I have done what few have done...

[DSJ™]

Well I guess that title kinda says it all. Now I know there are a few here I told privately, but this has got me pumped.  

On May 29th of this year, I quit smoking. I have been smoking for, let’s see, I’m 43 now so… holy crap, almost 30 years.  

I planned this for awhile; my body after all these years was telling me something, it’s time to quit. Yes, it’s expensive, just over a pack a day, unhealthy (chest pains) & it will be no smoking at work come September 30, inside & on the property. Most of all, it was my body.  

So I decided to quit before my Birthday. I went to the drug store & what a break, Nicoderm patches were on sale, half price. Ever since then, I seem to have timed it right as the next 2 steps went on sale when I needed them.  BTW, if you wear the patch while you sleep, those dreams are so real!  

So it comes down to this, I have not had, yes, not had a cigarette for 43 days! Wow, the same age as me.    There have been the odd day were I would lets say kill. The craving has been there & tonight I very proud for what I have done. It’s not been easy but it can be done. FYI, this is the 2nd time in 2 years I have tried. The last time I lasted 6 months. I hope this time it will be forever.  

Oh yeah, I have gained 15 lbs since I quit!  I just can’t stop eating, I chew gum, & when I stop chewing, I find I have that habit that I have to do something so I just eat. A few lbs. won’t kill me.    I maybe tall, but I'm not heavy.

My Dad quit over 40 yrs ago, he's 83 now & still has that craving.  

I would love to have a cigar right now but...  

So that’s it gang. Anyone else here smoke or that used to smoke & has gone through what I have gone through?
 
Aka… thoughts?

[Morgbug]

Time to start drinking.  Wait.....

Well done sir, very well done.  Congratulations and keep up the good work.  Hell, you may actually be able to get a house after all

[jokabofe]

well, i for one have never smoked (at least not cigarettes)  

but congrats dale, i know that is a big achievement. my mother quit about 14 years ago and has not gone back. just keep telling yourself you're doing the right thing. as far as the weight gain goes, just keep telling yourself it's easier to lose a few pounds than it would be to resurrect yourself from the dead.

my ex-wife had thyroid cancer, and they told her she had to stop smoking. she did - for about a year, and then went right back to it. i hope you can last longer than that.

[Rob]

Good work!

My grandfather died of lung cancer from smoking a pack or two of unfiltered cigarrettes way back when.  That was when my dad was 19.  And my dad smoked for the longest longest time and ended up needing a quintuple bypass last year.  So I'm always happy to hear when someone manages to kick the habit.

Congratulations!

[Angry Ewok]

Awesome, man! Just don't go back,  .

[Famine]

Never smoked.


Good job. Maybe you can convince my Grandmother to quit.

Kevin

[BigDumbWookiee]

Congratulations! Time to fill that void with lots and lots of liqour!

[JediMAC]

Excellent job Dale.  Proud of you bud!  

As you know, the battle will rage on for a long time to come, so hang in there and stay strong...  You can do it!

But congrats on taking the first step, and good luck with your continued "abstinence"...  

[Ben]

Man, I wish I could quit. I was quit for a couple of years, but my new job and its related stress led my down the cancer path again. Having a live-in girlfriend doesn't help much either.

[DSJ™]

Thanks gang. So far so good. I have been off the patch now for 3 days & I have had the odd craving, thats going to be with me for life.  
Been chewing a lot & I mean a lot of gum.

Time to start drinking.  Wait.....

Congratulations! Time to fill that void with lots and lots of liqour!

Ha, ha.  I quit smoking & became an alcoholic. No wait, I'm already a  

[Mikey D]

Congrats Dale!  I know it's not easy.  I quit cold turkey about four years ago and haven't had one since.  Sometimes (especially when drinking) I crave one, but have resisted the urge.  

Both my parents smoke(d).  They have both tried to quit on numerous occasions and were semi successful.  They always went back.  It took a heart attack at the age of 47 to get my father to quit.  Now he doesn't smoke or drink.  My mom still smokes.

My wife smokes and I know she wants to quit (we're starting to think about having kids) but it's tough.  

Keep up the good work.

[Mister Skeezler]

Congrats Dale!!! Its the best thing you'll ever do for yourself!  

[Diddly]

Great job! Good to see that people CAN quit!

But if you smoke again, I'm afraid you will be cyber-slapped.

[dustrho]

Congratulations Dale!  It's great to hear that you've quit smoking!  I am more than certain you'll be able succeed in your non-smoking endeavor, but I'll wish you the best of luck anyway.