weight gain - Smoking Cessation Message Board

Queen B · 02-07-2004, 07:13 AM

I have only gained two pounds in approx two weeks but just wondering if any one knows how long the gaining weight period of quitting smoking lasts??? I have been on maintanence low carb for over 1 year. I started exercising 3-4 times a week a month ago (just because I like to do that in the winter cause I naturally just put on weight) after quitting I decided to push myself a little harder when working out. I was hoping this would kick in my metabolism..I know two pounds doesn't sound like much but when you have limited yourself for a year and your big treat is a bowl of luck charms a couple times a week it;s a little discouraging. I remember once when my dad quit smoking he gained 30 pounds!!! I don't think I will go that far but I just wonder if it is increase in appetite or metabolism slow down that causes the weight gain or both and when does your body finally even out. Any tips or thoughts on this subject? Thanks for listening.

Deda · 02-07-2004, 02:00 PM

Hi QueenB--

Well I can't say with myself that it's an increase in appetite as much as it is nervousness or better yet just trying to find something to satify the oral/hand stimulation that I lack now that I don't have a cig in my mouth/hands. (and boredom at times too). Yes, they say that your metabolism does slow down slightly. But with the amount of exercise that you do maybe that will make up for that drop in metab. I didn't gain any weight the first 6 weeks that I quit, (it's been 4.5 months now). Then when the cool weather came along I really started eating/snacking a lot, but I tend to do this every winter anyway, and gain about 5-7 lbs each winter. Right now I weigh 8 lbs more than the day I quit, but it had been as high as 12 lbs. It does seem the majority of people do gain some weight when they quit, but I' have heard that it will reach a plateau and most people will lose it later after our metabolism levels out. I've just started adding exercise to my daily routine and I do think I will lose this extra weight. (please God!) I tend to get serious about losing weight once the weather warms up, which is soon I hope.

I do remember quitting when I was PG 25 years ago. I quit smoking 6 weeks before delivery, and all together I had gained 40 lbs w/ that pregnancy. I lost all of that weight 2 months after birth and maintained it too, and didn't smoke for 14 months, so I guess it can be done. Willpower is everything!! I think I used up all of my WP with this quit, but it's slowly starting to emerge!! LOL

I think you'll do okay, just watch out for this compulsive type, (mindless) eating and snacking, when one isn't even hungry.

Play jacks instead or do a crossword puzzle! LOL!!!

Good luck!
DEDA

Leanea · 02-07-2004, 03:43 PM

I have gained four pounds in the past week. My weight seems to be fluctuating since I quit smoking, but I signed up to the gym two days ago and Monday I start going! Hope I can get there everyday, I can stand to lose about twenty pounds. Gaining two pounds wouldn't bother me at this point, but if I was working hard to maintain my weight and then gained some I would just change my routine and diet a bit to compensate. Have you tried this? It will be easier to do something now than later. Maybe it's just time for your workout to get more challenging, like you've reached a new level and gaining two pounds is your body's way of saying "this workout is too easy!". The saying "listen to your body" is right on! Good luck!

LL29 · 02-07-2004, 08:11 PM

Hi all

Yes, I gained 15 lbs since I quit 11/19/03. The first month I put most of it on and I don't think I leveled out or maintained until 1 1/2 months. I'm going to set a goal to lose a lb a week (that's what Oprah/dr phil said I think) because it's realistic and goes along with tryin to eat better and maintaining your work out plan.

Now granted if I eat badly a day or two but yet increase my gym time that week - I should be able to lose that lb. If not I'll have to step it up some.

But yes it's VERY common to put on weight because cancer sticks curve your appetite and alot of times acted as a meal replacement.

Agreed with the Deda - don't start eating just to be eating or getting your oral fixation, etc... Get some cinnamon toothpicks or something before you start eating just from boredom. If you are "a little" hungry - pick a fruit

Laurie

Queen B · 02-08-2004, 06:39 PM

Thanks for all the advice...think I will try and step up my exercise. I;ll try and not get to stressed out about a couple of pounds, I tend to do this even when stop smoking isn;t involved. My brother suggested cinnamon toothpicks like we used to chew on when we were kids or sugar free suckers for the mouth chewing -teeth clenching thing...really need to fiqure out something for this problem...getting painful...going to dentist in about a week. I know he an do something with a mouth appliance. I'm just feeling like maybe I need something for the anxiety and tension to calm myself so I'm not wound so tight. Muscle relaxers or anxiety meds. just something to help me through. Hey I know I sound like I'm a mess but I did my taxes on line today and didn't smoke...thats a miracle. Thanks for listening. Queen B.