Preventing weight gain after quitting smoking

katydid25
katydid25 Posts: 199 Member
edited November 12 in Health and Weight Loss
My grandpa (who was smoker for many, many years before his deteriorating health forced him to quit) just told my brother he won't be able to make it to his wedding. He just doesn't have the energy to do it. So I've decided to start taking the next step in this whole 'healthier me' process and I'm planning on quitting smoking. I have two really big worries though:

1. Finding another escape for my anxiety - mind over matter!
2. The weight gain I know is so common with quitting.

I obviously don't want to gain back the weight I've lost when I quit and I'm worried I'm going to see the numbers climb and decide to put it off a little longer. So is there anyone out there that's quit without gaining weight? Do you have any suggestions for me? Kind suggestions are always appreciated, but in this instance, I'm also willing to take in all the horror stories/potential slaps across the face you can hit me with!

Thanks!

Replies

  • laineylynnfit
    laineylynnfit Posts: 369 Member
    So, I've never been a smoker so I can't talk from experience but I think people gain weight because when instead of picking up a cigarette, they pick up food. But, if you've already committedd to living a healthy lifestyle and you aren't eating bad food, you should be OK. I guess it is mind over matter. My Mom was also forced to stop smoking because of her deteriorating health. She had smoked for year (since she was in her young teens and she's turning 64...) so I know that if she can do, you definitely can. Also, working out it a great de-stressor so there is your escape for your anxiety, sweating! :-) I know it's probably not what you were looking for but I just thought I'd put my two cents :) Good luck, you can do it!!!!!
  • nicehormones
    nicehormones Posts: 503 Member
    I lost weight after quitting smoking. I cut a straw into a size of a cigarette, "smoked" it, "flicked ashes" out my car window. It worked for the hand to the mouth thing except I chewed on it a lot haha. I also sucked on hard candy and ice cubes so I wouldn't binge on other things (I've always had a bad history of binging regardless). I bought nicotine gum just so I'd have something in case. I never opened it. I think the thing most important about quitting smoking is that you have to really mean it. Exercise when you have bad cravings. You'll have great intense workouts and that will help you from gaining weight. Make sure to net at a deficit if you want to still lose weight. You should be fine.


    Good luck! And it's the greatest decision you could make for yourself. You're going to feel wonderful.
  • chuckles217
    chuckles217 Posts: 123 Member
    One of the largest reasons people see weight gain when stopping smoking is a return of appetite and most people trade snacking for smoking. If you continue to log and are careful about what you do to "replace" your smoking habit, you will probably see minimal to no weight gain. You might talk to a physician about quitting. there are drugs like Wellbutrin which help cut the cravings for smoking and also suppress snack cravings and can aid in maintaining weight loss. Wellbutrin is non-addictive but is just one of many options you have.
  • Mom0fTwo
    Mom0fTwo Posts: 326 Member
    my cousin swears by tic tacs lol you can have like 50 of them and it is only 50 calls, or sugar free gum, or every time you have anxiety, get up and walk :)
  • anna0306
    anna0306 Posts: 16 Member
    Congratulations on the decision! It's the hardest thing I've ever done, but it's the thing I am most proud of about myself. I took up crocheting to keep my hands busy. I also used straws. These things helped me successfully quit, but I gained a ton of weight and it is because I "treated" myself to food every time I was stressed and would have had a cigarette. Just be aware of this and make a plan on what you will do when you're stressed-this is the best advice I can offer.

    Good luck!!!!
  • stanlee73
    stanlee73 Posts: 8 Member
    I gave up smoking nearly 14 months ago......the second time I've seriously done it in my adult life after smoking since my early teens. I put on about 25 pounds each time and really never figured out the answer to not putting the weight on.

    The problem I found is that you when your mind is really focused on quitting smoking you can somehow remember not to over eat. After three or four months when you start winning the battle and finally forget that your quitting smoking, your appetite returns. I would say I gained the most weight between 4-8 months after quitting.

    The fact that you are already on this site gives you a massive advantage over me as you can count everything you are eating and see when the wheels start to fall off.

    At the end of the day though, I can eat a cheeseburger tomorrow and work it off in the gym. If I go out and have a cigarette with my beer this weekend I'll be smoking 20 a day before I know it.

    Its all about priorities and the simple fact is that smoking will kill you far quicker than being an extra 25 pounds over weight.

    So GOOD LUCK with quitting smoking...it will be the most important health choice you ever make!!
  • Hambone23
    Hambone23 Posts: 486 Member
    As an ex-smoker, you gotta keep your mouth and hands busy. Gum. Chewing on straws. (I bought a whole pack of those coffee stirrer straws; my boyfriend said I also ruined all our pens, and every straw in every drink I drank.) I did finally get the nicotrol inhaler from my doc. It's awesome for dealing with the behavioral aspect, as there's a cartridge you pop into a "smokeable" (a friend said it looks like a beige plastic tampon, but stopping smoking isn't a beauty contest) inhaler that you can "smoke." A fine mist of nicotine comes out when you drag on it. Doctor started me out at a cartridge every hour. At first I was dying for one every hour and would make the cartridge last as long as possible. Then, eventually, I started needing it less and less. It weened me off the cigarettes and the behavioral habit. Even the few times I got stressed and would want a cigarette, I'd use an empty inhaler and chew on the end and "smoke" it. /shrug Your mileage may vary, but I think it was the best way to help me kick the behavioral habit.

    Edit: It feels awesome being able to say I stopped smoking. I feel so much better too. The smoker's cough, shortness of breath--all gone. My boyfriend smokes, and I can't even stand the smell of it anymore. Not even tempted to have one.
  • katydid25
    katydid25 Posts: 199 Member
    I've seriously never thought of heard using straws! I'm definitely picking up some!

    Thank you all so much! I really appreciate the suggestions!
  • manderson27
    manderson27 Posts: 3,510 Member
    As an ex-smoker, you gotta keep your mouth and hands busy. Gum. Chewing on straws. (I bought a whole pack of those coffee stirrer straws; my boyfriend said I also ruined all our pens, and every straw in every drink I drank.) I did finally get the nicotrol inhaler from my doc. It's awesome for dealing with the behavioral aspect, as there's a cartridge you pop into a "smokeable" (a friend said it looks like a beige plastic tampon, but stopping smoking isn't a beauty contest) inhaler that you can "smoke." A fine mist of nicotine comes out when you drag on it. Doctor started me out at a cartridge every hour. At first I was dying for one every hour and would make the cartridge last as long as possible. Then, eventually, I started needing it less and less. It weened me off the cigarettes and the behavioral habit. Even the few times I got stressed and would want a cigarette, I'd use an empty inhaler and chew on the end and "smoke" it. /shrug Your mileage may vary, but I think it was the best way to help me kick the behavioral habit.

    Edit: It feels awesome being able to say I stopped smoking. I feel so much better too. The smoker's cough, shortness of breath--all gone. My boyfriend smokes, and I can't even stand the smell of it anymore. Not even tempted to have one.

    This. The inhalators really helps to break the "something to do with your hands" habit and the nicotine in them helps when you are stressed. They are worth the money.
  • connieym
    connieym Posts: 1
    I had a friend that chewed on cinnamon sticks instead of the straws. I would assume it tastes better :)
  • crazydv
    crazydv Posts: 160 Member
    I'm also quitting soon and I'm also nervous about the weight gain...thanks for all your suggestions....and Good Luck on quitting smoking!
  • lewandt
    lewandt Posts: 566 Member
    First of all use as much help as you can get. I used the patch and it worked great for me. You still get cravings but it passes quickly.

    As far as gaining weight, even if you gain you will be healthier quitting smoking and can really concentrate on losing weight after that. But you don't have to gain weight.

    On your lunch breaks or times you usually take a cigarette break, go for a walk. The fresh air and exercise will feel good.

    Pack carrot sticks, suckers, celery or other low calorie snacks that you can munch on when you really feel the need for a cigarette, that way you won't go for the vending machine.

    Take deep breaths, and push it out slowly. That one is so easy but really, really helps.

    I know someone who did push ups whenever she had a craving. She said it really helped her. Also, any exercise helps as it gives you the "feel good" feeling afterwards.

    Think of it as one day at a time, or even one hour at a time. Try not to think of the forever part.

    Good luck! You can do it! You will feel so much better. It has been a year for me and i have never felt better. I also took up running since. It is one of those things i never thought i could do. Ever. I have this attitude now that i really can do anything. And it is an awesome feeling!
  • Kryflower
    Kryflower Posts: 3
    The normal weight gain for a person quitting smoking is 5-7 lbs. I have quit smoking now for 2 years. My weight gain was from having children though. Instead of eating when you want to have a cigarette go for a walk, work-out or even brush your teeth. If you really wanna quit without gaining weight you WILL!! Good luck :)
  • Hambone23
    Hambone23 Posts: 486 Member
    As an ex-smoker, you gotta keep your mouth and hands busy. Gum. Chewing on straws. (I bought a whole pack of those coffee stirrer straws; my boyfriend said I also ruined all our pens, and every straw in every drink I drank.) I did finally get the nicotrol inhaler from my doc. It's awesome for dealing with the behavioral aspect, as there's a cartridge you pop into a "smokeable" (a friend said it looks like a beige plastic tampon, but stopping smoking isn't a beauty contest) inhaler that you can "smoke." A fine mist of nicotine comes out when you drag on it. Doctor started me out at a cartridge every hour. At first I was dying for one every hour and would make the cartridge last as long as possible. Then, eventually, I started needing it less and less. It weened me off the cigarettes and the behavioral habit. Even the few times I got stressed and would want a cigarette, I'd use an empty inhaler and chew on the end and "smoke" it. /shrug Your mileage may vary, but I think it was the best way to help me kick the behavioral habit.

    Edit: It feels awesome being able to say I stopped smoking. I feel so much better too. The smoker's cough, shortness of breath--all gone. My boyfriend smokes, and I can't even stand the smell of it anymore. Not even tempted to have one.

    This. The inhalators really helps to break the "something to do with your hands" habit and the nicotine in them helps when you are stressed. They are worth the money.

    If you do have insurance (I know you're kinda young) or access to some, a lot of companies will cover this sort of thing as a preventative measure. That's how I got mine. But if you're paying out of pocket, you get a ton of bang for your buck. There's some 168 catridges in a box, two inhalers, and a case to carry an inhaler and a pack of cartridges like a very uncool cig case. ;} And you can use them any/everywhere as there's no smoke.
This discussion has been closed.

Categories