As someone who smoked for MANY(20+) years, I have to comment on this thread
First off, I lost two of my grandparents to smoking related illnesses.
I KNOW that they would have had longer lives had they quit. And the agony my Grandmother lived in those last years dragging an oxygen tank around; it still makes me sad to think about it.
I think that Mommy's personal experience with people dying within months of quitting is an aberration. I know of at least half dozen people that had 20+ years of smoking that have quit in the last 2 years. ALL are alive and feeling fantastic. One of them being my sister, who had such a nagging cough and serious lung damage that she was told by her Dr. she would probably have an oxygen tank of her own to drag around by the time she was 40. It's so nice to talk with her on the phone and not have to listen to her gasp and cough.
The other being my Mother. She quit 5+ years ago. She is also among the living. I am also alive and well after quitting 6 years ago this month. I know of more, but I will spare everyone. My family is now completely smoke free.
Now, my best girlfriend is a staunch smoker. Yes, she is aware of all the health risks. However, now, it's biting her on the ass. She wants to get a government job. She the degree and the qualifications.
The problem? One requirement is that she has to pass a "treadmill" test. She tries to take a short walk and she's gasping. She still refuses to quit. She's willing to pay the price, I suppose.
What I remember is something a doctor told my Mom. To illustrate just how bad smoking is. He told her that he would rather her gain 100 pounds than to smoke.
Just a note, Eman. I never, ever, smoked when I was pregnant.
Andee
Edited to add that people usually don't gain weight because of the absence of smoking cigarettes. They gain because they eat more.
