GOOD NEWS: ONE THOUSAND HOURS SMOKE-FREE!!

[THUNDER HANDS]

BAD NEWS: I've gained 15 pounds in those 1,000 hours. Which, sounds like a lot - and is, because I think that averages to a pound every three days or so.

Oh well, I made it through the holidays, with drinking and eating and relatives smoking and didn't crave a cigarette, so I think I'm officially a former smoker now.

However, I'm rapidly becomming a current fattie, which is not so good. I spent my entire childhood a fat kid, I don't want to ever be fat again.

I was 175 when I quit smoking. I'm 190 now. Hopefully I topped up and my body will now adjust and I won't have food cravings as strong as I once did.

But, at least I won't hack up a lung while shoveling snow this winter. That's always a plus.

[gollygee]

1. Congrats!! And

I think the national average for weight gain over the holidays is like 10 pounds. You have to work a little harder than the average to take it off, but it probably isn't *all* about the smoking. Some is about yummy holiday food.

[qnr]

2. Congratulations :) and good luck n/t

[BurtWorm]

3. Congrats on the non-smoking!

Sorry about the weight gain. I didn't get as massive as I thought I was going to, and, in fact, I lost at least one inch--maybe more--around the waist since last February.

Did you try the straw method? Did it help?

[THUNDER HANDS]

4. I didnt' really need the straw

I only had some moderate cravings once in a while and I was usually able to control them by eating an apple or something.

Man, I've become addicted to apples lately.

But I'm shocked that I don't crave a smoke when I get into the car, I used to love to smoke and drive.

[HEAVYHEART]

5. Good for you!

I'm jealous. I wish I could quit smoking but I'm not ready yet.

As for getting fat, I know you've heard this before but drink alot of water and that will help suppress your hunger. I swear it works. I recently lost alot of weight, I just went low carb. But for the past 3 months, I started eating the foods I used to eat but along with the good stuff, but I'm still drinking a ton of water everyday. I haven't gained back any of the weight I lost and I think it's because of the water. Try it.

Congrats on quitting smoking!!
:party:

[tridim]

6. I quit again too..

Had a year quit under my belt, and then asshole Bush stole the election. I started again on Nov 2nd. Just quit over Xmas and moved to the lozenges. So far, so good, but I've been hacking up lots of lung nastyness the past few days. I can't gain weight if I try, so I should be fine there.

[RebelOne]

7. I salute you. I have been trying for 6 months now to quit.

I am taking Wellbutrin, but it is not doing any good. Well, I just discovered that I only have a half a pack of cigarettes and it is only 2 p.m. I thought I had another pack in my purse. I usually smoke 1-1/2 packs a day, so I am not going to the store to buy any more. I am just going to stretch these few smokes until tomorrow. It is so hard to stop smoking. It would be easier to stop eating.

[Wickerman]

8. Way to go

Don't look back - being a former smoker is a great feeling. 4 years now for me.

I've been going to the gym, first time in my life and it helps with the weight. natch.

[bobbobbins]

9. Might I suggest exercise...its underrated

[forgethell]

10. Congratulations n/t

[liontamer]

11. Congrat's

Quitting smoking is an amazing achievement

[redqueen]

12. Congrats!

As long as you keep an eye on your weight I doubt it's anything to worry about too much.

Kudos to you! :toast:

[iconoclastic cat]

13. Good job!

BTW, you might like this forum: http://groups.msn.com/FreedomFromTobaccoQuitSmokingNow/

A few freeper-types there, but most of the time political discussions are squashed by the mods.

[Ratty]

14. Congratulations. I made it for a month

Went on the patch Dec. 1 and didn't have a cigarette until Xmas. I just get too depressed around the holidays, and really really bored so I started up again. I'll give it another try Jan. 1. Actually for that almost-month it wasn't as hard as I thought. With the patch I had very little in the way of cravings. I found out my cigarette-craving time was in the evening when I tend to get bored, but during the day until about 8 PM I had no trouble at all. I think it's important to know when your weakest moments occur and now I do.

If I were you I wouldn't worry about my weight until well after you've been smoke-free for awhile. There's only so much you can worry about at one time. 190's not so bad. But yeah, not a good idea to let your weight go for too long else it'll be harder when you work to get it down again.

[Forkboy]

15. I dont know how you made it through yesterdays Jets game

:evilgrin:

Congrats on the non-smoking! :toast:

[hollywood926]

16. Congratulations!!! Just don't do what I did...

I didn't have a puff for 5 months (early this year) and then one day I was out having a drink with a friend and decided to take a puff, then another, then another. I've been struggling ever since. DON'T TAKE A PUFF - NOT EVEN ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anyway, I just quit again yesterday. Today is day two. :-(

Don't worry about your weight. Just eat lots of fruits and veggies and drink water. Better to be a few pounds overweight than to inhale 4000 poisonous chemicals into your lungs.

CONGRATULATIONS!