Giving up smoking is totally worth it!
This is for a few of those who have quit recently - or want to - you know who you are.
OK - 8th month - went for a mountain bike ride this afternoon - and for the first time - really felt the benefit of quitting. I live in a really, really hilly area of France - and I did not have to stop going up this bastard of a hill because I couldn't breathe.
That is the first time I have really felt it was worth it.OK -I am now 35 pounds heavier than I was - but still - I could breathe!
Stick with it guys.
Superb. Keep up the bike riding
Yes - there is life after quitting. 6 months of hell which included a lot of illness and an extra 35 lbs - but today was the first time I honestly felt it was worth it.
I felt it was worth it when I decided not to put cigarettes on a credit card! But now it's been a bunch of anxiety attacks in a row.
Now for all those diet hubs I was going to write when I got here. I can tell you how to lose 35 pounds, and it won't be start smoking!
@ Stevennix, I am better than I have been. I have to write a hub today and start a blog.
Apparently weight loss after quitting smoking would be a smoking hot topic!
Congrats Mark!
Cold turkey.
But hauling those extra 35 pounds around is not much fun though
Nope - hence the mountain bike.
One thing at a time.Oh, you mean it's easier to haul it using mountain bike? I have to look into this.
Shoot, looks like I have to go back to a trusted wheelbarrow
Extra 35 pounds, for easier hauling around
How was your dentist visit?lol You aren't a big guy. You're spot on. Men should look like a few parties are under their belts. Or over them. I love a big guy. I have one and he's all the better for it.
Dentist was fine. I was surprised I managed to get there, wait AND let the dentist do what was needed, though he did a lot less than I'd envisaged. You know how fear works - always considers the worst case scenario and runs with it
LOL I am - sort of, pretty much like Mark, though I started a few years earlier. Moobs and all that stuff... That's why I am poking fun at him.
I always was around 75-85 kilos before I quit, and nowadays I am around 100 LOL
And I love it you love big guys, may be I should just leave my tummy alone
Glad to hear about your dentist went smooth, congrats!
it's great to see that happy smiley face Mark! what a great achievement. I'm sure this thread will help inspire others!
that pic is just gorgeous.Nice countryside, I bet the air is really refreshing as well. When I go up north into the country it's great to breathe in the fresh air. You can totally tell the difference, especially since I live in a heavly populated suburbia.
That's a really lovely place! anybody living there would not need any medication!
Congrats Mark! It certainly is totally worth it to quit smoking. I quit almost 2 months ago and the improvements in taste and smell are enough to make you wonder why you ever smoked in the first place! And the energy too! Totally worth it not to be puffing on paper filled with valueless nothing every day.
You are rock stars! I am shame faced at my 'failure' but will be at it again...I refuse to let the tobacco companies win.
Good inspiration Mark! I've cut back, but haven't quit like I really want to - just too much going on. Hopefully the Cali sun will help
Sorry to hear you had health issues in the last 6 months. Last time I quit for a long time, I got bronchitis several times. Weird that I don't get it while smoking.
The weight will come off - you and your bike will make friends!Wow - how great is that?! I will get there. I'm on the verge. Got an appointment booked. Am probably going cold turkey but my sister wants I at least have some support (it's the medical half of her
) to have a better chance of success.
I'm so happy to see that such a confirmed smoker as you managed to get through the horrible journey that giving up smoking in. Huge congrats to your healthier lifestyle. I certainly remember the week you stopped ... and the teeth ... then dealing with the weight gain ... you made it!- Linda Myshrallposted 13 years ago
0 You know it...
I just light up a Marlboro.- Tilecleaninghubposted 13 years ago0
I have an appointment. I don't think my sister trusts me to go cold turkey - my usual method of quitting anything. I imagine I'm going to be patched up and pilled out
Not going to be adding to my waist though. I've got my water ready, just need celery. I like the weight I am. I'm determined not to give any room to unwanted pounds. I'll eat while walking if I have to
By the way Mark - I was out hill walking and thought your picture looked very similar to some of the scenery found on the Yorkshire Moors. Beautiful place you live.
Oh and do you wear a cycle helmut? My eldest son cycles everywhere. He was almost killed recently. Came away with a suspected rib fracture or two but otherwise ok. I know a helmut won't save much but I figured a helmut was better than nothing.
He complains about it but he is wearing it nowYou in the UK now? going to try Champix?
I'm on the pills and they do work and reduce the cravings, and I have not felt the need to ram every remotely edible thing in my gob. A problem when I try cold turkey. I'm still trying to shift the weight from last years 3 month cold turkey attempt.
God knows what it will be like giving up the pills, but that's next months problemLet me know what she says. I get them from the chemist as they don't prescribe them here, so I don't know. The packet seems to suggest that you just stop. However I cant see Pfizer being that bothered about you after you stop buying their pills so would prefer a medical answer
I may go down to a half dose for the last week, I certainly cant afford to stay on them. They are more expensive than smoking!
I have been thinking about just this topic lately, as I want to have kids at some point soon and know that their chances of being healthy are increased if I quit soon (like before I get pregnant).
If/when I take that big step you all can expect me around the forums a lot arguing with the believers and atheists, the liberals and the conservatives. Nothing like a good slanging match to vent the frustration at wanting a smoke I reckon
Was that one of your strategies Mark? Those believers do get you wound up don't they My friend sent this in a funny mail today. A ceiling mural in a smoking lounge:
kirsten - there may be something to that. I got banned about 3 times during that horrible 6 months. I won't go into details but I had a pretty bad tooth/jaw infection and trapped nerve that was extremely painful for about 6 weeks.
haunty - scary
frog - go for it - I really suggest you don't worry about a few extra pounds though. It is really hard not to put weight on.
Everyone else -= thanks - and you can do it of you want to.- Mark...big hugs sent your way!
Two months now here but I didn't have the willpower (or won't-power) to go cold turkey. I'm using Chantix and it's really helped a lot.
I cheated a bit the first month. It took a while for me to accept that having a cigarette was doing nothing to satisfy a craving and was merely a habit (thanks to the Chantix).
I've gained about 5 pounds (mindless munching out of boredom) so this weekend my husband and I are joining a health club. Note...my husband has not gained an ounce since we've met and is a non-smoker...but he will suffer all the same! It was his constant nagging that contributed to my quitting...and I love him for caring so much.
Good luck with your non-smoking ways and biking! I'm looking forward to being able to say the same thing in 6 more months! Ahhh well you see megs I got a bit bored waiting for the appointment, which is/was next week. My Simões is coming here in four weeks and he smokes like a mill chimney. Thought I'd better get a shuffle on at this stopping lark. Besides which I'm broke and this will save me £40+ a week.
I'll be fine *checks immediate vicinity* yep, all good here. No one maimed or hiding from me and I'm definitely not chewing the sofa legs. Yet
And thankyou!- shazwellynposted 13 years ago0
You have a lot to be proud of Mark! I gave up 17 years ago... had a period of stress and started again ... it was as if I hadnt given up! Couldnt believe it! Anyway, have kicked it again 18 months ago and still find it a struggle. Craving ciggies - it is always a struggle (well for me, anyway - addictive personality,, Im afraid
)
Well done Mark!
p.s. missed you mate! *wink*Good for you. And you frog.
I know. SUX! - I could smoke one right this minute. I have had to curtail some of my usual activities. I turned down a free trip to the Rugby in Marseilles last weekend with some friends. 3 hours in a car with 4 smokers and drinking all afternoon? I would have come back smoking.
Yes.. I know how you feel... I only have to look at sunforges smoking smily in the hubsacademy am Im thinking... ummm... would love a drag! It really is terrible!
Horrible. I am sure it will get better at some point - well it already has. I can now sit on the seafront and drink a coffee without wanting to murder the smoker at the next table. But - I am not ready for the rugby with 4 smokers yet.
Sometimes you go without thinking about it for months.. then... it grabs you! Just know it is normal
- Wendi Mposted 13 years ago0
- sandra rinckposted 13 years ago0
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