Afraid to Quit Smoking But I Know I Need To

cici1028

Ok. So I am a little terrified to quit smoking because I fear the weight gain. I know it's partially a mental barrier because I lost all the weight in the first place while quitting, but now that I'm at my goal weight, I feel like I would be more upset if I gained.

Anyone out there had success quitting and NOT putting on weight? How did you do it? What would you recommend for me? My quit date is 8/27/12 so I just want to be sure I have a plan. I'm using the patch... do I just need to be super strict with my diet?

now_or_never12

You can quit without gaining a ton of weight!

I would be strict with your diet. Ensure you are eating enough protein and fibre. Always have carrot sticks, celery sticks, cucumber slices, etc washed, cut up and ready to go to snack on when the urge hits so you don't reach for cookies, chips or a cigarette. I find it helps when I had a strong urge for a smoke to go for a run, or do some other form of exercise. You will notice how much better you can perform in whatever exercise you do and that should help you keep going without having a smoke. Also, I find it helps to get rid of the craving.

Don't believe the myth that you will gain weight when you quit. It all depends on how you deal with quitting.

GOOD LUCK!

dvelocity

I quit cold turkey on August 1. I have not gained and I have not lost. I have not been perfect with my diet and I started the 30 day shred a week ago. My clothes are fitting better and I see a difference in my face.

I don't know what this all means. I do feel better having quit and I am glad that I have not not gained anything.

mystikalbeanz

You can do it! I quit 7/1/2012 and like you i was terrified of gaining weight however i wanted my health and to quit more then a few pounds! Its not going to be easy but the patch def helps! Thats what i used! Just dont wear it at night because it causes crazy dreams! I will tell you that i did gain a few pounds that i was not happy about after quitting. However from what i researched about quitting its mainly water weight because of your body going through adjustments so just drink alot of water and keep exercising and you'll be fine! It is def worth it in the long run and you'll have so much more energy and stamina during workouts! Best of luck to you!

WendyTerry420

I definitely feel your concern. I am approaching my quit date and have had the same concerns. I have been telling myself about how much my lung capacity will improve my workouts, which will in turn allow for bigger burns. When you brain tries to fight you, you have to dig deep with ammo to fight back. That's what I do anyway. :laugh:

00Melyanna00

I quit cold turkey, too and it didn't affect my weight at all.
Actually, if you manage to fight the psychological effects of quitting, you will start to see an improvement in your body shape, since smoking damages the blood vessels and causes dry skin.
After you quit smoking, you should see less swelling and your skin will have more elasticity.

I agree completely with this:

You can quit without gaining a ton of weight!

I would be strict with your diet. Ensure you are eating enough protein and fibre. Always have carrot sticks, celery sticks, cucumber slices, etc washed, cut up and ready to go to snack on when the urge hits so you don't reach for cookies, chips or a cigarette. I find it helps when I had a strong urge for a smoke to go for a run, or do some other form of exercise. You will notice how much better you can perform in whatever exercise you do and that should help you keep going without having a smoke. Also, I find it helps to get rid of the craving.

Don't believe the myth that you will gain weight when you quit. It all depends on how you deal with quitting.

GOOD LUCK!

bbaker172

I stopped 1-3-12. The day I turned 40. And yes, I packed on a good 20lbs,but that was my fault....you'll be able to really "taste" food....I mean after the 3rd week, I could tell you what kind of fruit flavoring went into a Mountain Dew....it was amazing! So, I tasted EVERYTHING....ice cream, big macs, chocolate (hershey's and Godiva to see which was better) anything that I wanted...so I have no one to blame.

.I quit cold turkey. I sat in a hospital room with my mom for 5 days watching her die from lung cancer and I do not want to put my children through that, so that was my wake up call.

I can breath, which I really enjoy. I can taste...and I'm lovin that! And most of all...I don't stink. Because believe me when I tell you....2 weeks after quitting, you will smell a smoker from 20yards away...and yes, you smell(ed) like that. All the money you spend on perfumes n such does not mask the oder...and I about pooped when I figured that out.

So good luck to you guys!!! I KNOW you can do it, you are SOOOOOO worth living the next 40yrs healthy!!!

pinkspanglystar

I worked in Smoking Cessation for 8 years and I promise it is a load of crap when people say that you put weight on from stopping!! It has been proven that its the person and not the stopping that adds the weight so just stick with what you know works for you, watch what you eat and how you exercise and you will notice an improvement in your ability to exercise within the first few days!!

The only thing I would say is your taste buds do improve after a few days of being smoke free so just watch what you snack on!! If the patches are not enough for you then try one of the other products with them!! And make sure the strength of the patch is correct for the amount you smoked!!

Good luck!!

Onaughmae

You can do it! I quit cold turkey and didnt gain a pound. I kept sugar free toffee candies with me and just popped one in my mouth whenever I wanted a smoke. I wont lie...it was tough, I wanted to stab everyone I saw in the eye for a couple of weeks....but it passed. I feel so much better and everyone around me survived Keep lots of lo cal crunchy snacks like carrots and celery sticks...that helped too. Best of luck to you!

cici1028

Thanks, you guys are the best! I'm feeling better about it already. I will promise to NOT freak out if I see a bump up in the first few weeks. First few weeks. Look at me. Being positive already!