I had to go into hospital for surgery on Wednesday so I decided to use it as an opportunity to quit smoking, I've tried to quit before many times and failed, normally I don't get past the first week. I've been a smoker for 22 years and I hate it. I don't want to throw any more money at it and I want to protect my health as I'm very healthy in every other aspect of my life.
I had my last cigarette at 8am on Wednesday 2nd April, I had my surgery and stayed in hospital overnight and came home yesterday (Thursday) evening, I'm guessing all the pain meds I'm on are masking the cravings and because I'm not doing normal things the habit element isn't as noticable. I have an e-cig if I need it and have used it a couple of times, more holding it in my mouth than inhaling though.
I'm hoping that by the time I am due to go back to work next Tuesday I'll have got past the worst of it as my job is one where smoking is very common in fact a fag break is the only break you get and most of my colleagues are smokers so it's going to be tough if I'm in the heavy craving stage.
I'm worried about weight gain as I can't afford to change size as I've already bought a special dress for a friends wedding and it has to fit, any tips would be appreciated.
I am determind to beat it this time, I will be a ex smoker!!
Hi Happy-bird
It's so lovely to meet you and to read your story! Congratulations on making the decision to stop smoking, it's a fabulous decision and you will realise your dream of being healthier as a result of it - just check out the posts of some of the longer term non-smokers on here - they certainly give you inspiration and motivation to continue!
Happy the good news is that you are already an ex smoker so don't wait for that to happen because it's already has! which is fantastic!
You are not a smoker who wants a cigarette, you are now an ex smoker just recovering from the effects that 22 years of smoking has had on you. I stopped smoking only 12 days ago, but I've already learnt a lot about what is happening and, thanks to the amazing people on here, how to cope with it. The brain can be totally evil during this process, it can really make you believe that you want a cigarette, it's overwhelming at times, but when that happens, just keep telling yourself that actually you don't want a cigarette, if you had wanted a cigarette you wouldn't have stopped smoking, it's just your brain attempting to trick you. You have to remain positive and strong during these time and they will pass, and they pass quicker the longer it goes on
See every phase as a good thing, a positive thing because it's a sign that your body is in recovery. It never lasts long and you always feel amazing when you've got through it and really really happy that you have! And that in itself motivates you to continue.
Re your work colleagues, try to feel sorry for them, because they are still in the process of poisoning their bodies with toxic cigarettes, try not to feel sorry for yourself because you can't have one - just remember that you actually don't want one, again the brain will play tricks on you. You never know, your success at stopping might help to inspire them!
And a good tip from here is to stock up on healthy snacks to nibble on. I use carrots and cucumber chopped into sticks and also slices of apples when I fancy something sweet - it all helps!
You will do this Happy, and we will be happy for you!!!!
Chrissie x