on the left hand side you can download this quit meter...it keeps track of those statistic's:)
I am glad you are hanging in there, trust me it will get better. I just broke my 3 week water bloat from the nicotine withdrawal and my weight loss is started again. See I still have a junk to lose and really did not want to gain weight either :p

Proud of you..if you need advise or just have to whine, visit me in my journal.

Mischa

[DebA]

Thanks, Mischa! And it's great and encouraging to hear that it only took your bod 3 weeks to start getting back to normal. I've had quite a time of it this past 7 days and I really appreciate your help. A few days ago I was real weepy and emotional. I haven't been able to work out in two weeks because I've had the flu - I thought I'd kick the nicotine last week while I was feeling pretty bad any way, not to mention it was my New Year resolution. I went back to the gym yesterday and today and I feel soooo much better - working out has always been one of my favorite stress relievers (besides smoking!). I have really enjoyed the website you turned me on to - I'm learning so much from reading all the articles. I just can't believe what nicotine has done to me!!!

Thanks again for your input. I tried to go to your journal, but I wasn't allowed in for some reason.

I hope you're having a great day.

Debra

P.S. Do you know anything about Malitol? Is it another sugar product?

[mischa]

Hi Debra,

I am glad you are doing fine and that the website is helping you to cope with the withdrawal. Just hang in there...it will get better. I have hardly any withdrawals anymore..just a few seconds a day I still think of my old habit.

Re. Malitol

Malitol is a member of a family of bulk sweeteners known as polyols or sugar alcohols. It has a pleasant sweet taste - remarkably similar to sucrose. Malitol is about 90% as sweet as sugar, non-cariogenic, and significantly reduced in calories. Malitol is especially useful in the production of sweets, including sugarless hard candies, chewing gum, chocolates, baked goods and ice cream." --Calorie Control Council"Useful in the Diets of People with Diabetes - Control of blood glucose, lipids and weight are the three major goals of diabetes management today. Malitol is slowly absorbed. Therefore, when malitol is used, the rise in blood glucose and the insulin response associated with the ingestion of glucose is significantly reduced. The reduced caloric value of malitol (2.1 calories per gram versus 4.0 for sugar) is consistent with the objective of weight control. Products sweetened with malitol in place of sugar may be useful in providing a wider variety of reduced-calorie and sugar-free choices to people with diabetes.

Just be aware that too much may give you an upset stomach and diarrhea.

Mischa

[Gaa625]

Wow, what a great site! I came here because I just started the Atkins diet and found this section of the forums.
I quit smoking two years ago yesterday using the gum. I went from the gum to regular gum (Extra, bubble gum flavor). I chewed like 20 pieces a day. After about 6 months I found that my toungue was very, very sore. I couldnt eat anything remotely spicey or hot. I then switched to Breathsavers and would roll them in my mouth hold them in my front teeth and whatnot to ease that anxiety type feeling. I was able to pull it off.
About a month ago I started chewing nico gum again, which it sounds like I will have to stop for the diet. Was stupid of me to start again, but I was going through kind of a down time, I guess you might say. I really like having something to suck on and found a post about cinnamon sticks, I think I will give this a try.
I smoked for 25+ years, I had asmtha as a young person and we got a cat and I found that I was asthma allergic to it. Oh, forgot, I am not known as smart :) Anyway I was waking up and hacking down a cig, it would take like half a cig before I could take a full pull, knew I had to stop. Was a great motivator, but hard on my lungs

[Gaa625]

woops, anyway I wish you all well in quitting, nicotine is a sneeky addiction. Good luck! And thanks!

[mischa]

Hi Ga625,

here is a good website that may help you with coping skills

http://groups.msn.com/FreedomFromTobaccoQuitSmokingNow/the1st72hours.msnw

Don't start again...you made it over 2 years now.

Good luck

Mischa

[Demi]

Today's my two week anniversary, so thought it would be good to post my stats here: :cheer:

Time Smoke-Free: 14 days, 17 hours, 36 minutes and 53 seconds

Cigarettes NOT smoked: 589

Lifetime Saved: 4 days, 11 hours

Money Saved: £130.76


I can't believe the number of cigarettes I HAVEN'T smoked in two weeks - that number is appalling :eek: - how could I have managed to actually smoke that many before :confused:

[mischa]

Demi, it's shocking to see the number of cigs eh? I can not believe what I pumped into my lungs.

Demi I am so happy for you...you are doing so great. Congrats on the 2 week Anniversary :D

I am a non-smoker for: 4 Weeks 2 Hours 31 Minutes 43 Seconds
Cigarettes not smoked: 365
Money saved: C$132.45
Life saved: 2 Days 12 Hrs 53 Mins 41 Secs

[DebA]

Hi Mischa & Company,

Sorry I haven't written for a bit - I've had two major projects due and now I'm officially out of the woods. I'm happy to report that I've now been off the nicotine gum for 15 days and I'm starting to feel MUCH better. Also, I haven't gained any weight (so far - keeping my finger crossed!).

Mischa, the website you turned me on to mentioned all the withdrawal symptoms I would experience and when to expect them to lighten up. Just by reading that I would probably only have one physical craving by day 10 really helped me get through the worst of it. I have had to deal with my psychological cravings much more - I really like to reward myself after completing a project with a cig or some form of nicotine. But, after looking at that website, I'm truly convinced I can do this! Thanks so much for the info. I am also chewing TONS of "Extra" gum for now.

Also, thanks for the info on Malitol. I was very concerned that it would break down into one of those "hidden carbs" you hear about. Take care all and here's to our fantastic accomplishment with our nicotine demon!!! :wave: ;) :thup:

[mischa]

Deba, I am really proud of you:) Keep on reading the Freedom Website, I really find it does help and you see that you are not alone with all your withdrawals and feelings you go through. I am 1 calendar month tomorrow :)

You will do it!!!!!

Mischa

I am a non-smoker for: 4 Weeks 2 Days 5 Hours 31 Minutes 30 Seconds
Cigarettes not smoked: 392
Money saved: C$142.46
Life saved: 2 Days 17 Hrs 29 Mins 55 Secs

[cwfgirl]

Just thought I would post my stats today. I'm really happy I decided to change my WOE and WOB (way of breathing)!
<IMG SRC="http://xnet2.com/quitmeter/graph.cgi?Year=2003&Month=0&Day=0&Time=6%3A08%3A26am&Zone=14&Cigarettes=25&Periodicity=1&Price=3.50&Perpack=20&Template=ELAPSED%20since%20quitting.%20CIGARETTES%20cigarettes%20not%20smoked.%20%24SAVED%20saved.&backgroundcolor=%23CAFAFB&textcolor=%23000000&fontsize=1&Transparent=&savedata="><br><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="1">QuitMeter Counter courtesy of <a href="http://quitmeter.com">quitmeter.com</a>.</font>

[mischa]

Krista good idea...here are mine

I am a non-smoker for: 1 Month 3 Weeks 2 Days 3 Hours 42 Minutes 2 Seconds
Cigarettes not smoked: 704
Money saved: C$255.20
Life saved: 4 Days 21 Hrs 20 Mins 2 Secs

love to see this:)

[fred]

Here are my stats.
Smoke fre years 6
Money saved about $9,800.00
Cigs not smoked 131,400 about give or take a couple thousand.

Fred

[Demi]

Yesterday was my 2 month non-smoking anniversary :yay::Party:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Today's stats:
Time Smoke-Free: 60 days, 7 hours, 14 minutes and 1 second
Cigarettes NOT smoked: 2412
Lifetime Saved: 18 days, 10 hours
Money Saved: £560.40
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Brews_Crew]

January 8th 2003! I'm going to make it this time. The longest I went before was 2 months (a couple of years ago), but life happened.

I went on the patch and welbuprin for the first month. When I was ready to switch down to the 14 mg patch, I decided that I had the will power to quite. I just stopped using the patch and my welbuprin. I did have a 2 days of withdrawl but they were containable.

[mischa]

I am a non-smoker for: 2 Months 1 Week 6 Days 20 Hours 24 Minutes 56 Seconds
Cigarettes not smoked: 986
Money saved: C$357.45
Life saved: 6 Days 20 Hrs 20 Mins 35 Secs

a good Website when coping with cravings

http://groups.msn.com/FreedomFromTobaccoQuitSmokingNow

Good Luck..I will NEVER smoke again. This quit was my second attempt after 27 years of smoking. The first time I quit 14 years ago I was off for 2 years. I was foolish to try a cig after all that time and was hooked again...this is showing you how powerful nicotine is. I am clean now :hyper: and will stay this way.

Mischa

[KoKo]

Never thought of combing quitting support with weight loss support :)

I have chosen not to smoke for 2 Months 4 Days 15 Hours 35 Minutes 58 Seconds. Cigarettes not smoked: 2262. Money saved: C$497.80.

[mischa]

KoKo we quit almost the same time:) Your must have been a New Years resolution? I quit on the 18th of Dec....thank god the worse is over and I feel like a non smoker:)

Mischa

[Brews_Crew]

I still have nicotine cravings every now and then. Of course I still have alchohal and carbohydrate cravings too. It's kind of like losing a loved one, or getting dumped. It's all about time. The more time I spend not performing these destructive behaviors, the easier it is for me deal with the physical and mental pangs.

Oh yea! Today is my 8 week aniversary! :Party:

[cwfgirl]

9 weeks this week! Still doing fine and not wanting to ever go back to that nasty habit. I'm sick of the smell of old smoke on people. It really is distasteful and I'm still kicking myself for not kicking the habit sooner...

[MKist]

Mind if I join in?

I haven't had even a puff in 10 days and 22 hours.

[mischa]

wohoo congratulations everyone on the smoke free time.

I will post this link again ...it is great reading and helps to cope with cravings

http://groups.msn.com/FreedomFromTobaccoQuitSmokingNow

I am a non-smoker for: 2 Months 2 Weeks 1 Day 23 Hours 6 Minutes 58 Seconds
Cigarettes not smoked: 1013
Money saved: C$367.40
Life saved: 1 Wk 55 Mins 12 Secs

Atriana thanks again for giving me the needed push :rheart:

Mischa

[dessertmom]

hi
I have stopped smoking 3 January 03.I dont miss the smokes anymore and I started low carbing 17 Feb.I have lost 12 pounds. The only thing is I really am constantly irritable.I am using a nicotine spray.I know that only time will make this feel better and I will not smoke again.
Anyway, good going all you new non-smokers.I dont know about you all but this has really been one of the most diffucult things that I have ever done and I am quite proud of it.

Now to get thin and stay thin...................


Dessertmom

[steffie123]

I am now 9 weeks smoke free! I feel great and actually quit chewing the nicorette gum as well.

I am actually at a point where I really don't miss them often anymore or think about it every second. When I first quit, I felt like I lost my best friend. Funny to think back on.

I will never start again (this is my second time quitting) I do not ever want to go through that again.

I just wish I could loose some weight now. ;)

[mischa]

I am a non-smoker for: 2 Months 2 Weeks 6 Days 4 Hours 29 Minutes 59 Seconds
Cigarettes not smoked: 1068
Money saved: C$387.31
Life saved: 1 Wk 10 Hrs 4 Mins 22 Secs

you will lose weight again:) I slowed down as well after I quit smoking ...but it does beat gaining 25 pounds like most people do:)

Congratulations and I am with you in NEVER having another smoke again!

Mischa

[neen]

I quit on my 34th birthday.. It will be one year on the 26th of April.
I still can't believe I quit. 10.5 monthes later and I am still in awe of myself

Neen

[Demi]

Held on the second Wednesday of March each year, and now in its 19th year, No Smoking Day helps people across the UK who want to stop smoking. The campaign encourages and assists smokers to give up, and publicises the many sources of help available to people. Each year over a million smokers join in the day, while an estimated 40,000 actually quit.

Smoking facts and figures from the UK
About 13 million adults in the UK smoke cigarettes.
Of all men in the UK, 29% are smokers. Out of all women in the UK, 28% are smokers.
Nearly 30 years ago, almost half the UK population were smokers. Today, less than one-third of the UK population smokes.
According to 1995 figures, smoking accounts for one in five of all deaths in the UK.
Adult smoking rates vary across the country. In the East, 25% of the population are smokers, in the North 31%, Scotland 32%, Wales 27%, Northern Ireland 29%


My Stats:
Time Smoke-Free: 2 months, 1 week, 4 days, 6 hours, 8 minutes and 59 seconds
Cigarettes NOT smoked: 2810
Lifetime Saved: 21 days, 11 hours
Money Saved: £653.80

[mischa]

Demi, Happy No Smoking day in the UK :)

here are my Stats:)

I am a non-smoker for: 2 Months 3 Weeks 21 Hours 17 Minutes 3 Seconds
Cigarettes not smoked: 1090
Money saved: C$395.32
Life saved: 1 Wk 13 Hrs 45 Mins 17 Secs


almost 1100 cigarettes...think about all the nicotine my lungs did not have to put up with.....

Thank god I am a non smoker !

[heavyheart]

Hello fellow non-smokers!!

I have not had a cigarette since January 5th and it is the best present I have ever given myself. I was a pack a day smoker for thirty four years so I do not want to think about the damage I may have done to my lungs or the money I have spent. No looking back..... The best thing about quitting smoking was that I was so overweight and I knew that people who quit smoking have a tendency to gain weight (just what I needed)!!! So, I decided to do Atkins as well. My husband has been on Atkins for a year and has lost 87 pounds (he is still a smoker though!!). I am not having a difficult time so far with either the non-smoking or Atkins which is very surprising since my husband, my sister and my best friend are all smokers, not to mention that we live in Las Vegas and I have always smoked while gambling. I feel good and I know that with help from all of you I will continue to be smoke free and an Atkins success story. PS I am rewarding myself and my husband with a trip to Puerto Vallarta Mexico in May to celebrate this new phase in our lives!!

[mischa]

I quit Dec. 18th 2002 and lost 7 pounds since then:) Not a speed record in losing weight..but I did not gain like everyone usually does :D

here are my stats:

I am a non-smoker for: 2 Months 3 Weeks 3 Days 23 Hours 57 Minutes 54 Seconds
Cigarettes not smoked: 1130
Money saved: C$409.98
Life saved: 1 Wk 20 Hrs 29 Mins 48 Secs

[Chanteyl]

I have been smoke free for Four months, three weeks, one day, 16 hours, 3 minutes and 42 seconds. 7133 cigarettes not smoked, saving $1,177.02. Life saved: 3 weeks, 3 days, 18 hours, 25 minutes.

I used Wellbutrin (the generic Zyban) to quit. Smoked about 3 packs a day. Smoked for 45 years. Gained a lot of weight. Gained 5 lbs the first week alone, so you know it was bad. I averaged about 10 lbs a month gained.

Now I want to lose the weight, but the quit is number one. I joined weight watchers but find I need something in my mouth and they allow me very little food.

Am really hopefull about this diet, otherwise, will just have to give it some more time. With summer coming really would like to get rid of some of this excess baggage.

[mischa]

Congratulations!!! I quit smoking while on Atkins and lost 8 pounds since I quit.

I am a non-smoker for: 3 Months 1 Week 5 Hours 17 Minutes 33 Seconds
Cigarettes not smoked: 1263
Money saved: C$458.15
Life saved: 1 Wk 1 Day 18 Hrs 38 Mins 40 Secs

[Natrushka]

...coming out of the closet:

Smoke free: 5 weeks, 3 days, 4 hours, 23 minutes
Cigarettes not smoked: 687
Money saved: $ 279.95

Oh the things I'm gonna do with that $ 279.95 :D

N

[mischa]

Nat Congratulations:) I am really proud of you!!

[2bfree]

Smoke free for 1 week, 2 days, 2 hours. Saved $11.65 (which I promptly spent today x 2 :) ) It hasn't been long since I quit, but it has felt like an ETERNITY. I am sooooo proud of myself :wiggle: It is great to have a locarb and quit smoking forum all in one!!!


Grace

[mischa]

2bfree Congratulations:) You should be proud, the first week is the hardest and you made it:)

Keep up the great work:)

Mischa

I am a non-smoker for: 3 Months 1 Week 3 Days 21 Hours 57 Minutes 16 Seconds
Cigarettes not smoked: 1311
Money saved: C$475.56
Life saved: 1 Wk 2 Days 2 Hrs 38 Mins 55 Secs

[Demi]

I totally forgot to post yesterday that it was my 3 month anniversary for quitting!

Time Smoke-Free: 91 days, 9 hours, 39 minutes and 4 seconds
Cigarettes NOT smoked: 3656
Lifetime Saved: 27 days, 22 hours
Money Saved: £849.94

OMG, look how many cigs I could have smoked if I hadn't quit - that's approx 1,200 per month :eek: I didn't realise that I must have been a fairly heavy smoker until I saw those stats!



Congrats to everyone else on this thread who have managed to quit the evil nicotine - WTG :thup: :thup: I hope that everyone is really proud of themselves :clap: :clap: :clap:

[Natrushka]

Originally posted by Demi
OMG, look how many cigs I could have smoked if I hadn't quit - that's approx 1,200 per month :eek: I didn't realise that I must have been a fairly heavy smoker until I saw those stats!
:clap: :clap: Indeed, Demi ! I just pulled up my stats - yesteday was 900 cigs not smoked (6 weeks). I can't believe it. It never seemed that bad at the time :rolleyes:

Keep up the great work everyone!
Nat

[cwfgirl]

I totally forgot to post yesterday that it was my 3 month anniversary for quitting!

It's been almost forgotten! Every now and then I remember I USED TO BE A SMOKER.

Congratualtions to us ALL!!!

[mischa]

Congrats you guy's :) I forget too at times that I have smoked for 27 years

I am a non-smoker for: 3 Months 2 Weeks 1 Day 1 Hour 24 Minutes
Cigarettes not smoked: 1365
Money saved: C$495.09
Life saved: 1 Wk 2 Days 11 Hrs 37 Mins 35 Secs

[2bfree]

I have been smoke free for two weeks today. :sunny:

The last few days have been amazingly difficult as far as cravings go, but I made it!!!!!

Congratulations Demi :clap: , I hope I forget that I used to be a smoker one day (sigh).

Grace

[Demi]

This is my 100th day of being a non-smoker :D :D

Time Smoke-Free: 100 days, 6 hours, 16 minutes and 30 seconds
Cigarettes NOT smoked: 4010 :eek:
Lifetime Saved: 1 month, 15 hours :)
Money Saved: £934.00 :thup:

[cptkirk]

It has been 9 months, 19 days, 15 hours. Sometimes I forget that I smoked, but I still enjoy standing next to someone that is smoking. I am amazed that I have no desire to smoke at all. I smoked 2 packs a day for about 23 years. But I gained about 35 pounds when I quit and it became so hard to lose weight and thats how I found my new way of eating. :daze:

[mischa]

CptKirk, it feels great, doesn't it. I am smoke free for just over 4 month:) I love it...I feel free and happy for not having to smoke anymore.

Thanks Atriana..you gave me the push Dec. 18th when I just quit :D

I am a non-smoker for: 4 Months 5 Days 5 Hours 6 Minutes 52 Seconds
Cigarettes not smoked: 1640
Money saved: C$594.78
Life saved: 1 Wk 4 Days 9 Hrs 27 Mins 42 Secs

[dynx]

Five months, three weeks, three days, 17 hours, 13 minutes and 27 seconds. 8785 cigarettes not smoked, saving $1,449.67. Life saved: 4 weeks, 2 days, 12 hours, 5 minutes.

Isn't that impressive.

[mischa]

Congratulations that is very impressive:) I bet your lungs are doing a happy dance:)

Mischa

I am a non-smoker for: 4 Months 1 Week 4 Hours 46 Minutes 59 Seconds
Cigarettes not smoked: 1666
Money saved: C$604.14
Life saved: 1 Wk 4 Days 13 Hrs 45 Mins 54 Secs

[Demi]

I'm now in my fifth month of being a non-smoker, so thought I'd post my stats:

Time Smoke-Free: 123 days, 6 hours, 51 minutes and 45 seconds :D
Cigarettes NOT smoked: 4931 :eek: (can you believe that number???)
Lifetime Saved: 1 month, 7 days, 16 hours :thup:
Money Saved: £1,148.82 :D

[mischa]

Demi,

just yesterday I told John that most of the time I forget, that I was a smoker just 4 1/2 month ago. Often I just think about it when I see people standing outside smoking. Here in Canada you can not smoke in any public buildings anymore..or bar or restaurtant ect. Then I think about how I use to stand out there sucking in my needed nicotine. Boy it does feel good to be free of this :) Whooohoooo for us !!!!!!

I am a non-smoker for: 4 Months 2 Weeks 1 Day 21 Hours 57 Minutes 26 Seconds
Cigarettes not smoked: 1779
Money saved: C$645.21
Life saved: 1 Wk 5 Days 8 Hrs 38 Mins 56 Secs

[cwfgirl]

I'm also celebrating 4 months living without cigarettes! All I can say is I don't know how I managed to do all the physical activities before with my lungs full of smoke! Oh yeah, I didn't! :D

Congrats to everyone on their success!
<A HREF="http://www.quitmeter.com"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="http://www.quitmeter.com/graph.php?Year=2003&Month=0&Day=0&Time=6%3A00am&Zone=14&Cigarettes=20&Periodicity=1&Price=3.00&Currency=%24&Perpack=20&Template=ELAPSED+since+quitting.+CIGARETTES+cigarettes+not+smoked.+%24SAVED+saved.&backgroundcolor=%23CAFAFB&textcolor=%23000000&fontsize=12&fontname=n022003l.pfb&wrapcolumn=0&antialias=16&alignment=left&Transparent="></A><br><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="1">QuitMeter Counter courtesy of <a href="http://www.quitmeter.com">www.quitmeter.com</a>.</font>

[Karsuepas]

I have been smoke free 1 year and 15 days. Yahoo! I am so happy I found this forum.

Congratulations to us all!

[mischa]

Karsuepasm hey there and congratultions:) I am into my 4th month of being smoke free and love it:)

This forum is the greatest..come visit some time

Mischa :)

[Karsuepas]

Mischa,

Thanks! Congrats to you as well. I found this forum today looking for help with my diet. I am so happy that I found it and realized that there is a smoke free forum too!

Keep up the good work!


Karen

[Sweater]

My stats are below. Suprisingly...quitting the cigs was easier than quitting the carbs! Ah well...guess I'm just weird that way...

[mischa]

Hi Sweater and Congratulations on one week smoke free!!! I found low carbing made it easier for myself as well to quit, however there were bumps down the road.

Here are my stats :I am a non-smoker for: 6 Months 2 Days 1 Hour 41 Seconds
Cigarettes not smoked: 2392
Money saved: C$867.30
Life saved: 2 Wks 2 Days 14 Hrs 45 Mins 28 Secs

Good luck

Mischa :)

[pegm]

I have been smoke free for 2 years, 3 weeks, 3 days. It is a great feeling! Congratulations to everyone else who is trying to or has become smoke free.

[kalico]

I used the patch; I have been a non-smoker for six months! I love being able to breathe again. My husband has been a non-smoker for one year and four months!

I don't crave cigs. I crave a nice relaxing Nicotine Patch from time to time, but I don't give in!!!

Kalico

[Karsuepas]

Hey Kalico,

Congratulations on being smoke free for six months! It does feel wonderful to breathe again. Also how about not having that nagging cough? It is 14 months for me. I feel so much better.

Keep up the good work!

Karen :wave:

[mischa]

pegm, and kalico, congratulations...I am also 6 month smoke free and love it. I quit cold turkey...and never looked back:)

Mischa :)

[josiekat]

Mischa.....I just want to thank you for directing me to the whyquit website. It certainly moved me. I am very happy to report that I am now into my 4th week of not smoking....as is my hubby! I am so proud of us both....and thankful to everyone here who has been a cheerleader for the healthy life of josiekat!!

[cwfgirl]

Closing in on 6 months smoke free! God, do I ever feel great. As Mischa said, not without bumps in the road too. A major stall in weight loss but at least no gain. I still have the occassional craving that gets squashed immediately when I smell someone who smokes. YUCK!!!
Congrats everyone!!!
http://

[SylviaUK]

I quit 18 months ago :D On the downside, it resulted in some weight gain. But hey, low carbing is going to solve that one, right? :D

Given the choice, would I go back to smoking? No way :) In fact, I was in a pub with friends the other day and I had to suggest we leave because the smoke was making me feel ill :p

For the first time I understand why non-smokers find smoking so obnoxious. When I was addicted to tobacco I used to think they were just trying to be awkward and make me feel uncomfortable :mad: Now I know just how difficult it must have been for them to be in the same room as me when I was puffing away...

The method I used to quit - cheap and totally painless - was to read a book called "Allen Carr's Easy Way to Stop Smoking". Best investment I ever made :thup:

Give it a try if you're thinking about stopping - what have you to lose other than the price of the book? :roll:

[rainne]

I loved that book too. It got me through some really rough times. As did www.quitnet.com

My stats:

406 days, 5 hours, 9 minutes and 7 seconds smoke free. $3,552.50
and 3 months, 18 days, 14 hours of my life saved!


I should add this. Before I quit, I wondered if it could possibly be worth the pain. I'd smoked 30 years, was up to 2 packs a day and really didn't think I could do it. Or if I did, it just wouldn't be worth it.

It is totally worth it. Totally. And it is also doable... because if I can do this, anyone can do this. I only gained about 5 lbs, and I wasn't even low carbing. I simply reached for water before I indulged in food or candy. I also relied heavily on NRT's.

But wow. I've saved 3 months of life... and I believe that. I breathe better, sleep better. I feel healthier.

[mischa]

rainne, Congratulations...it feels great doesn't it. I also smoked for 27 years and here are my stats. Almost 7 month :yay:

I am a non-smoker for: 6 Months 3 Weeks 6 Days 23 Hours 34 Minutes 33 Seconds
Cigarettes not smoked: 2729
Money saved: C$989.54
Life saved: 2 Wks 4 Days 22 Hrs 57 Mins 42 Secs

[steffie123]

Hey everyone! I quit back in January, here are my stats

193 days, -140 packs, $840.00 saved.

Wow, looks like a lot when you sit and figure it out!!!

I would never never never start again. Not to say I have not had moment where I want one, but it can not replace how much better I feel!! I can breath again, I can go up steps with out getting winded!! I don't use my asthma meds anymore (yes I smoked with asthma) and I don't stink!

I don't think the want ever totally goes away, but I can deal with it.

[mischa]

Steffie Congratulations..it is a lot you did not pump into your lung:) I quit Dec. 18th so Friday I am 7 Month smoke free:)

Mischa :)

[Demi]

My stats (as of today):

Time Smoke-Free: 219 days, 9 hours, 47 minutes and 53 seconds
Cigarettes NOT smoked: 8776
Lifetime Saved: 2 months, 7 days
Money Saved: £2,045.46

So, I haven't touched the evil weed for 8 months, 1 week and a day!

:cheer::cheer::cheer:

[mischa]

I am a non-smoker for: 7 Months 2 Weeks 6 Days 23 Hours 37 Minutes 43 Seconds
Cigarettes not smoked: 3028
Money saved: C$1,097.94
Life saved: 3 Wks 47 Mins 59 Secs

Those are mine :yay:

[josiekat]

Finally found my way in here!

Here are my stats.....

9 weeks, 6 days, 18 hours, 35 minutes, 49 seconds
Cigarettes not smoked - 1,395
Money saved - $575.00 (hubby quit too so over $1000 in total for us both)

Thank you Mischa for inspiring me! I wanted to quit...but just needed that little extra push...so thanks for directing me to whyquit.com....it was that little extra bit that I needed to put down the cigs.

Jo

[mischa]

Jo Congratulations..doesn't it feel good?

I forget at times that I ever smoked...here are my stats

I am a non-smoker for: 7 Months 3 Weeks 2 Days 2 Hours 37 Minutes 28 Seconds
Cigarettes not smoked: 3056
Money saved: C$1,107.95
Life saved: 3 Wks 5 Hrs 24 Mins 12 Secs

soon 8 Month and counting:)

:wave:

[gumbybear]

Smoke free for 1 year 1 month 11 days and 19 hrs!!!!!

Congratulations everyone!!! :)

[SoCalShark]

Wow, You all are doing great. Smoked for 18 Years, Now smoke free for 2 Years, 6 Months 11 Days. I used to love them, now they make my stomach turn. You will make it, keep it up. The nicotrol inhaler works great if your looking for a method...

[sharann]

Not long, 5 weeks. I'm hanging in there!

[wendy858]

Non-smoker for three weeks tomorrow.


Cigarettes not smoked = approx. 273


Money saved = approx. $82.00 C



I feel physically great! I breath better, smell better, cough never!!! I still want one now and then, but I just drink water and stay busy.

[mischa]

Wendy and Sharann, Congratulations:)

Feels great doesn't it

here are my stats:
I am a non-smoker for: 8 Months 2 Days 44 Minutes 8 Seconds
Cigarettes not smoked: 3185
Money saved: C$1,154.71
Life saved: 3 Wks 1 Day 2 Hrs 53 Mins 59 Secs

[Demi]

:clap: :clap: :clap:

Congrats to everyone old and new

It's a great feeling to be a non-smoker :)

My stats:
Time Smoke-Free: 231 days, 16 hours, 23 minutes and 47 seconds
Cigarettes NOT smoked: 9267
Lifetime Saved: 2 months, 10 days, 18 hours
Money Saved: £2,157.54

I made a bit of a boo boo last time I posted here - I said that I had been a non-smoker for 8 months - what I should have said was that I was in my 8th month of being a non-smoker :rolleyes:

[Lizziefin]

Gave up on July 25th 2003. Taking Nicorette tabs when required, so far, so good. Been smoking for nearly 35 years, needed to stop!

[wendy858]

Smoke free for 5 weeks tomorrow!!!! :thup:


I figure I have saved approx $136.00

WOO HOO!!!! :roll:



Congrats to all the others who have quit and maintained their smoke-free status!!!! :clap:

[mischa]

good going Wendy, Congratulations. Here you can download a free quit meter:)

http://groups.msn.com/FreedomFromTobaccoQuitSmokingNow

here are my stats :)

I am a non-smoker for: 8 Months 1 Week 6 Days 23 Hours 43 Minutes 29 Seconds
Cigarettes not smoked: 3340
Money saved: C$1,211.06
Life saved: 3 Wks 2 Days 4 Hrs 48 Mins 30 Secs

[jansop]

My name is jan, and I am a nicotine addict. I have stopped nicotine for 1 month, 7 days, 8 hours, 8 minutes, and 40 seconds (37 days).

I've not smoked 859 death sticks, and saved $77.41. I've saved 2 days, 23 hours and 34 minutes of my life.

Finding the Quit Counter is an inspiration on my part. Thanks for posting the link........jan

[PotentShll]

I'm at 10 days, I guess that adds up to 100 ciggs & about 35 bucks so far.

[mischa]

Congratulation everyone:) Giving up smoking is the best thing you can do for yourself. I also smoked 27 years and my stats are

I am a non-smoker for: 8 Months 2 Weeks 2 Days 23 Hours 2 Minutes 55 Seconds
Cigarettes not smoked: 3379
Money saved: C$1,225.06
Life saved: 3 Wks 2 Days 11 Hrs 14 Mins 50 Secs

my lungs are happy:)

[Atriana]

This quit:
I have chosen not to smoke for 1 Week 1 Day 10 Hours 50 Minutes 49 Seconds. Cigarettes not smoked: 338. Money saved: $38.03.

[2Airedales]

After many previous efforts, I quit smoking in May 1996.. cold turkey Yup I gained weight but I'm losing it now.

[cwfgirl]

Feeling great and not missing stinking one bit!
I have stopped nicotine for 8 months, 2 days, 14 hours, 20 minutes and 20 seconds (246 days).

I've not smoked 4932 cigarettes, and saved $919.23.
I've saved 17 days, 2 hours and 59 minutes of my life.
I believe this makes me Silver!

[mischa]

wohooo me too

I am a non-smoker for: 8 Months 2 Weeks 4 Days 25 Minutes 26 Seconds
Cigarettes not smoked: 3393
Money saved: C$1,230.05
Life saved: 3 Wks 2 Days 13 Hrs 32 Mins 17 Secs


:wave:

[greenmill]

:yay: I smoked for over 40 years and was up to 2 packs a day. Last cig was 7 months ago today. I've not smoked 8,600 coffin nails and saved about $1400. :yay:

[mischa]

Greenmill Congratulations:) Feels good doesn't it.

here are my stats :
I am a non-smoker for: 8 Months 4 Weeks 6 Hours 52 Minutes 25 Seconds
Cigarettes not smoked: 3526
Money saved: C$1,278.44
Life saved: 3 Wks 3 Days 11 Hrs 47 Mins 13 Secs

[Atriana]

Most recent numbers:
I have chosen not to smoke for 2 Weeks 5 Days 14 Hours 10 Minutes 40 Seconds. Cigarettes not smoked: 783. Money saved: $88.16.

[Demi]

Just want to say congrats to everyone on their smoke-free status :)

My stats today:

Time Smoke-Free: 8 months, 19 days, 16 hours, 52 minutes and 49 seconds
Cigarettes NOT smoked: 10468 :eek:
Lifetime Saved: 2 months, 19 days, 23 hours
Money Saved: £2,437.74 wow!

I had a few problems a couple of weeks ago but I'm proud to say that I got through it without resorting to cigarettes again (though my low carb woe did suffer - but I decided it was the lesser of two evils).

[mischa]

Demi...wohooooo 10,000 Plus cigs not smoked :clap: I am so glad you got through last week without falling back into the ashtray. Be proud!!!! I am of you

hugs

[Diana D]

I have been FREE for 2 Years 1 Month 3 Weeks 4 Days 5 Hours 1 Second. Cigarettes not smoked: 9434. Money saved: C$3,420.01. Life saved: 2 Mos 3 Days 12 Hrs 25 Mins


Diana

[mischa]

Diana wonderful, I just reached my 9 month mark yesterday and looking forward to my 1 year mark

here are my stats:

I am a non-smoker for: 9 Months 1 Day 3 Hours 35 Minutes 36 Seconds
Cigarettes not smoked: 3576
Money saved: C$1,296.64
Life saved: 3 Wks 3 Days 20 Hrs 9 Mins 27 Secs

[reowdy]

So glad this thread exists, I need somewhere to post these... lol... I wanna see them up and enjoy them. It is seeing them in black and white that is keeping me focused... each day I am amazed at what I have achieved... and makes me determined not to waste the effort needed to get this far....


Five days, 10 hours, 3 minutes and 17 seconds. 132 cigarettes not smoked, saving $54.19. Life saved: 11 hours, 15 minutes.

[mischa]

Pam congratulations:) you are doing good:) And it will get better. I am 9 month plus and at times forget I have ever smoked...and I smoked since I was 14 :(

Keep it up..if you need anything come and let me know:)

[Demi]

My stats today are:

Time Smoke-Free: 8 months, 27 days, 6 hours, 47 minutes and 12 seconds
Cigarettes NOT smoked: 10771 (I can't believe this number)
Lifetime Saved: 2 months, 22 days, 6 hours
Money Saved: £2,512.46 (3,632.09 euros, US$4,172.17, Canadian $5,651.66) :eek:

So, I'm almost at my nine month mark - three-quarters of the year as a non-smoker :yay:

[Atriana]

Today is ONE MONTH!

Four weeks, two days, 20 hours, 43 minutes and 35 seconds. 1234 cigarettes not smoked, saving $138.88.

[mischa]

:thup: :thup: :thup: Hi Atriana...wow good job:) Be proud!!

In my journal I have a girl DixieDoll who just stopped last night:) I should send her here:)

hugs and keep on going:)

[Atriana]

Today is :
One month, one day, 10 hours, 11 minutes and 42 seconds. 1296 cigarettes not smoked, saving $145.91.

[cwfgirl]

Morning All~
Today begins my 10th month of my smoke free lifestyle! I'm very happy and content with my decision. No cravings AND I've managed to lose weight!
Life doesn't get any better than this!

Krista - Free and Healing for Eight Months, Twenty Eight Days, 8 Hours and 14 Minutes, while extending my life expectancy 18 Days and 21 Hours, by avoiding the use of 5447 nicotine delivery devices that would have cost me $1,016.28.

[Demi]

Today is my 3/4 Anniversary

Time Smoke-Free: 9 months today!
Cigarettes NOT smoked: 10937
Lifetime Saved: 2 months, 23 days, 13 hours
Money Saved: £2,549.82

[mischa]

Congratulations all:)

here are my stats :

I am a non-smoker for: 9 Months 1 Week 5 Days 22 Hours 6 Minutes 7 Seconds
Cigarettes not smoked: 3729
Money saved: C$1,352.11
Life saved: 3 Wks 4 Days 21 Hrs 39 Mins 43 Secs

[yazoogal]

Tomorrow is my eleven month anniversary.

[Atriana]

That is great yazoogal. When would you say that it got easy, or did it ever?

One month, three days, 13 hours, 12 minutes and 32 seconds. 1382 cigarettes not smoked, saving $155.48.

[yazoogal]

About six weeks. I got my sense of smell back and have had no desire to turn back. All my smoking friends actually stink and I think OMG I used to smell like that.

[forkbender]

Today marks a milestone for me. I quit cigarettes 7 years ago on Oct 3 1996. I had smoked since Jr. High school until age 43 anywhere from 1-3 packs a day. I have heard several times that the body regenerates every cell in the body every 7 years and that was a defined goal for me.

It took a serious bout with the flu or possibly pneumonia (which my wife thought I had) which scared her to death and kept her awake all night. I realized I didn't want to put her through that anymore. Illness had never stopped me smoking before, but she acquired a box of sample nicotine patches from a doctor to see if I would use them. I did. I ran through the samples in a few days and when I went to get more from the drugstore I was shocked at the cost (although nothing compared to the $ I was spending on cigarettes). I bought them reluctantly and went back home and cut them into different sizes, large to small, to make it through. I replaced my smoking habit with exercise and a different lifestyle.

It was a like a line drawn in the sand and I never considered going back although there were some tempting moments. If anyone reads this listen up and listen tight. YOU CAN QUIT, PERIOD!!! There are many methods available to help you do it but you must make your mind up that you can and you will. You must link it to intense pain and give yourself no alternative. The pain may be physical (in my case), monetary, social, relational, fear or whatever. Let me say that it should outweight your love of cigarettes. Failure should not be an option. Honestly, if I can quit, I believe anyone can. They were so much a part of my life it was incredible.

Let me also say that it was the single most significant thing I ever did for myself. It literally renewed my physical body. It took about six weeks before I stopped thinking about smoking all the time, around 6 months to pretty much forget about it all together and around a year for my lungs to return to halfway normal capacity. I see people smoking now and my heart goes out to them. I really wish I could tell them all my story.

Take time to quit whatever you must do. It will be so worth it, I promise you. You will feel like a million bucks in a just a couple of weeks and thank yourself for it. Throw away your cigs, lighters, ashtrays, any memories of smoking and freshen your house, your clothes and your car. Stay away other smokers if you possibly can or get them to do a quit challenge with you. Reward yourself everytime you need to for what you are accomplishing. Don't give in and don't give up.

Send me a reply or IM if I can help or be an encouragement

Steve(fb)

[mischa]

wohoooo 7 years...this is wonderful. I can't wait until I will hit my 1 year mark on Dec. 18th this year :)

here are my stats so far
I am a non-smoker for: 9 Months 2 Weeks 1 Day 21 Hours 37 Minutes 47 Seconds
Cigarettes not smoked: 3768
Money saved: C$1,366.16
Life saved: 3 Wks 5 Days 4 Hrs 7 Mins 9 Secs

[tassierose]

142 days, 1 hour, 13 minutes and 18 seconds

Cigarettes NOT smoked: 1421

Lifetime Saved: 10 days, 20 hours

Money Saved: $473.33


I had given up for 6 years, but started again *shaking my head* ... wont be doing THAT again!!

[Demi]

Great stats everyone :thup: Mine are:


Time Smoke-Free: 284 days, 8 hours, 19 minutes and 9 seconds
Cigarettes NOT smoked: 11374
Lifetime Saved: 2 months, 26 days, 21 hours
Money Saved: £2,652.56




Originally posted by Tassierose

I had given up for 6 years, but started again *shaking my head* ... wont be doing THAT again!!

I know the feeling - I gave up for 2 years (14 years ago) and then stupidly went back to it again :rolleyes: and I definitely WON'T be doing that again :nono:

[korry1977]

I quit smoking on 9/3/2003, when I started atkins and first 3 days to the first week, (It peeked at the 3rd day) I did have cravings. However after the first week, its been smooth sailing... (I know it has to be the excessive water I was drinking :) ) And, besides, I blamed the cravings on the sugar withdrawl :)

Its day #40 and I have no desire whatsoever to go back the way I was with cigarrettes...

Now, that some of my olfactory neurons have regenerated.. :lol: I can now "smell" second hand smoke... and it doesnt smell good... :lol:

Thanks,
Korry

[ImHere]

22 hours, 19 minutes and 37 seconds smoke free.

14 cigarettes not smoked.</B>

$3.49 and 2 hours of your life saved.

[ImHere]

TADA!!! :)

Time Smoke-Free: 1 day, 20 hours, 6 minutes and 51 seconds
http://images.quitnet.com/images/q2001/trans.gif
Cigarettes NOT smoked: 28
http://images.quitnet.com/images/q2001/trans.gif
Lifetime Saved: 5 hours
http://images.quitnet.com/images/q2001/trans.gif
Money Saved: $3.75
http://images.quitnet.com/images/q2001/trans.gif

[tassierose]

Congratulations Lori!!! ...

[ImHere]

Thanks! :) At this rate I plan on keeping this thread going all by myself :lol:

I need to see this in print!

Time Smoke-Free: 2 days, 11 hours, 26 minutes and 18 seconds
http://images.quitnet.com/images/q2001/trans.gif
Cigarettes NOT smoked: 37
http://images.quitnet.com/images/q2001/trans.gif
Lifetime Saved: 6 hours
http://images.quitnet.com/images/q2001/trans.gif
Money Saved: $7.50

[Atriana]

Great numbers Lori!

Today is day 49 for me!

[Sandylee]

Wow! I didn't know this thread was here!!!
Here's my stats. Quitting smoking and a sedentary job is how I gained all this weight in the first place, LOL.

Your Quit Date is: 7/12/2001

Time Smoke-Free: 825 days, 15 hours, 23 minutes and 31 seconds

Cigarettes NOT smoked: 24769

Lifetime Saved: 6 months, 9 days, 4 hours

Money Saved: $4,331.25


Sandy

[ImHere]

WOW !!!
I'm soooooo impressed. Can't wait until I can say the same.

Thanks Atriana ... 49!! woah :) great job to you.

[texasshari]

Wow! There are some great looking stats here! I just joined this site yesterday. I have been LC'ing off and on for about 5 years. Finally, decided to jump back on the LC wagon after I quit smoking a little over 5 weeks ago. Here are my stats:

38 days, 19 hours, 44 minutes and 47 seconds smoke free.

699 cigarettes not smoked.
$68.40 and 5 days, 8 hours of your life saved.

Your quit date: 9/12/2003


Hopefully, this is my LAST quit after 3 other attempts over the past 20 years! :)

Shari

[ImHere]

texasshari
Welcome back to LC and congratulations on your qit smoking!! :) Here's my latest stats:

Time Smoke-Free: 8 days, 19 hours, 26 minutes and 50 seconds
http://images.quitnet.com/images/q2001/trans.gif
Cigarettes NOT smoked: 132
http://images.quitnet.com/images/q2001/trans.gif
Lifetime Saved: 1 day
http://images.quitnet.com/images/q2001/trans.gif
Money Saved: $30.00

[ImHere]

Time Smoke-Free: 10 days, 10 hours, 6 minutes and 7 seconds
http://images.quitnet.com/images/q2001/trans.gif
Cigarettes NOT smoked: 156
http://images.quitnet.com/images/q2001/trans.gif
Lifetime Saved: 1 day, 4 hours
http://images.quitnet.com/images/q2001/trans.gif
Money Saved: $37.50

[mischa]

Congratulations all...you guys are doing great and things will get easier:)

here are mine

I am a non-smoker for: 10 Months 4 Days 23 Hours 52 Minutes 40 Seconds
Cigarettes not smoked: 4016
Money saved: C$1,456.14
Life saved: 3 Wks 6 Days 21 Hrs 29 Mins 20 Secs

I wish I had saved this money :lol:

[ImHere]

Way to go Mischa!! :bhug:

[jessieeve]

[COLOR=DarkRed][FONT=Verdana]

I quit smoking for over ten months than after a recent death I have started smoking again.... I was proud that quit. I am mental health counselor and several of my clts quit becuase of my "success" Most of the people I work with don't know I smoke.... I am kind of ashame.... Actually really ashamed... I am obese, 36 percent BMI and I am back to smoking... I feel so discourage... Any words of wisdom are welcomed// THANKS

[Sandylee]

Hi Jessie,

Reading what you just wrote makes me realize that I can never have just one, no matter how much I think it wouldn't hurt. I know if I smoke just that one, soon the rest of that pack would be begging to be smoked, and I would be back to full-time smoking again. I am so sorry to hear you started smoking again.

I used the website www.quitnet.com. It was really helpful to me. My name over there is "Sandybeach". I have a journal/profile there you can read for inspiration. My story is one of quitting/slipping/failing/quiting/slipping/failing, and finally getting it right and staying quit.

The good news is that you were able to quit for 10 whole months. That is fantastic. Before this quit, I never was able to go more than a couple of days without smoking. I know you can do it again, and we will all be here cheering for you.

Best wishes to you, Jessie,
Sandy

[mischa]

Sandy great idea to give your story to inspire others:)

hugs

[josiekat]

Way to go everyone....you should all be so proud! Mischa doll....your one year smoke-free anniversary is just around the corner.....way to go!!!!

Ok, here are my stats:

Smoke-Free: five months as of tomorrow!

Cigs not smoked: 3031 (holy &$%~!)

Money saved: $2500.00 (between hubby and I...he quit too!)

I never ever thought I could do this.....thanks to Mischa for directing me to www.whyquit.com and to everyone here for there most incredible support.

It makes me happy and proud to be able to say that I don't smoke and for friends and family who say that they want to quit.....I tell them if I can do it, they most certainly can. We all have the power to make changes and walk down a path that we choose rather than one that our addictions choose.

Way to go everyone!

Jo

[cwfgirl]

11 Months Tomorrow And Man Do I Feel Great!

http://www.angelfire.com/va3/cwfgirl/images/Lungs.jpg

[mischa]

wohooo Krista:) I am 11 month on the 18th of Nov:) soon a year :yay:

[Demi]

Congrats to everyone here for their stats so far :clap:

As of today, I have been a non-smoker for:

Time Smoke-Free: 10 months, 2 days, 10 hours, 30 minutes and 52 seconds
Cigarettes NOT smoked: 12218
Lifetime Saved: 3 months, 3 days, 7 hours
Money Saved: £2,848.70 :eek:

I'm posting this today, because I very nearly gave in and had a cigarette at a party last night - mainly because I was about the only person not smoking.

Anyway, each time I thought about reaching for the nearest pack of cigarettes, I pulled myself up short by thinking did I really want to blow the last 10 months, did I really want to start spending all that money again, and did I really want to start smelling like an ashtray again??!!

Yay, it worked - I'm still smoke free :yay:

[mischa]

Demi congratulations for staying strong. And look at those stats:) I am glad you did not give in:)

hugs

[mischa]

I am celebrating my 11 month as a non-smoker :yay:

I am a non-smoker for: 11 Months 3 Hours 36 Minutes 13 Seconds
Cigarettes not smoked: 4356
Money saved: C$1,579.40
Life saved: 4 Wks 2 Days 6 Hrs 9 Mins 31 Secs

wohooo next step 1 year :yay: :yay: :yay:

[Demi]

I meant to come by and post this yesterday:

Time Smoke-Free: 11 months, 1 day, 10 hours, 58 seconds
Cigarettes NOT smoked: 13417
Lifetime Saved: 3 months, 12 days, 11 hours
Money Saved: £3,128.90 (US$5,385.23, Canadian $7,029.53, 4,500.77 Euros)


:yay: :yay: :yay:

[mischa]

wohooo Demi...soon we are a year:) We are doing good..

hugs

[w82bthin]

To everyone who is now smoke free, a huge congratulations!!!:Party: I have been smoke free for 8mo - 1d. I feel absolutely wonderful. I started eating sunflower seeds instead of smoking.
When I realized I had the willpower to say no:nono: to cigarettes, I decided I could say no to carbs as well. And I was right. It's amazing how not grabbing that donut is much like not grabbing that cigarette.:cool:
Neway.... good job to all and keep it up. Your lungs thank you.

[mischa]

I have made it

I am a non-smoker for: 1 Year 3 Hours 13 Minutes 54 Seconds
Cigarettes not smoked: 4746
Money saved: C$1,720.70
Life saved: 1 Mo 2 Days 23 Hrs 7 Mins 30 Secs

:yay:

[forkbender]

Congratulations Mischa!! :dazzle: One year is a major milestone for a former smoker. You should be celebrating today (or longer) out of sheer pride of willpower. You may or may not celebrate every year around this time but I bet you'll think about it. I know I still do. Funny, I haven't been on the forum(s) lately and just happen to check in on the quitters, maybe to encourage someone, and here is a 1 year quitter. Awesome!! How 'bout goin' for 2?

fb

[mischa]

Hi FB

you bet I am going for 2:D I was off cigs once for 2 years and started again..it took me 12 years to have the strength to quit again..this won't happen again!

Congrats to you as well..I guess you are a non smoker for a while then:)

[Rune1990]

New past-smoker checking in ;)

I am smoke free for: 9 days :)
Cigarettes not smoked: 225
Money saved: $72 (holy cow)

[mischa]

Rune congratulations!!!! Stay strong..things will get better

:yay:

[Rune1990]

Thanks mischa ;)
And congrats to you! as well as to all those who have quit as well :)

[Demi]

Today is a very important day for me because it's my
One Year Smoke Free Anniversary

Time Smoke-Free: 365 days, 9 hours, 51 minutes and 53 seconds
Cigarettes NOT smoked: 14616
Lifetime Saved: 3 months, 21 days, 15 hours
Money Saved: £3,409.10

http://www.ogs.ru/images/nosmoking.gif

[mischa]

Demi Congratulations !!!!

http://ecards.rediff.com/ecards/cards/blowpix/ec{153}.gif

[cwfgirl]

Congratulations to Me!
http://www.bighornmountains.com/cards/anniversary.jpg

I have chosen not to smoke for 1 Year 11 Hours 2 Minutes 33 Seconds. Cigarettes not smoked: 7309. Money saved: $1,385.09.

Happy Anniversary to you too, Demi!!!

[mischa]

Krista..whoooooooooooo I am so happy for all of us. Look at those stats:)

http://www.clueye.com/v3/card_large_images/225_large.gif

[Demi]

Time Smoke-Free: 1 year, 10 days, 6 hours, 54 minutes and 6 seconds :yay:
Cigarettes NOT smoked: 15012
Lifetime Saved: 3 months, 24 days, 16 hours
Money Saved: £3,502.50

[mischa]

here are my stats :D

I am a non-smoker for: 1 Year 3 Weeks 2 Days 23 Hours 8 Minutes 3 Seconds
Cigarettes not smoked: 5056
Money saved: C$1,832.99
Life saved: 1 Mo 4 Days 2 Hrs 45 Mins 18 Secs

[josiekat]

Smoke Free: 7 Months 11 Days 2 Hours 2 minutes 51 Seconds

Cigarettes not smoked: 4501

Money Saved (between both hubby and I): $3,713.00

Quitting smoking was probably the hardest thing I've ever done......I'd never want to start again, because I really don't think I could quit again.

Everyone here should be very proud of themselves.....I for one, stand up and applaud you all!

[mischa]

Josie Congrats :yay: I will never smoke again either..I don't want to quit again

Here are my stats:

I am a non-smoker for: 1 Year 3 Weeks 4 Days 23 Hours 36 Minutes 56 Seconds
Cigarettes not smoked: 5082
Money saved: C$1,842.51
Life saved: 1 Mo 4 Days 7 Hrs 7 Mins 55 Secs

[horty]

36 days and going strong, I smoked since I was 16 and i am now 33 thats over half my life. I tried several attemps to stop and this time around I never planned for it, it just sort of happened. I got braces last May and I am at a point where there are clear bands wrapped around my braces and smoking stained them very quickly, It looked terrible. So vannity helped me quit, who wants a yellow mouth? No amount of brushing would remove the stains. So by jan 14 I realized that I had stopped for two weeks and decided to press on. My cravings are passing and not stong enough for me to break down.

[mischa]

Horty Congratulations:) Keep it up

14 month here:)

hugs

[horty]

Wow, good for you. I will be put to the test tonight I hope I pass.

[Bjuba]

My Quit Date was: 1/23/2004 10:00:00 AM - using Zyban - after smoking for 40+ years.
http://images.quitnet.com/images/q2001/trans.gif
Time Smoke-Free: 14 days, 8 hours, 45 minutes and 11 seconds
http://images.quitnet.com/images/q2001/trans.gif
Cigarettes NOT smoked: 287 - Money Saved: $112.00

I have been stalled as well in weight loss -- hopefully it will start again - soon. At least I have not gained anything.:)

[mischa]

Bjuba Congratulations!

I stalled too for a bit..just keep on doing what you are doing. Your body is under extreme stress now.

Soon it will feel good to being smoke free

I am a non-smoker for: 1 Year 1 Month 2 Weeks 5 Days 5 Hours 59 Minutes 21 Seconds
Cigarettes not smoked: 5398
Money saved: C$1,956.86
Life saved: 1 Mo 6 Days 11 Hrs 42 Mins 26 Secs

[whyspers]

23 hours, 48 minutes and 21 seconds. 19 cigarettes not smoked, saving $6.10. Life saved: 1 hour, 35 minutes.


:::sigh:::

[Bjuba]

Time Smoke-Free: 19 days, 4 hours, 12 minutes and 21 seconds - Cigarettes NOT smoked: 384, Lifetime Saved: 2 days, 22 hours - Money Saved: $152.00 - $54 for the Zyban = $98.

Wow this is the longest I have ever gone & no cheating - not even one puff!! A - n - d I am starting to loose weight again!

[mischa]

Bjuba keep it up..good for you:) You should be very proud:)

[Kharma]

Good for you guys! keep hanging in there, you're doing such a wonderful thing for your body :)

My stats:

Time passed: 5 weeks, 5 days, 12 hours, 37 minutes, 2 seconds
Cigarettes not smoked: 1,013
Money saved: $146.88

And don't worry about stalling. The scales didn't move for me for over 5 weeks, until Friday. Then I GAINED 2 pounds, but hey.. at least the scales moved ;)

[josiekat]

37 weeks, 4 days, 10 hours, 51 minutes, 15 seconds

Cigs not smoked: 7,903 wow!

[Bjuba]

Way to go Josie & Kharma (sorry about the weight gain but that too will pass)!!

My stats: Time Smoke-Free: 27 days, 11 hours, 52 minutes and 4 seconds
http://images.quitnet.com/images/q2001/trans.gif
Cigarettes NOT smoked: 550 Money Saved: $216.00

[toning_up]

I'm 2 1/2 weeks smoke free today and doing fine. The only time I get a twitchy is in the evening after dinner for about 10 minutes.

The good news is, in the past 2 week I have lost 2 lbs! I fully expected to stall while my metabolism slowed down then evened out. I never expected to lose but that has been an unexpected blessing.

[Demi]

:clap: Congrats to all you quitters!


My Stats:
Time Smoke-Free: 1 year, 1 month, 3 weeks, 2 days, 7 hours, 59 minutes and 7 seconds
Cigarettes NOT smoked: 16653
Lifetime Saved: 4 months, 7 days, 5 hours
Money Saved: £3,885.44