Today I celebrate 4 weeks

[constanceclum]

And it has been a long 4 weeks. The only time it feels like my life is going is slow motion is when I'm quitting smoking.

The main reason this is such a milestone for me is this morning I put on a 14mg. patch. It's now late in the afternoon and my cravings (mostly urges at this point) are not any stronger. I'm glad I took the advice of several people on this site and followed the recommendations.

I wanted to address something in my last blog about watching my weight. I am entering this journey 30# overweight. I never had a wt. problem until I got into my 50's and also because of the psychiatric meds I am on. All of this wt. is in my middle which is the most dangerous place for it to be. I am only 5'3" so I don't carry this wt. well and it's impossible to find clothes that fit me. It drives me crazy because I very rarely eat junk food, very little sugary foods, no soda's or juices. I eat lot's of fruits and veggies (cooked). My only problem with food is the carbs. I am trying to cut back with them but I'm not a big meat eater so the carbs are what gives me the full feeling. I do eat small portions several times a day. I will say that the day I felt like I was starving all day long did not last.

Trust me I will not smoke over weight but I will continue to be concerned about it.

Connie

[Jennifer-Quit]

Hey Connie - Congratulations on 4 weeks!  I remember well how slowly time passed in the first few weeks but things will start moving at a normal pace before long.  I am happy that you decided to continue using the patch.  I used the patch for 6 weeks and I am happy that I used it that long - I decided that I did not need to take any shortcuts.  I think that as your health improves and you are able to get a little more exercise, your weight issue will work itself out.  I am so very happy for you!

[YoungAtHeart]

As you regain your strength and experience the highs of quitting, I think you will be energized and will be much more active.  You can worry about the extra weight then.  Now is not the time!  Regaining your strength and your quit need to be your #1 priorities.

Keep taking those little walks for now.  Every bit of activitiy will burn a couple of extra calories.  Did you know that even after you exercise your body continues to burn calories at a higher rate than if you remain sedentary.  Your PT should be able to give you some things to do in between visits with them. 

Congratulations on FOUR weeks!

Nancy

[Terri103]

Thanks for explains your weight and eating concerns.   I'm in similar situation about what I eat, and like you its all in the middle, plus big ole bra busters.  I'm carrying 70 extra lbs.    I am so glad you have worked out the patch thing.  I did it for the whole 12 weeks.  No regrets.   I did the slow wean and been done a week I think.   If I lose my quit, it's all on me.  I don't have any excuses.   And you won't either.   We both need exercise.  You can't and I don't.   Concentrate on breathing and staying quit.   You are doing a great job.   I am still so sorry that this happened to you as you kicked off your wonderful quit.    It's all up and up from here.   (ps bladder not kidney).  

Hugs to you!!

[Terri103]

Oh duh Terri......Happy Four Weeks!!!!   Now THATS what I meant to say!!!

[Giulia]

One MONTH Smoke Free!!!!   Wheeeeeeeeee!   I know what you mean about putting on weight in our 50s.  I never had a problem with it before then either.  I don't know if I'll ever be able to regain my 135 pound weight, without severe food restrictions, but I try to stay active and exercise and not beat myself up over the weight I'm now carrying.  Metabolism changes all the time.  And quitting changes it too.  As we age we can't help but slow down some.  Small adjustments in calories taken in and exercise help.  Small steps eventually make yards travelled.

[elvan]

Sounds to me like you are really doing everything right...do you like quinoa?  It's a superfood and is gluten free, a bit expensive but it tastes really good, in my opinion.  I suspect a lot of your issues will get better when you are able to get more active which you should be able to do as you continue to recover.

I understand that it is frustrating.

I am really proud of you for being smokefree for FOUR WEEKS!  That is amazing.

[freeneasy]

Congratulations Connie! Keep stacking the days up and the weeks stack up too! I used the patch too-even longer than the instructions tell you to. I am not recommending this for anyone, but it made me feel secure i.e. I knew that I would not smoke with a patch on.Each time I steped down to the lower one was a nonevent. I don't remember having craves and did'nt think about smoking as much each time I went down. It was no big deal at all when I finally stopped completely

[jacks1125]

4wks are great..,I myself  love my carbs,recently started high protein and low carb diet, actually feeling food. keep up the good work!!

[Barbara145]

Congratulations on 4 weeks.  Bravo!  Are you eating enough protein?  You need it for your lungs and weight loss.  Beans and nuts are good sources if meat isn't an option. You are doing so well.  It just gets better nd better! 

[Strudel]

Congrats on 4 weeks Connie! I would focus on the quit right now. Of course not gaining more would be good.....but trying to lose right now might be too much. It will happen. I found myself with 30 pounds to lose after one year quit (and 25 of that I had when I quit!). I tackled it then - and took it off. Once you have the success of your quit you will be so empowered - to do anything! 

Congrats again! 

[MarilynH]

Congratulations on 4 precious smoke free weeks Connie  you really are doing great. Don't worry about the weight right now continue concentrating on your beautiful quit, you can deal with the weight gain later on. 

Marilyn 

[froguelady]

Congratulations on 4 weeks of FREEDOM.

[JonesCarpeDiem]

WOO HOO YOU!!!!

[Magstoyou]

Congratulations on 4 weeks Connie. You have worked hard to get here.

Keep going forward-The days will start moving faster and get better and better!!

So proud of you!!

Mag734DOF

[bonniebee]

I am soooooooo proud of you Connie !!!!!! 4 weeks ! You are Awesome !

I have gained some weight too, 10 pounds, and like you all arund the middle.... WE will not smoke over it ! I am trying to watch my portions !

Just concentrate on quitting the sickerettes for now but i understand your concern !

[tjanddj]

Congratulations on 4 weeks Connie! Keep eating those veggies! and some fruit too!

[ShawnP]

I am doing low carbs now too. Having to read alot of labels. So much is hidden in those labels. What we think is healthy, really isn't. Don't worry so much about the weight now, concentrate on your quit. You're doing great with 4 weeks. keep sticking to your committment and your days will keep stacking up! Big hug!!!

[nomore54]

Yay Connie! Sorry I haven't been there. Stupid computer has been acting up. It works for a bit then starts freezing. Have to constantly refresh. I failed miserably after doing so well. Now, I'm at it again!

I'm so proud of you and so should you be!