Good on you, Fred. Several of us around here quit about the same time several years ago. I quit after decades of 2-3 packs a day back in '03.
My last big smokeout was driving with Turk from Fresno to Provo...took several cartons and smoked the high holy he!! out of every butt while we talked continuously. At one point we scared ourselves. We both realized we were running out of breath and getting dizzy, but we soon felt better when we realized we had climbed to 10,000 feet while we were chain smoking. We felt so relieved...we lit up!
I thoroughly enjoyed every cigarette I ever smoked (and the pipes and the cigars). I never hacked or coughed. But I promised Cheerleader that I would quit when I took delivery of KMP184.
So I finally quit when I towed my trailer alone to pick up the Cobra from Provo in April, 2003. Took no cigarette with this time...it was tough. I used Nicorettes...bit my tongue and the inside of my cheeks a zillion times learning how to chew gum again, but it worked. One unnerving side effect when you chew it too rapidly and keep popping new pieces in your mouth is that it can cause you to burp and hiccup at the same time. I kept telling myself that if I could fart at the same time, I could start a circus act.
It worked. I've had a cigarette or cigar a once or twice a year since then while having a beer with friends, but I've never felt the urge to reach for the second one. I can stand next to a smoker and it doesn't bother me in the least.
As others have said...it's 90% mental.
I didn't add any weight...there was no more to add.
