The Easy Way To Stop Smoking

[Cally]

This is a FABULOUS! book, by Allen Carr. I got mine at Barnes and Noble.

He doesn't use the scare tactics; as he is a former 5 pack a day smoker.
Rather, Carr puts the emphasis on the positive aspects of quitting. And he really gets into the mind on this. His statements are very simple, direct and APPLICABLE! Really takes the FEAR! out of the QUIT!

One of the statements he makes is, "When people quit smoking, they keep waiting for something to happen. But the only thing that happens is they quit smoking. Everything else goes on as usual."

Including my food plan.

I quit on Sunday, July 24, 2005 - 9:00 p.m. Went down and bought me some Nicorette patches and slapped one on.

Told myself I could eat whatever I wanted for one day - Monday. I spent the whole day eating bagels and cream cheese - FRETTING! about the potential weight gain from this quit.

THEN! I found my WW Journal where I made Lifetime in August 2003. I'd pasted a before and after photo - 102 lb. loss. I've kept all but 6 of that off in two years. And I thought, "You know what? If I can do THAT, I can do THIS!"

So, I'm back on BCB! and hanging onto Carr's book for support.

The book is AWESOME! A GREAT! tool for this QUIT! Due to it's focus on the POSITIVE! aspects of quitting smoking.

Good luck BUTTIES!

Cally

[Cally]

I also forgot to mention, that Carr gives you the in's and out's of quitting. What works and what doesn't, as he addresses this as an ADDICTION! vs. a HABIT! His emphasis is on the how's and why's of getting the NICOTINE! out of our bodies, so that we get get rid of the craving/NEED! to FEED! the little monster! And he tells you how to do that. And why you HAVE to do that, in order to quit - as cutting back simply won't work, as it just makes that next cigarette appear more precious...than the one before.

From the git-go of the book, Carr makes a statement that washed all over me, i.e.

"There is a common misapprehension that we choose to smoke. Smokers no more choose to smoke than alcoholics choose to become alcoholics, or heroin addicts choose to become heroin addicts. It is true that we choose to light those first few EXPERIMENTAL cigarettes. I occassionally choose to go to the movies, but I certainly didn't choose to spend my whole life in a movie theater."

Carr's book is done from the perspective/experience of someone who has been there and done that. It is absolutely full of compassion for those of us who are trying/desiring and are determined to quit smoking but don't know how. Sound in it's reasoning. And well thought/planned out for those of us who are looking with GREAT! hope for the day when we, too, may be rid of nicotine addiction. He calls it for what it is - ADDICTION! - and is proof positive that the chain reaction can be broken. That the PEACE we SEEK! can be found!

All I can say about this book and its applicable wisdom is WOW, WOW, WOW! Carr sings OUR! song; SO much about what we, as smokers/nicotine addicts already know - especially those of us who have attempted before, but failed to quit.

BUT! here is a man, who has truly FOUND the solution to BREAKING FREE! of the VISCIOUS! cycle of nicotine addiction and provides us with the steps to do so.

If you are serious about breaking the chain, you've got to get this book and READ IT! And, Carr encourages the reader to continue smoking as you read through it. As for me, I've already quit - Sunday. And I'm hanging onto this book as my liferope - reading through it every morning, throughout the day, and before I go to sleep at night. It truly keeps me going on this quit! And I believe this will be one of those rare books I read over and over again until I have memorized the whole darn thing...

Cally

[cgwoolf]

Can you give us the name of the book? I'll get it today if it's that good. You quit 5 days ago. Any withdrawal symptoms? How are you handling it? I've tried everything but acupuncture!

With no success, I quit "cold turkey". I used the gum, the patch and hypnosis. NOTHING worked. People tell me nothing worked because I did not WANT it bad enough. That's bull. I failed because I know how addicted I am and the pain was too severe to keep going.

Do you think there's any hope for me in this book? What's the title, please?

[Cally]

That is the name of the book, The Easy Way To Stop Smoking, by Allen Carr.
I got it at Barnes and Noble.

The book is absolutely full of the TRUTH! But more than that, it talks about ways to trick the "little nicotine monster" right out of your body.

I am going to post some quotes from Carr's book, and feel free to do so, as Carr claims he is on a personal crusade to help other smokers escape from the same "trap" he fell into. That it's not about the money, but rescuing others who are also desperate to quit. These quotes can in no way encompass all the wisdom/assistance found in this book. If you are serious about quitting, you really need to get a copy and READ! the WHOLE! THING!

Here goes...

"If there were a magic button that smokers could press to wake up the following morning as if they had never lit that first cigarette, the only smokers who would remain tomorrow morning would be those who are still at the experimental stage. The only thing that prevents us from quitting is: FEAR!"

"If you are apprehensive, panic-stricken, or feel that the time is not right for you to give up, then let me assure you that your apprehension or panic is caused by fear. That fear is not relieved by cigarettes, but created by them. You didn't decide to fall into the nicotine trap. But like all traps, it is designed to ensure that you remain trapped. The trap is designed to hold you for life. Why else do you think all these other smokers don't quit before it kills them?"

I will continue with some additional quotes in another thread.

Cally

[lgood22573]

Wow that sounds so great, I'm going to have to get that book. I am trying to quit myself. And fear and apprehension are top on my list. It's been a week, and every couple of days I buy a pack and break down and smoke one, get disguisted with myself then throw the pack a way. I know if I can go DAYS at a time without a cig, then I can quit. But I am really struggling with keeping my weight off and quitting. I need some help. I think about smoking constantly. I don't want to die of cancer- really I don't. My cousin who is 39, just died of lung cancer. We started smoking at the same time. He left a 5 yr old son behind.

[Cally]

cgwoolf and lgood;

Okay, to answer your questions about my quit.

Allen Carr says, "People only quit smoking for two reasons.

1. Money. Lack of funds to finance it.

2. A health scare.

I am at #2.

As in everything else I do, I am combining what I know does or does not work for me (from previous personal experience) with Carr's book.

Carr advises using no nicotine replacement products. Stating that you must rid your body completely of the nicotine. I agree - but eventually.

I have used the Nicorette patches on previous attempts and have found that they basically curb what can be severe (physical) withdrawal symptoms from nicotine.

Personally, what the patches have not resolved for me are the psychological issues. This is what Carr's book is helping me with. Therefore, I have chosen to "step-down" gradually in my full withdrawal from the nicotine, by using the patches as recommended by the manufacturer. I never "thought" of quitting as being a "positive" thing until I found Carr's book. Whatever works for you - do it. BUT! I DO! HIGHLY! recommend Carr's book. I don't think the success of this current quit would be possible without it. As his is the voice of experience. If he can make it from 5-packs/day; I can do it from one.

The start:

Sunday, July 24, 2005, 9:00 p.m.

The tip of my tongue had become so sore (and I was having visions of getting my tongue cut off); that I ran down to Walgreens, bought a 2-week supply of Nicorette patches and slapped one on. I didn't throw the cigarettes away - in case of emergency...break unopened pack!

Day 1 - (actual) Monday, July 25, 2005

I smoked two cigarettes on this day (11:15 a.m. and 9:15 p.m.; with the patch on.) My nose ran like a faucet all day. Withdrawal symptoms minimal. But I did have crazy dreams all night from the patch, and didn't sleep much, just thinking about what I was doing. Could I really accomplish this or not? Before somebody says they might have to cut my tongue off...

Day 2 - Tuesday

Smoked 1 cigarette at 3:00 p.m. - with the patch. This was the day I started having a slight, but piercing headache. But I also noticed that once I quit the smokes, my intake of caffeine dropped dramatically one its own. All I wanted was water - all day. Lots and lots of water! So the headache could have been from the severe reduction in caffeine. Nose continued to run like a faucet. Dawned on me that my sinuses were opening up... Crazy dreams and no sleep again at night.

Day 3 - Weds.

Smoked no cigarettes. As I reached the point in Carr's book where he said, "You must determine that, "This is your LAST cigarette." Same headache as Day 2. Sinuses running, but slowing down. No congestion to speak of. Had NO! caffeine, as there was no desire. Apparently there seems to be some sort of correlation between the nicotine and the caffeine.

Day 4 - Thursday. REALLY wanted a cigarette around 3:00 p.m. Stuck a straw in my mouth instead. Only one Diet Coke all day. Headache mostly gone.

Day 5 - Friday. WOKE UP DYING FOR A SMOKE! Remembered Carr's statement, "All cigarettes taste bad...This MUST be your last cigarette or it will RESTART! the VISCIOUS! CYCLE! Stuck a straw in my mouth instead.

It's 11:15 a.m. and I'm fine. My greatest challenge will be this weekend, as there will be a lot of people/activity around.

I believe I can do this, and my tongue isn't sore at all anymore. There has been a decrease in tenderness each day; as I have noticed a correlation between this soreness and when I smoke. Carr also addresses this in his book. How the tip of his tongue felt like there was a boil on the end...

Cally

[cgwoolf]

Wow Cally thanks so much for posting this. You are giving me hope. What I don't understand though is why is the nicotine patch curbing your withdrawal so dramatically? On me it was like no help at all. I craved cigs so badly I physically hurt. My eyes water and I start choking and coughing uncontrollably when I go long periods without a cigarette. And the nervous anxiety, skin crawling, tingling, headaches, all that stuff - it always does me in.


I am going to get the book though.

[Cally]

cg;

Hello! I don't know why the patch helps me so much, except that it is actually delivering some nicotine to my system. I'm just not getting all the chemicals that are being delivered along with the nicotine through the cigarette.

I have never been a gum chewer. I have tried the Nicorette gum and it is NASTY! So that's out.

I'm not saying I don't want a cigarette. You ought to see my straw! But I think it would be an absolute impossibility for me to stop cold turkey. I fully believe I must be able to overcome the desire to put the cigarette into my mouth - that hand to mouth motion - before I can completely rid myself of the nicotine. And, the patch is a "step-down" method. Two weeks on the first level of the patch, and then it goes down in strength gradually. I believe that in all, it is a 6-week program.

This is not my first attempt to quit. But I believe it is my most determined. So I am going to take all the experience I have from my previous attempts and combine it into this one. All I know, is the patch helps. As I do not end up in a heap of tears while I do this. First, I am dealing with the desire to actually light one up and stick it in my mouth - the psychological. And that's where I expect to use Carr's book to help me. As I mentioned, his quote of, "All cigarettes taste terrible." saved me this morning when I was dying for one upon awakening.

Yes, my skin crawls. Especially at night. And even right now, I am dying for a cigarette, but due to reading Carr's book - I finished it this afternoon, I believe I can beat this "little nicotine monster," by simply not giving in and lighting up.

In the past, I have not slept with the patch on, as I tend to have extremely vivid dreams during the night if I keep it on. This time, however, I have decided to keep it on overnight, so that the supply of nicotine will be there to assist me in the morning.

I have also done some other things that have helped me with this quit this week.

1.) I have refused to get in a hurry. I normally get up at 4:15 a.m. and go to the gym and workout. I have skipped my workouts this week, which has allowed me to sleep in until 7:00 a.m. In other words, I haven't gotten in any hurry to start my day, due to this quit.

2.) I have gone to work only. No social activities in the evening. As I have mostly tried to keep an atmosphere of quiet and stillness around me. I'm just trying to be still. Not having anything jarring. When the world has come in this week, I've retreated. To my room, my own office, etc. In other words, I haven't let anybody into "my space" this week, unless it was absolutely necessary.

3.) I have gone straight home from work each evening and taken an hour's nap, as this quit has exhausted me mentally, emotionally, and physically. It is THE most important item on my agenda this week. Then I have gotten up and piddled or read The Easy Way To Stop Smoking, until I've become drowsy.

4.) I have put my full attention to this this week. And no, I don't feel selfish at all about this, as in the long run, this will benefit all those around me.

5.) This weekend is going to be TOUGH! TOO much activity - with the family - I simply can't escape from. But I'm going to try my best to do it.

Let me know if you're interested in a support buddy for this quit. Personally, I could use one. I'll be back in the office on Monday.

In the meantime, try the straw. It really helps.

Cally

[Cally]

Also, Carr says the worst thing that can happen is you'll fail...

So why not give it our best shot?

Cally

[lgood22573]

I went to our book store here in town, and they didn't have it- sigh. So I bought a different book, that still looks pretty good by the American Lung Association. "How to stop smoking and not gain weight." That should be helpful! I haven't had any of the severe side effects you guys are talking about, so I am lucky. I am just "panicky" for a cigarette, and irritable. But the nicorette gum is helping. I've slipped 3 times this a week, but considering, that's still not too bad. I'm starting Core tomorrow, so I'm going to pick some healhty stuff to snack on that I don't have to worry about the pts.

[cgwoolf]

Cally I would be honored to be a support buddy for you...but I haven't quit yet myself. This is something i have to psyche myself up for. I have to really think about it and set a focus on it and I've been focusing on staying OP and losing weight - not sure I'm ready to do both. I will get that book though and I will come here daily and follow your journey and try to help you in any way I can but I think in all honesty, you will be the one helping me...when and if i can just make up my mind to do it. I gotta get that book and hopefully it will inspire me as much as it has inspired you.

Candy

[Cally]

lgood;

If you are still interested in the book, The Easy Way To Stop Smoking, ask your bookstore to order it for you. I paid $16.98. Or, I did notice they have it on Allen Carr's website, whose address I posted. Maybe you can order it from there. Are you making an attempt to quit smoking?

Candy,

Do get the book. I have also read that it usually takes multiple attempts to stop. That we accumulate experience - what works for us and what doesn't from each try.

Today is day 6 of my quit and I am in a total tailspin. I knew going into the weekend, it was going to be tough, and it has been. I've slipped today - 3 times. And this is such a disappointment after my stellar week. Seems I can handle the office. Just not the homeplace with everybody pulling me in different directions. But I've got the patch on and I'm trying to calm myself down this afternoon. I know why they call the first week Hell Week. It has been, and I just finally caved, but I haven't given up. I've taken Monday off work to try to pull myself back together for another week. I think the most surefire method would be to check myself into a rehab unit for 30 days - until all the nicotine is out of my system.

With that said, I'm not giving up. I'm going to pull myself back together and go at it again. I'm also going to return to a Tuesday night WW meeting for support with the food aspect of this quit. I haven't been to meetings since shortly after they started Core. That program just wasn't for me, as I am a carb freak. But I think it's time for me to get back to a meeting. The Tuesday night group has a really good leader.

At any rate, I just wanted to check in for the weekend and see how y'all were doing.

Cally

[cgwoolf]

I'm sorry this weekend has been so hard for you. At least you know where/what your stressors are. I've tried to quit so many times and each time I plan for it, knowing how tough it will be. I start out ok and then suddenly have a melt down and give in to my awful addiction. I've watched other people do it and they just stay really busy to keep their minds off of it. I stay really busy most of the time anyway but try to take more walks, get more exercise when I try to quit but nothing really takes my mind off of it. I have always felt out of control. I think you are wise to get right back into the mode and taking Monday off is a good thing.

Hang in there and I'll be sending happy thoughts your way today.

[Cally]

Candy;

Thanks for the "happy thoughts!" Same to ya!

This afternoon is better after a whirlwind morning - except for the reading on the scale. (Dumb me. I peeked even though it wasn't my official weigh in day.) I've only slipped once with the smokes today - (due to the 9-year-old niece's tantrum. That started last night and just went on-and-on-and-on...into today.) But hopefully most of the commotion for the weekend is over.

Yeah, I'm the doer in our bunch, too. I've never known what to do with time on my hands. I'm ALWAYS doing something - 90% of the time for others and I really don't think that's ever going to change. I struggle the most when other people/their needs get in the way of my momentum. It's like somebody throws a wall up in front of me and I can't get around it to do my own thing until I deal with their stuff first. Call it co-dependence, or just life, as I deal with ages 6-71. I don't see that I'm going to be unloading anybody too soon...except for the siblings which I threw off my island two years ago during a self-declared game of "Survivor." That's how I gained 100 lbs. in the first place. Dealing with everybody else's "problems." 10 lbs./year for 10 years. Then I had to turn around and lose it after I ended up in the cardiologist's office myself, due to all the stress/weight gain. My cardiologist smokes, too. So we only discussed this the first trip in. He's more concerned about the weight/stress; as they relate to the heart issue.

At any rate, it's the old saying - 'Just deal with.' Now, I've got to figure out how to "deal with it" without the smokes...or the food.

Have a good rest of the weekend. I'm going for a nap now, as tonight I'm going to stay up all night (like I really like to do) and work on my own stuff. I get to sleep in tomorrow! Since I've taken the day off to regroup.

Hopefully, it'll be quiet...as I LOVE the sound of night...mostly silence...

Cally

[Cally]

Day 7

*Let me first say, I really want this - to stop smoking for good. For me, not anybody else.

I just got up from my nap. And upon awakening, I noticed a really odd sensation - for the first time this week, I'm depressed. And this just doesn't happen to me. It has to be this attempt to quit smoking.

But then, I did a personal inventory. Today's Day 7 of this attempt to quit and I've only had 7 cigarettes since last Sunday evening - with the aid of the patch. That compares to my usual 20/day or 140 cigs during a similar, seven-day time frame. And, I actually went three consecutive days this week without one single cigarette at all. So, although the quit hasn't been immaculate, I'm pretty pleased with that type of progress. And to be perfectly honest, in all the times I've attempted to quit smoking before, I've never gone three consecutive days without a cigarette, or had this few before.

And, I'm tired. But, I'm keeping my eyes on the horizon/future. And I've decided I'm willing to go through this - whatever it takes - to finally become a non-smoker. Just like the weight loss, this quit has to be just for me or it's not going to work.

And truth be known, it's not as hard as I thought it would be - as long as I keep the patch on.

This is my seventh day update, for those of you interested in the personal side of such a journey.

The bottom line is: in the long-run, it's going to be worth it...

Cally

[lgood22573]

Yes, I am attempting to quit. But like you, I have "slipped" a couple of times. I have smoked 3 times in the past week. Each time buying a pack of cigarettes, smoking one, getting disguisted with myself and throwing the pack away (that is one expensive cigarette! LOL). I find that if I keep busy, I seem to do ok. I suffered some "depression" too the first few days. I am NEVER depressed either. It must be some kind of withdrawl. Any way, my goal this week is "no slipps". So good luck to both of us. I work at home in a home office situation, with a toddler under foot- talk about stress. I switched to CORE this week, so I don't have the extra stress of keeping track of points.

[Cally]

lgood;

Three times in a week...that's even better than my 7 times in a week! So CONGRATUTLATIONS! I had to have a good talk with myself - that this certainly was an improvement overall. Not perfect, but MY GOSH! 133! cigarettes less than normal.

Working at home with a toddler underfoot...you are some sort of SUPER! woman!

I slept until Noon today - my day off. This is Day 8 for me and I am really starting to feel the fatigue.

BUT! tomorrow - Tuesday - I will be up at 4:15 a.m. and heading back to my morning workouts before I hit the office. I dropped everything except work from my schedule last week, in order to help get this quit off the ground. I don't believe I could have done it any other way, as least not as successfully, if I had not just simply let the world pass me by for the first week.

I hope that bringing my workouts back tomorrow will help get the energy flowing again, as I do tend to be a person of very HIGH! energy. And I'm planning to return to a WW meeting on Tuesday evening to help with the food.

My mom showed up with food this afternoon when I woke up, so I didn't have to think about what I was going to eat. And for the first time, I was actually able to talk to another human being about what I am doing - quitting smoking. So, there seems to be some improvement - after the first week.

I have also not been seeing a gentleman friend I have been seeing since Feb. this week, as he is going through finals for a PHD and I am quitting smoking. So, like I said, it has been a matter of simplify, simplify, simplify, for me this week.

And I haven't had a cigarette since dealing with the niece's tantrum on Sunday morning. Still chewing that straw and intending to keep going.

So you hang in there, too, babe. And good luck with that toddler. Maybe that will make a good anchor for you - to quit smoking.

Cally

[lgood22573]

Cally, it sounds like you are doing pretty well. I had some fatigue too, these withdrawl symptoms just go on and on. I thought I was going to kill my toddler a couple of days ago. The exercise has helped tremendously, and my fatigue is gone, as is the depression. I am chewing the gum. It's not "nasty" like it used to be. It has an improved taste and it's actually enjoyable for me, and the nicotine is an "instant rush" just like a drawl off a cig, so maybe if you get in a rut, you can give it a try. My main concern is gaining weight, I just cannot gain any weight, and the cigs used to really help with my eating, so now I'm smacking a hundred miles an hour on this gum. I was reading in my National Lung Assoc. book and they actually admitted that smoking increases your metabolism and gives all the reasons behind it. I was shocked. When you quit, your metabolism slows down, so the exercise is crucial. The average woman gains 12 pounds, but I am not going to be the average woman, I'll tell you that right now. I have come WAY to far, a couple more pounds and I'll be getting my 80 pound star. Keep me posted on how you are doing!

[Cally]

lgood;

My GOSH! 12-POUNDS! I think that's been a BIG! part of my depression, as I've been eating like it's going out of style since Friday with this quit! The scale is up, as of Friday a.m. And I do believe THAT'S really what I could cry about in this quit, even though I've lectured myself that quitting smoking is better than 100 workouts!

I did go back to my workouts this a.m. Got a good Spin class in, so I'm back on schedule with that. And, I've decided to have 3 meals a day, with no snacks, while I am doing this quit. I'm planning to chomp on a lot of straws!

This morning's Spin felt so good, I thought I might go ahead and add in an extra p.m. class, like Pilates or something that's not as stressful until I get over the biggest part of this emotional hump with quitting; which I understand should be around the end of Week 3.

I did end up smoking 1 cig. yesterday evening. After my guy pal called and said, "I hear sadness in your voice." I reminded him I'd quit smoking, but he can't understand why I feel it necessary to take time off from work (as I never miss) and do NOTHING! but stay calm and quiet during the first week of this quit. He said, "Something else is going on with you, I just don't know what it is yet." So, I ran out and smoked, because I wanted to pull myself together before he called me back later... Go figure.

At any rate, I'm MUCH! better this a.m. after adding back my workout and because I'm DETERMINED! to get the food monster back under control! I always tend to bite off more than I can chew...

But I'm with ya, I cannot afford to gain any weight - psychologically...

Cally

[lgood22573]

The first few days I was eating like crazy too. I actually asked for a "no weigh in pass" on Saturday, because I just didn't want to see the gain. That's one of the reasons I've switched to CORE. But it's getting a little better every day. Every once and a while I get an overwhelming urge to smoke, but if I ride it out, it just goes away. You will look for for any excuse to get that "one" cigarette- try not to do it. I did the same thing. Any little thing. It just empowers the addiction and you can't get rid of the habit continuing it in any form. But do what works best for you!

[lgood22573]

Oh yeah... an exerpt from my lung assoc book. "Smoking a pack of cigarettes a day is the equivalent of the strain of 100 extra pounds on your heart." That is really scary. And to think I WAS already 100 pounds over weight and smoking 2 packs a day.

[Cally]

lgood;

Thanks for the info./advice. I do intend to quit. I did have a slip today at work, but the food seems to be better now that I am back at the office and got my workout in this morning. I am limiting myself to 3 meals/day and staying within my points range. This should prevent the in-between meals, nervous snacking that I've been doing as the result of this quit.

I'm also returning to a WW meeting tonight to have the accountability of the scale during this time. I'm Lifetime, so I shouldn't have to pay to re-join - just the one-time weekly fee for being more than 2-lbs. over my goal weight. It's ironic, that I got a note from the Tuesday night leader last week, which means they obviously still have my card on file. I always wondered what happened to that "official" file copy. She's really a good leader (although I prefer the Saturday morning weigh-ins). So her personalized note has also set a little fire underneath me to get this accountability to the scale going again.

I'm also having my teeth cleaned tomorrow a.m. So this may help deter me from even having that one-cheat during the day.

And CONGRATULATIONS! to you! on the loss of 80-lbs.! That is AWESOME! I have this little shadow box with my 25, 50 and 75 lb. magnets in it; plus all my little trinkets/awards I've picked up along the way with WW. I STILL need those visual reminders that I CAN! do THIS!

Keep a goin'! We can DO! THIS! QUIT! SMOKING! THING! TOO! without penalizing ourselves with extra weight!

Have a good evening!

BTW, this is Day 9!

Cally

[lgood22573]

Cally, I didn't know you were life time. That is so awesome! Sounds like you are doing well on the smoking too. Do you have more energy since your work out? What about the depression? Is it gone? After all my advice, I slipped today LOL Looks who's calling the kettle black? I'm not even sure why I did it. I didn't even really want it. Now my mouth tastes nasty. I'd forgotten just how nasty it makes your breath. Is your job hi-stress?

[Cally]

lgood;

It's Day 10. I slipped twice yesterday (11:00 a.m. and 9:30 p.m.), but I've got the food back under control, so I'd say I'm doing darn good. And still sucking on that straw/nicotine patch, etc.

My job is not high stress. (I gave that one up. Ten years on the road in the oil patch.) Life is what stresses me. Dealing with other people's "issues." The depression from the quit is gone (I am not prone to this at all!) and Day 9 was the BEST! day I've had emotionally, so far, during this quit. And I work out as much as anything to deal with the stress, as well as keep the weight off.

I returned to my Tuesday night WW meeting last night and was floored to see that not only had they kept my card (I got a "Come see me!" note from this leader in the mail last week. It's a sign.) But that it was one year ago this month (August) that I last attended. August is also my birthday month. And I made Lifetime on my 44th Birthday, at 144 lbs., on August 4, 2002. (Just in time for my birthday!) This leader said that as they were sorting through the cards, she came across mine and said, "No way am I throwing this card out." So everybody at the meeting last night kept saying, "It's a sign." As I got this leaders note the same week I stopped smoking and was in such a struggle with the food, due to the quit.

The MOST surprising thing was, even with it being an evening weigh in, the card revealed I was only up 1.4 lbs. over this same time last year. So it's AMAZING! how our minds can turn such a small blip on the scale into a REALLY big deal. THAT fear of regaining ALL 102 lbs. I've lost. The shear terror of the scale.

So, I am now 6.5 lbs. away from my personal goal. BUT! I am turning 47 this Saturday, and let's just say things have shifted toward the middle. So I am not comfortably in my Size 10 jeans anymore. But a Size 12. And I only own one pair of 12's as I threw all the larger sizes out and simply refuse to go back there.

I stayed for everything. Even the Newcomers meeting, though nothing about the program has changed since I was there last August. I am looking for a "fresh start" on this weight loss/smoking issue. And, I've decided I'm a real glutton for punishment - dealing with my two "BIGGEST!" life issues at the same time. The weight and smoking. The leader of this meeting is excellent, and she pulled me aside after the meeting and said, "Okay, so what's it gonna take to get you back here?" And we proceeded to discuss exactly what "I" want from all of this. This one thing for me: FULL management of my weight "issues" and to stop smoking - for me, nobody else. (My guy pal called last night and "confessed" how he once smoked for 16 months while studying abroad. He then said, "Remember, I don't care if you smoke." I told him he just wasn't getting this - that "I'm!" the one who wants this. And I do! He said he exchange his habit for food. And I've always said that's why I like to hang out with him, because he "LOVES!" to "EAT!" and we do. I just really watch myself CLOSELY when he's not around to make up the difference in those cals.!)

I went in for my dental cleaning this morning, thinking I may choose to quit completely, once my teeth were polished and shined. My dentist and the hygeinist both examined my lips, tongue, etc. to invesitage my complaint of the "sensation" of wrapping both my lips around a "HOT! COAL!" Nothing appears to be visible, except a little redness on the lower lip. And they are very dry. But since I have noticed a correlation between the smoking and the pain, my dentist has referred me on to a specialist and given me an ointment that he says may help soothe it. Both the dentist and hygienist kept saying, "It's a sign..." to quit smoking before something bad really happens to me. And I mentioned nothing to them at all about last night's meeting...it's a sign.

So, here I go. Turning this weight loss back into the reality it had/has become, and I fully INTEND! to keep it OFF! I am SO glad I went back to my meeting to help me manage the food during this "time" of my "quit." EVERYBODY! there was SO! SUPPORTIVE! and I was REALLY! amazed by how many Lifetimers were still there from when I was - attending weekly meetings/weigh ins. They ALL! looked marvelous! And the weekly weight losses among members were quite amazing as well. A lot! of sticktuitiveness among all those guys!

So, KEEP! a goin' with your QUIT! lgood. We CAN! manage the food in addition to this QUIT! And you TOO! will make Life TIME! While also preserving your health for that toddler beneath your feet/wings! We just gotta hang onto the support is all. That's what it's there for. And KEEP! that straw in our mouths - ZERO! points, you know - that straw. Or at least I don't see it listed in any of the WW materials...

As of 11:20 a.m. on Weds., Day 10! I am still SMOKE! FREE! FOR! TODAY! ONLY! And THAT'S just EXACTLY! what it's going to be! ONE! Day at a TIME!

Cally

[lgood22573]

What a great birthday present to give yourself -quitting smoking! It sounds like you are doing great all around: not smoking, exercising, food issues. Sounds like you are getting every thing under control too! You are doing so well on your maintenance. You must feel great! I hope when I turn 47, I'm exactly where you are - Maintaining, making wise choices, and exercising.

I was so busy with work today I didn't get to do my usual exercise when my toddler sleeps. Hopefully hubby will get home at a decent hour so I can get a good work out in. I have been exercising faithfully 6 days a week for about 7 months, and I just go crazy if I don't get my exercise in. LOL

[Cally]

lgood;

Good morning! I didn't even think about quitting smoking as a birthday gift to myself! Maybe it is a sign! Something about the month of August and my self-improvement campaigns.

When you turn 47...believe me, you'll still think you're 17 or something - psychologically! And the exercising, maintaining control over your food, etc. are good for you at EVERY! age!

I only had one smoke yesterday - at 5:30 p.m.

And this morning, coming out of the store, there was this really nice looking man standing beside a brand new, red Corvette smoking.

I don't know a stranger, so I said, "This is my 11th Day of quitting. It's hell..."

He said, "Yeah, I don't know why I smoke anyway. They really TASTE! TERRIBLE!"

And I! just fell out laughing! Told him about Allen Carr's book, etc. And we got into this really nice conversation about trying to quit smoking and Allen Carr's book. He swore he's going to go get it today!

At any rate, it appears that all us smokers are thinking alike. We'd like to quit, but don't know how.

And don't miss the .87 cent Smart Ones sale at Kroger this week! As per my post in the Daily Thread.

I went and bought 20 last night, plus the frozen vegetables! You should have seen all the women flocked around that freezer case! And it was 9 p.m. before I got down there! Might make Kroger sorry they ever ran such a sale! As EVERYBODY! was just standing around talking about WW! It was BETTER! than going to a meeting!

I've been eating the Southwestern Rice Bowl - 4 pts. - for breakfast to keep my points down. My Kroger's didn't have these, so I'm going to try another store on the way home!

Have a GREAT! painless, smoke-free DAY!

Cally

[lgood22573]

Wow- 87 cents. Now that IS a bargain! You're doing really well! Soon you'll be able to cut out that 1 cig a day permanently. I know its hard. I don't know why any one smokes, I think it should be illegal, it is so addictive. I read in my book it is just as addictive as cocaine. I believe it, after reading some of the people's stories of withdrawl. Here's to a smoke free day- Hopefully!

[Cally]

lgood;

Hello! Just checking in before the weekend. It's Day 12 (I think), the day before my birthday (Saturday); and it started early. With breakfast at the office (the men cooked!) and lunch with two friends (all within points). Only one cigarette today at 3:00 p.m.

Tomorrow's the BIG! Day, but I'm going to try to stay out of the mall, due to the tax-free shopping this weekend. Lunch with Mom, Dad and Sis on Saturday - my choice - best Fajita salad in town! No cake! Maybe just a bite of something sweet.

I decided to skip an invitation to the lake, as I just need to stay calm this weekend, in order not to smoke. And try not to go out drinking with friends - as that will really make me want to smoke and take my guard down. I've already resisted an invitation for wine this evening...

I've decided to check out the Saturday morning WW, as it has a different leader. This is the weigh in meeting I actually prefer, as you can do a weigh in at 9:00 a.m. vs. 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday.

Did my own weekly weigh in this morning (every Friday at home) and I'm down 1/2 lb. for the week. 6 lbs. away from my personal goal now.

At any rate, have a GREAT! weekend! And don't smoke! Guess I need to stick that straw back in my mouth, so I do the same. However, I DO think I'm doing GREAT! with this quit. I'm amazed! And so are my friends!

Cally

[lgood22573]

I weigh in on Saturday mornings too. I like to weigh in first thing in the a.m. and then work out after. I don't work out before because I don't want to drink the ton of water I feel I need after a work out. LOL Silly I know, but 32 ounces is 32 ounces! I'm going to the zoo after weigh in, that will be a good walk. So I should have a relaxing weekend.

Good luck on the not smoking this weekend and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

[Cally]

lgood;

Hello! Okay, I had a great birthday, but fell off the smoking wagon on Saturday night...due to the Number One Relapse Hazard described in Carr's book - social situations. And that's all I'm gonna say.

I'm trying to pull myself back up by the boostraps and haven't given up completely.

I am adding an extra workout class this afternoon - even though I did Spin this morning. Just trying to keep myself occupied. And I've still got the patch on. So I'll keep tryin'...

Cally

[lgood22573]

Glad you had a great birthday! Just keep trying!

[Cally]

lgood;

I am, I am...but I do feel like I've been run over by that wagon.

One of the friends who celebrated with me this weekend called this morning to appologize, saying, "Sorry, guess we got you goin' again."

Told her no need to appologize for THAT! good time. After all, we've been buddies a LONG! time. Even though Carr warned me about those "social situations."

I've still got my patch on and I'm giving it another go. At least I haven't given up completely. There's always HOPE!

Hope you're doing well with your quit. So, how's it going?

Cally

[lgood22573]

My quit is still going really well. Seeing Dan Rather die of lung cancer really struck a chord with me. Just emphasized why I am doing this. It scares me to think about what smoking does to your body, and that is my motivator right now. I have a toddler, and I don't want her to grow up without a mother, or see her mother get ill.

[Cally]

lgood;

CONGRATS! That your quit is going so well. Have you not had a one? For how long now?

Yes, the death of Peter Jennings. I identified with this as soon as his illness was announced in April; as my degree is in journalism. Due to my own background (I've actually walked around with Dan Rather on tour), I felt like I knew Peter Jennings, even though we'd never met. Just knowing we've got some shared experiences. I actually cut and pasted the newspaper headlines for his death/illness as a reminder of how much I need to quit. He was my favorite news anchor/broadcaster; but I enjoyed his reports from the field the most. And I can literally visualize him in this smokey haze; working those extended, late night/early morning hours of his career.

Been there, done that. Needed those smokes... And I remember MANY years of planning meetings where I literally couldn't see the person(s) sitting across from me at the conference table/desk because of the cloud of smoke. All I could hear were their voices and the occassional appearance of a hand as papers/photographs were passed to me through the cloud. It just seemed like the cigarette habit was one of the tools of the trade. Perhaps because it kept us going at all hours to meet those deadlines. Oh well, so much for those good old days. I just have to get on with this...as his death really has impacted my thoughts on this quit.

Did I mention that my 47th year is going to be a very good year? I just KNOW it!

Cally

[lgood22573]

I meant Peter Jennings! I can't remember when I had my last one. It has been a while this time.

[Cally]

lgood;

Too much oxygen is getting to your brain. Obviously, you're in a RUSH!

And the name mis-reference is okay. Wait until you do something like that in print and it's published all over the globe. Talk about an office phone ringing off the wall! It happens! I always claim it's a typo...

Have a good one! And keep up the good work!

Cally

[Cally]

Is everybody wondering what happened to me...? It's Friday, so I'll post.

First, Walgreens has it's Nicorette patches, gum and lozenges on sale this week. I've been paying $49.99 for a two week supply (14) patches. Picked up an extra box (Step 1) for $39.99 this morning. That's a $10 savings! (Sale ends Saturday, Aug. 13th.) Plus, since I went to my family doc this week, he gave me a Commit to Quit package that contained a $5.00/by mail refund. I've sent that in. So, I've actually saved $15.00 on this new pack. This "Step-down" approach with the patches is a total of 10 weeks. You go from 21 mg. (6 weeks) to 14 mg. (2 weeks) to 7 mg./day (2 weeks.) The patches definitely help with the physical. The psychological is a whole 'nother game.

As I mentioned, I fell off the non-smoking wagon last Saturday night - my birthday. (Yes, I had FUN!) I've been averaging about 5 cigs./day since. That's not good, but I count it a slip and am going to keep trying. I've taken this coming Monday off to re-group, as I did the first week when I quit.

I've got the PMS blues this week, so I'm going to do the best I can through what is going to be another hectic weekend; then climb back on board on Monday.

Have a good weekend...

Cally

[Cally]

And...just let me say, in the two weeks that I did virtually quit smoking, I discovered what my triggers are...

Cally

[lgood22573]

Hey Cally, what do you do about wearing the patch if you are still smoking some? Do you take them off an hour before you know you want to smoke or just take them off while your smoking? I'm just curious, a friend of mine smoked with the patch on and he ended up going to the hospital because he thought he was having a heart attack. It's funny now to hear him tell the story, but it wasn't funny then. Glad you are still trying!

I have been smoking the last few days :-( I am hoping to get my 80 pound star in the morning. Please please Lord let me get that 80 pound star! I am going to stop after my weigh in regardless of if I get my star or not. Tomorrow is a big deal for me, it's my WW one year anniversay and it means a lot to me to get that FREAKING 80 POUND STAR! It's going to be close.

[Cally]

lgood;

WOW! An 80-lb. STAR! THAT'S AWESOME!!! I remember when...

You're smoking again... Yeah, this is REALLY tough! After those 12 GREAT! days of being almost completely smoke-free. I took yesterday (Monday) off to revamp my quit, by getting in a little quiet time. It just didn't happen - the quiet time... I don't know what it is, but I REALLY like LOTS! of QUIET!!!! Maybe because I live in such a noisy world. But it just seems like the more I try to quit, the more people/static/noise/commotion are in my space... I hate to be picky here, but I just really want to be alone with this quit. Typing on a keyboard is good. I'd like to stay in my room with my computer. Sleep all day and stay up all night...

With that said, I did re-start my quit yesterday. Ate whatever I wanted and tried to stay really calm. Came back to work today and my goodness, where did all these people come from? And that telephone! Ringing, ringing, ringing...you'd think they expected me to do work or something.

At any rate, I've smoked two halves today. And I was really surprised that I only wanted half the cigarette and not the whole thing. So, I think I'm making progress. I haven't taken the patch off, and it hasn't bothered me. Perhaps because even when I have smoked with it on, it's only been 1 or 2 for the entire day.

I signed up for the Commit to Quit Program On-line my doctor gave me last week. Got my "Personal Quit Profile" back via e-mail today after answering a few questions. Guess what the survey shows my Number One concern is with this Quit? That's right, a fear of gaining weight! Most likely scenarios to stop me from quitting: Social Situations and/or STRESS! from people being in my space. (Sounds like I should be on the Quit Net Board, doesn't it? They're a pretty anxious group over there...)

At any rate, I'm going to do this! Even if I have to taper down a bit first; as my doctor said, "Don't consider it a failure. Consider it YOUR! Quit. Whatever works for you." So, apparently, there is more than one way to quit. And the doc says, "You know, 1, 2, 3 a day is really good...I'm pleased..." And I'm like AMAZED by his comment.

And I have noticed, that with the patch on, I AM able to pass up MANY! cigarettes a day. So, I am making progress.

You hang in there, too, lgood. If WE can get those 80-lb. STARS! WE! CAN! DO! THIS! And that weight didn't come off overnight either...

Cally

[lgood22573]

Glad to hear you are newly motivated, for a minute there I thought I was going to loose you. This board doesn't get much action and I need you! LOL The journal is helping- A LOT. I am eating too much, but I am on CORE and trying to stick to CORE foods so we'll see. I had my last cig right after my Sat weigh in and haven't had one since. I love the quitometer I told you about in my other post. When I fell off the wagon last week, I just turned into a chimney. Then I had really bad withdrawl when I quit again on Saturday. I felt like total crap for 2 days, tired and depressed. Monday I finally started to feel better and today I feel amazingly quite good. I DO NOT want to go through that again, and my husband said he doesn't think he can take it either (the irritabillity).

[Cally]

lgood;

See my PMS post for Thursday on, "Cally, where are you?"

Cally

[amylovesray]

I am on my 6th week of maintenance and will have my Lifetime membership next week. Quitting smoking is my next goal in life. My husband and I attended the Allan Carr Easy Way to Stop Smoking Clinic last year and we were both smoking 24 hours later. Thank God they had a money back guarantee. It cost us $850!
I really think that when you are ready to quit, anything will work. I just haven't been "ready" yet. Not sure I'm there yet but I know I have to give up this nasty habit.