OK everyone, the end of January I'm quitting smoking. I start taking classes where they provide nicotine patches, but I could use some input. Has anyone out there used the patches? Did they work, not work? How did you keep from gaining weight? Did you quit permanently or start up again?
I am actually scared to quit. I am already feeling a little apprehensive about not having cigarettes but am determined to do this.
Could any of you advise me?
Thanks
By imaqt1962 from St Joseph, Illinois
I don't blame you for being scared, it's tough losing a security blanket! Patches work depending on how much you smoke. I weighed 110 lbs and have a high metabolism, and smoked 1 pack a day. When I got the lowest dosage (this was in 1999) it hit me like a ton of bricks. I was dizzy and had weird dreams, and got nauseous. After two days I quit those. Some people who smoke over 2 packs can smoke with those on, and not feel anything. I think they absorb the nicotine into your system based on your metabolic rate, check the company website or ask your pharmacist. Nicotine, on average, stays in your system for about 2 hours.
After the patch, I cut down my cigarettes first to every 2 hours for one week, then added on 1/2 hour per day. Failed that! And always when money becomes a stress factor (ironic). So I went to my doc, and he prescribed Zyban, which is well-butrin the anti-depressant. It helped me because I already had a history of depression, and the nicotine helps that feeling like extra serotonin. That's why you crave chocolate and stuff. I still smoked once in awhile, but once I thought about my health, wanting a baby, and all the money spent on smokes, I picked a day and quit. I drank orange juice and ate A LOT of baby carrots to get over the fits, and daily vitamins. That was in Nov 1999. Exactly one year later I became pregnant with my first boy, and had beautiful fingernails too, they weren't yellow!
After I weaned him at 6 months, I started smoking one or two cigarettes a day, or when I felt I was going to explode. I refuse to buy cigarettes, but when I get edgy, I steal one from my husband. He still hasn't figured out how to quit yet. When he's not around, I still survive, but I keep dark chocolate or semisweet chips in the house. Little sugar and full of anti-oxidants, it is my happy hang-up. I pop 5-10 chips, and go on with life. I also keep myself busy with any housework, chasing little boys and dog (goes hand in hand), and typing on chats like these. I don't sit still for long, and if I do sit, I rub my DH's feet or fold laundry, scratch the dog. One big rule...no smoking in the house. Originally for the kids and smell, now it just cuts down on the amount.
Eat healthy and exercise, and take one day or hour at a time! If you need anyone to vent to, or have questions, e-mail me at camo_angels AT yahoo.com (remove spaces). Good Luck and God Bless! (01/29/2006)
By Kelly
My sister quit a month ago, and she said the thing she had to do was find something else to do when she would usually be smoking. For instance, instead of a smoke break at work, she goes on a walk break. Good luck! (01/29/2006)
I smoked over two packs a day. I tried the gum, hypnotism, hand-held computer, cutting back, and almost anything you can think of. Nothing helped until I got the book "How Women Can Finally Stop Smoking". It's for women only. I also heard that most cigarettes are sugar-cured so you are also trying to give up the sugar habit when you quit. I switched to Carlton cigarettes so I could kick one habit at a time. I read the book and decided I could give it a try.
By Terri
I was a pack and a half a day smoker. I gave up smoking when I was pregnant for my son. At first it was very difficult. Tried the cutback slowly thing, but at five months pregnant I was still smoking up to half a pack a day. Then my husband found a cigarette butt outside when he came home from work. He had a fit and threw them away. I have not smoked since and my son is a happy healthy 14 month old. It seems that cold turkey actually can work. (01/30/2006)
By Miranda
It can be good to have someone that isn't afraid to put you in your place when you need it ;) My DH has had to do that one or two times, and we never regretted it! (02/04/2006)
By Kelly
Learn to knit and try it when you're watching TV or sitting (not at work) wanting a cigarette. It keeps your hands busy and you can make something useful. Relaxing too! Also walk breaks will help at work to keep your mind and body from craving cigarettes. Try to eat sensibly but don't worry about weight gain until you have the habit kicked. Then you can shed the pounds with the increased exercise you are able to do because you won't be gasping for breath as a smoker would. They say the few pounds you may gain after quitting cigs is not nearly as dangerous to your health as smoking. Best of luck to you! I did it 22 years ago and I know how really hard it is (no patches or nicotine gum back then)! You CAN do it! (02/16/2006)
By Mary
Well everyone it's day 3 with the nicotine patches and I am doing okay. Better than I thought I would. The one thing I find that I miss more than anything is the taste of the cigarette. Haven't experienced any problems with the patch. I don't wear it at night. Figure I don't need the nicotine going into my system. When I smoked cigarettes, I didn't do it in my sleep! And I have heard bad stories about having nightmares and bad dreams if you wear them at night. I keep a few suckers with me at all times. (02/17/2006)
By IMAQT1962
I tried the patches and they work great. Only thing is DO NOT smoke while on the patch. At all (I mean, don't cheat at all), I heard it's very bad for your heart. Also, the patches gave me CRAZY dreams. If you need a good night's sleep, I would take it off several hours before bed.
I have an oral fixation so have taken to drinking green tea. Also, I find I used to smoke a lot in order to have time to "just think", you know? Sit down and think, smoking gave me a good reason to sit and do nothing while not seeming to be doing nothing. Oddly, for me, I've discovered I can also relax and think while washing the dishes.
With the help of the patch, it shouldn't be hard to give up the chemical side of smoking. Sometimes (for me) it's hard to give up the habit. I find myself a situational smoker. Lol. It's not even about being social. Just certain times and events make me want to smoke. I think if you identify those times, you can learn when you're most vulnerable. Good luck! (03/01/2006)
By lol
Okay, it's now been 2 weeks smoke free. I have to admit it's been tough even with the patches, but I am determined to succeed. I now have a better sense of smell to realize how much it stinks. I look at it this way. I am an addict. I am addicted to nicotine. I will take 1 day at a time like any other recovering addict would. I will succeed. (03/02/2006)
By IMAQT1962
Congratulations! You're almost over the worst hump! Working in an office sitting, you'll get to smell others after they have one...what a big wake up! Wait a few more weeks and see how beautiful your nails are, WHITE! It is a nice reward ;) If you are interested, American Lung Association should have a link telling you how your body is restored so many hours & days after smoking. They used to have handouts of it, so I am sure they'd have it. (03/11/2006)
By Kelly
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