I quit 3/1/08 and by the end of March I was getting terrrible pain in my left leg during my step/spin classes(which I have taken for many years).....after much testing --it was concluded that I had a completely blocked artery going to my left leg.....
I had quit smoking, then had to quit exercising(actually--I couldn't even walk from the parking lot to a store)......the weight, of course, came on quickly....
I am now done the surgery & have been cleared for exercise & have gone from 106 to 120 pounds.....the heaviest I've been since pregnancy......BUT I have now have blood flow to both of my legs again...
I know I have alot of work to do. However, not being able to walk or exercise gave me a brief glimpse of how quickly life as you know it can be taken from you....and in my case--the cigarettes were the culprit...So, although the added weight is a drag--there are many worse things.....
Deb
My Milage:
My Quit Date: 3/1/2008 Smoke-Free Days: 123 Cigarettes Not Smoked: 3,690 Amount Saved: $830.25 Life Gained: Days: 14 Hrs: 1 Mins: 10 Seconds: 31
It's true, in my case!! I've only gained about 8 pounds, but it feels like I've gained 20!!! I don't care, cuz I don't smoke no more! I peeked into the sister site and I'll probably start spending a little bit of time there soon. My doc also mentioned to me last week that I should look into the South Beach Diet, which is all about cutting down on the carbs. There's plenty of info and support out there, Tiffany, so get this quit behind you really well, and then make the next committment to work on the weight!! It's just like quitting smoking..... you have to get yourself mentally prepared and the just make the committment to make that next lifestyle change!! The main thing to remember is not to really freak out and get down on yourself!! You'll do it when you're ready!!!
Jim
My Milage:
My Quit Date: 3/5/2008 Smoke-Free Days: 119 Cigarettes Not Smoked: 2,975 Amount Saved: $490.88 Life Gained: Days: 19 Hrs: 11 Mins: 41 Seconds: 37
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh the weight gain thingy! I was such a mess over my 10 lbs that it wasn't even funny. I am still at my 10 lbs over but I have adjusted my clothing to feel comfortable and I am now comfortable. I still don't like the extra weight but from what I understand, as long as I keep the healthy attitude and my workouts, at about the year mark I will find that I am most likely going to be pretty darn close to where I started. It's all good. A little extra weight does not mean I breathe hard or cough alot, so there ya go! Keep up the good work all!
Terry
My Milage:
My Quit Date: 2/17/2008 Smoke-Free Days: 136 Cigarettes Not Smoked: 1,360 Amount Saved: $204.00 Life Gained: Days: 15 Hrs: 11 Mins: 50 Seconds: 19
DL, is absolutly right, weight gain is normal for those quitting smoking. Please visit our sister site for great support and information. Don't be too hard on yourself either. You should be really proud of yourself for your great accomplishment. A few lifestyle changes and you'll be all set.
Hi, Tiffany... we all put on weight after quitting smoking (except those very few who have an immunity to weight-gain under any circumstances!) so don't let yourself get too upset about this 20 lb gain...
If you're interested in a lifestyle change where you begin to eliminate all those foods that are no good for you then I suggest that you join up on the sister-site ( Healthy Weight Center.net) and read your way around the programme and listen to what the members have to say about their experiences in trying to get into a whole new way of eating and achieving a sustainable weight.
But try not to put too much pressure on yourself when you're in the middle of quitting smoking. See what's more important to you now - the quitting or the weight-gain??
Your metabolism has slowed down now since you quit... And food - especially your favourites - tastes many times better without that smoke washing over your taste buds!! Be kind to yourself.... start with the obvious things like reducing the size of portions ( no more full bags of chips, jars of jam, or packets of peanuts etc., platesful of french fries and all the rest ....)
Patrick
My Milage:
My Quit Date: 1/18/2008 Smoke-Free Days: 161 Cigarettes Not Smoked: 4,025 Amount Saved: $1,811.25 Life Gained: Days: 29 Hrs: 23 Mins: 0 Seconds: 37
So I knew I had gained weight but last night I made the mistake of stepping on the scale. Oh my goodness! I weigh more now than I EVER have. I weigh more than I did when I gave birth to my daughter!!!!!! I have gained about 20 lbs since quitting smoking. PLEASE SOMEONE HELP ME!
My Milage:
My Quit Date: 4/9/2008 Smoke-Free Days: 79 Cigarettes Not Smoked: 1,580 Amount Saved: $335.75 Life Gained: Days: 6 Hrs: 7 Mins: 43 Seconds: 15