Another quitting smoking thread?

Stingray89 · #1 01-22-2011, 07:55 PM

I havn't decided to quit yet but it's still in the back of mind. I just have one question that maybe yall can answer. When I quit smoking will my metabolism go back to what is was before I started smoking or will it slow down slower than before I started smoking? I'm not worried about weight gain ( I'm 6'4" at 160 pounds, people say I need to gain weight) but I ask because I have always had a fast metabolism and like to eat alot. Just wondering.

Acousticdude · #2 01-22-2011, 08:03 PM

It doesn't really matter, quitting smoking is what matters. I quit and didn't gain any weight. I had been smoking for over 30 years. Food will taste better and you will feel better which means you my want to start working out whether with weights or cardio. Even though I'm an old dude at least now I have energy to move a little on stage lol. Quitting smoking is the best decision you can make.

C.Linton · #3 01-23-2011, 03:43 AM

The consequences for NOT quitting are far worse than those for quitting. Stop looking for excuses and just quit. That's what I did for a number of years, making all kinds of excuses to myself. Then, after taking care of my father for a while who had Emphysema and ended up on an oxygen pump 24/7 (eventually dying from it ), I just plain old stopped, and haven't looked back. My health right now is not the best, and I shudder to think what it would be like were I still smoking.

thefruitfarmer · #4 01-23-2011, 03:46 AM

Just stop smoking and deal with whatever your body and mind throws at you.

MIJ-VI · #5 01-23-2011, 05:36 AM

Quit smoking and live better & longer and save LOTS of $.

Stingray89 · #6 01-23-2011, 09:18 AM

I guess I'm still at the point where I'm making up excuses. I'm 21 and have only been smoking for about two years but it is something that I do enjoy. I've tried the e-cigs but they don't have the same affect or sensation for me. Maybe I'm getting older and starting to think about my well being in the future...scary thought that I might actually be growing up. On the other hand I'm going to school to be a firefighter so I'm gonna have to quit eventually to be able to meet the requirements and physical demands of the job.

**jmattbassplaya** · #7 01-23-2011, 09:28 AM

Just as long as you don't replace one habit (smoking) with another (over indulging) you should be fine.

lucas vigor · #8 01-23-2011, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stingray89

I guess I'm still at the point where I'm making up excuses. I'm 21 and have only been smoking for about two years but it is something that I do enjoy. I've tried the e-cigs but they don't have the same affect or sensation for me. Maybe I'm getting older and starting to think about my well being in the future...scary thought that I might actually be growing up. On the other hand I'm going to school to be a firefighter so I'm gonna have to quit eventually to be able to meet the requirements and physical demands of the job.

I predict you will successfully quit soon. The reason I know is that you are young and already questioning it. Most people who never quit, ever seriously consider quitting in the first place.

You may gain a little weight, but it is negligible. And the benefits far outweigh the disadvantages.

I am three years now. The key to success is to put the money in a pot, and spend it on something you like, drink lot's of water, sleep a lot, and enjoy the first day of quitting because you will be pleasantly lightheaded. Something to remember though, as a recovering nicotine addict you will never be out of the woods. Even 20 years down the road if you cheat, you will probably be back at square one.

The way it works is by the 2nd day, the cravings are coming fast and hard, like waves. But, you ride through each one of them. Eventually, the waves come slower. They are still there, but the cravings are farther and farther apart. Within a few months you get a craving like once a week, not every 3 minutes like when you first stopped. The key is just to not give in. if you are at a party and drinking, and see other's smoking and walk over to them, don't do it! Go home, go to sleep! As long as you are sleeping, you aren't smoking! Them you wake up and it's one more day under your belt!

**Staccato** · #9 01-23-2011, 10:50 AM

Some people view increased food intake/overeating after quitting smoking as...

Trading one addiction for another. The basics of staying near your ideal weight are to limit the calories for your body's needs, eat smaller portions if necessary, exercise as much or more than necessary for good health. 'No sweets in the house' is a difficult but very worthwhile hobby!

It's a fight to reduce to get 'back to' the ideal weight because it takes more of the above, and I'm in this category, Uhg!

Stingray89 · #10 01-23-2011, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lucas vigor

I predict you will successfully quit soon. The reason I know is that you are young and already questioning it. Most people who never quit, ever seriously consider quitting in the first place.

You may gain a little weight, but it is negligible. And the benefits far outweigh the disadvantages.

I am three years now. The key to success is to put the money in a pot, and spend it on something you like, drink lot's of water, sleep a lot, and enjoy the first day of quitting because you will be pleasantly lightheaded. Something to remember though, as a recovering nicotine addict you will never be out of the woods. Even 20 years down the road if you cheat, you will probably be back at square one.

The way it works is by the 2nd day, the cravings are coming fast and hard, like waves. But, you ride through each one of them. Eventually, the waves come slower. They are still there, but the cravings are farther and farther apart. Within a few months you get a craving like once a week, not every 3 minutes like when you first stopped. The key is just to not give in. if you are at a party and drinking, and see other's smoking and walk over to them, don't do it! Go home, go to sleep! As long as you are sleeping, you aren't smoking! Them you wake up and it's one more day under your belt!

I've made it 5 days one time. I had the flu and was sick as a dog but once I got better I started back up again. I've thought about it and I guess the best way for me to quit would be on a weekend and watch the whole 24 series on dvd. Since I'm obsessed with 24 I'd get so into the series it would deter me from smoking lol. I know it sounds stupid but it might work.

As for drinking water, excersising and over eating I probably drink anywhere from 12-16 glasses of water a day. I work in a warehouse where I'm constantly moving around carrying boxes and delivering orders all day and really the only big meal I eat a day is at dinner, usually at lunch alls I have is a sandwhich and a bannana and I don't really eat snacks unless I'm at home watching the ball game or something. I did one of those calorie intake calculators online and it says I can take in 3000 calories a day and still maintain my current weight, which is good considering the recommended intake is around 2000. Maybe I'm overthinking this whole weight gain situation but it's something to keep in mind. For those that have quit, how long does it take for your lungs to heal to when you can actually excercise without feeling like your going to die? A month or two?

C.Linton · #11 01-23-2011, 04:53 PM

Only been smoking two years!
Pfah!
I quit smoking "Cold Turkey" when I was up to three packs a day after smoking for about thirty + years, and I have absolutely NO self-discipline. It should be a relative breeze for you.

eutgard · #12 01-23-2011, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stingray89

I guess I'm still at the point where I'm making up excuses. I'm 21 and have only been smoking for about two years but it is something that I do enjoy. I've tried the e-cigs but they don't have the same affect or sensation for me. Maybe I'm getting older and starting to think about my well being in the future...scary thought that I might actually be growing up. On the other hand I'm going to school to be a firefighter so I'm gonna have to quit eventually to be able to meet the requirements and physical demands of the job.

QUIT when you are still young and healthy.

Please don't waste your glorious youth with dirty & stupid habit such as smoking cigs.

I've been smoking a pack a day for over 25+ years, and changed to e-cig recently.

Now I get to know how filthy, dirty & smelly I was when still smoking.

When smoking, I smelled like a trash can filled with saliva saoked cig butts.

Now I smell like green apple & banana bread.

So I'm still a nicotine ADDICT, but feel much better now and reducing nicotine intake gradually - reduced 11mg/ml solution to 6mg/ml solution. Same intake frequency per a day.

Anyway, please quit before nicotine owns you completely.

OleJohnnyMac · #13 01-23-2011, 06:50 PM

I gained 20 lbs when I quit, but I'm big and a nervous eater anyway. I was able to run without side stitches, burning lungs, etc. about 2 weeks after my last dart, and it's a good thing, or I probably would've gained 50 lbs instead. The endorphins released by exercise really help with the stress of quitting smoking too, although a bad jogging habit can be murder on the knees

UncleFluffy · #14 01-23-2011, 06:55 PM

You can always lose weight later - I put on about 30 pounds when I quit. Had to stay away from bars for a couple of months but it got there in the end.

As the old saying goes "smoking helps you lose weight ... one lung at a time"

Skitch it! · #15 01-23-2011, 07:01 PM

Quit, quit, quit. I'm thinking the same at the moment, it's no good, just the biggest confidence trick there is.

It will kill you, but not honourably.....slowly.

Jason Brown · #16 01-23-2011, 09:56 PM

I'm just a few days shy of one year.

My metabolism apparently hasn't changed, but my eating habits sure did the first few months. I think everything's back to normal now, although I may be a couple of pounds heavier. Like others have said, try to avoid excuses not to quit, and if you do find yourself smoking again, don't ever make yourself believe you CAN'T quit. It probably took me 10 attempts over the 25 years I smoked. Each attempt taught me something else that finally made me successful.

Quote:

I've thought about it and I guess the best way for me to quit would be on a weekend and watch the whole 24 series on dvd.

That would have to be a loooooooooooooong weekend.

I used to smoke about 5 times as much while I was watching that show. I'd hotbox one every commercial break. I did start quitting though right at the start of the final season, so I guess anything's possible.

SelenaBassGirl · #17 01-23-2011, 10:10 PM

I need to quit too. I keep making up excuses also, but gotta think my dad passed away from complications from lung cancer. His sister died from lung cancer and their dad had emphysema.
It's so hard tho, cause I hang at the club that allows smoking 4 nights a week. I feel like it's got a hold on me. I need to take control. I smoke ultra lights and a pack lasts a day and half, but still...

lucas vigor · #18 01-24-2011, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by C.Linton

Only been smoking two years!
Pfah!
I quit smoking "Cold Turkey" when I was up to three packs a day after smoking for about thirty + years, and I have absolutely NO self-discipline. It should be a relative breeze for you.

I gotta agree about cold turkey. I was a VERY heavy smoker, and I tried everything unsuccessfully, tapering off, patches, gum, e-gigs....nothing worked because it delayed the inevitable.

Cold turkey was the only thing that worked for me.

The OP asks how soon do your lungs feel better? Almost immediately. You start healing as soon as you put down your cigarette. Within 9 hours (I believe) all nicotine is out of your system. let me see if I can pull up the stats somewhere.

Here they are: http://quitsmoking.about.com/cs/afte...r_quitting.htm

Stingray89 · #19 01-25-2011, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SelenaBassGirl

I need to quit too. I keep making up excuses also, but gotta think my dad passed away from complications from lung cancer. His sister died from lung cancer and their dad had emphysema.
It's so hard tho, cause I hang at the club that allows smoking 4 nights a week. I feel like it's got a hold on me. I need to take control. I smoke ultra lights and a pack lasts a day and half, but still...

I guess that's half of my problem, when I drink I really enjoy that cig to go with it. I've read and heard stories about people saying they had to stay away from the bars for awhile (as another poster said)

Steve · #20 01-25-2011, 04:35 PM

I loved smoking every day from the time I was 13 until this sept. 19th when I dropped dead from sudden cardiac arrest due to cigarette related coronary artery disease.

That was fun. 3 days on a ventilator, 5 days in ICU...$14,000 in medical expenses...no insurance... bankruptcy.....now I have insurance, it costs me $850 a month BEFORE co-pays...

Do yourself a favor and quit. You ain't enjoying it that much. Trust me.