Acupuncture

[LadyPit]

Hi ALL

I am new here and love reading the posts. Congrats to all who have quit. I was a smoker for 23 yrs. A few months ago I had acupunture done (ears) and from day one I had no withdrawal symptoms and have not touched a cigarette since. They stuck four needles into each ear and the entire session took about 15 minutes. I am glad I did it. I tried cold turkey several times and I was always drawn back to cigarettes.

I do have one concern. I have always heard that folks usually gain weight after quitting. Is it because we tend to replace cigarettes with food? Does anyone know why. I am an active person; a requirement being in the military, and want to maintain if not lose more weight.

Any advice?

Thanks

Yvonne

[LadyPit]

Thanks and I will watch what I eat and increase my activities for  sure. Can't afford to gain weight. Being in the military we are held to stringent standards when it comes to weight and physical appearance. No room for being overweight for sure :-)

And you are welcome, it is an honor defending our country. Have been doing so for 15 years and have gained some great rewards. Really appreciate the support we get from fellow civilian Americans.

God bless
Lady Pit

[kathyjo]

Hey Terry : )  Congrats on 10 weeks!!! WOW, that is terrific!! I'm hoping hubby is celebrating with you?
Keep on with the exercise and you will level out soon enough. Remember that muscle  weighs more!

[beatingthis]

Man I really need to slow down when I type!!!

[beatingthis]

I think kathyjo is right. I have gaien about 8 lbs and I am on the tredmaill 12 miles a week and weight lifting for upper body 4 days a week but I can't seem to get the extra pounds off. From everything I read it will even out over time. I hope it does soon or I am going to need a bunch of new pants!!

Been 10 weeks for me!!

Congrads for quitting and thanks so much for your service!!

Terry

[kathyjo]

Hi Yvonne,
I smoked  over a pack a day, about 22 a day for 40 years
When you smoke a lot, many times instead of eating something I would light up. It surely could be that I was replacing my smoke with food ; )

Try not to worry to much about that. We all know that health is much more important : )
---
1y 9m 2w 6d 10:55 smoke-free, 14,503 cigs not smoked, $3,480.72 saved, 1m 2w 6d 8:35 life saved

[LadyPit]

Thanks Kathyjo

I will definetly need to try carrot sticks and celery etc. Did you smoke a lot? The reason why I ask, the metabolism issues may stem from amount individuals smoked prior to quitting.

[kathyjo]

Hi Yvonne and congratulations on your quit and thank you for your service in the military!

Okay, I'm not speaking from a medical standpoint, but what I can tell you is from my personal experience : )
I believe that the weight gain comes because our metabolism slows upon quitting. Realistically you are going to have to expect to put on a few, anywhere from 5 to 15, but if you stay active maybe even increase the cardio a little, there is no reason why you won't take it off within a few months. It's a bit harder when you are going through menopause....when everything about you is sluggish : ) I gained close to 20 and have now lost it all. I quit at 52 so I was in that category.

If you are worried about eating more, carrot & celery sticks, toothpicks,,,,,lolipops are what I used....100% sugar. Not a good idea.

I'm here for you should you want some support.

Again, congrats and thank you!