Quit Smoking unable to lose unhealthy weight

[DaBrat45]

Can there be a medical reason for this?

I quit smoking two months ago (2 packs a day). Being proactive, with the expected weight gain, I began walking on day1. I run/walk for a minimum of 30 minutes in the mornings 6 days a week and walk for another hour (up and down steep hills) in the evenings. The exercise seems to have really put the breaks on my appetite so I do not eat nearly as much as I did before quitting smoking. I have the hand to mouth thing under control and do not snack. I gave up Cola and drink water exclusively down from about 3-4 sodas per day.  I will generally have a granola bar in the mornings along with 16-32 ounces of water at least 30 minutes before going out for my run otherwise I experience leg cramps.

This is the Question: At 45 years old, 5'4 inches, 191 lbs, I have gained 10 pounds in the past two months. The exercise regimen above was only started when I quit smoking and I felt should have been enough to stave off any weight gain if I did not eat more than usual. Not only do I not eat more than usual, I have actually given up any amount of junk (sodas were my curse). Where I used to eat a 'Meal' Three times a week that meal is replaced by a small dinner salad.

I's always felt that my metabolism was shot because I could find no reasonable explanation for my weight to be that high even with a sedentary lifestyle. I suffer from RA (much better since quitting and exercising) and have been diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat  (PVCs) in the past. I have been tested for thyroid conditions but they always come back normal as well as diabetes.

Can there be some medical reason for my inability to lose weight and my weight gain? I love the way I feel now and would not go back to smoking but I am really getting discouraged that the scales seem to be going up instead of down. Can stopping smoking really slow your metabolism down THIS much?

[beatingthis]

I having the same trouble you are . I also quit smoking 3 months ago and from day 1 the battle of the weight began. First walking outside 45 min up and down hills a fast as I could go. Weather gets to hot and humid so I got a used treadmill and really kicked up the walking to 3 to 3 1/2 miles 5 to 6 days week at a slow run spead for a hour. Then I do some upper body weight lifting and still work on my thighs with weights.
I workout for almost 2 hours at least 4 times a week most of the time it is 5 to 6 days.
I have great arms and sholders upperback is ok belly is as round as a basket ball???????

I am hungry all the time and for the first time in my life I understand why people binge eat! They are hungry from all the work!!!!! lol
Just a bit frustrating after 4 weeks now I would like to something more the a nice shoulder :)

[DaBrat45]

Have also had tests for Cholesterol, Trigylcerides, and anything else you can think of related to health and weight and my doctor tells me he is jealous. He says that he has never seen cholesterol or Triglyceride levels as low as mine.....