symtoms and eating too much

[tiggysmith1]

Hi, I am new to this site and am finding it very interesting, so glad i signed up.

I gave up smoking on 27th September when I went into hospital for a hip replacement, I decided this was the time to give up, and now seven weeks and counting.

In away its been quite hard because when I got home I could not move around very well, but I have stuck with it and the only thing is I have put on the pounds and I can't stop eating, any advice please.

I use to be so active walking my dogs, but have been feeling low and no energy, I too have had bad dreams, and my sence of smell seems very strong, has anyone else had this?

Will keep going, things can only get better I hope

[Hidden]

Hi, well done for doing 7 weeks, no matter what the reasons for quitting it is still difficult. I suppose you would put some weight on with a change in lifestyle from being active to not being able to do much after the operation, boredom eating and cravings eating. The advice is to watch what you're eating, have fruit and low fat snacks if you're worried but I know that's not easy.

They also say that craving nicotine is very similar to hunger pangs, have you used any NRT?

I have had more dreams but not really bad ones, there is something on here about dreaming more and being to do with chemicals changing in the brain, it is a good sign of recovering apparently.

I too have slept far more and a couple of days I had a good nights sleep, woke up in the morning and thought well I'm going back to sleep and slept most of the day.

Also yes my sense of smell seems very strong, can't ever remember it being this strong either before smoking or in previous times when hadn't smoked. I am beginning to wonder if there is something wrong and my sense of smell has become too strong. It is quite unpleasant as often I find most smells are not nice and it is everywhere! Things you never noticed before now smell disgusting. I'm quite glad I had a few years of not having to smell these things. One benefit though is things taste much nicer and it is like rediscovering some foods and drinks. I never realised how lovely ice cold coke is! As you say it will all be worth it in the end and things are bund to settle down.

[tiggysmith1]

Hi Aaron,

Thanks for your reply, I did use NRT before I went into hospital but never thought to keep it up when I came out, I have been using the e-gigs on my bad days and that seem to help. How long did you give up and do you get good days aswell as bad?

I been reading on snacks that are good to eat are celery, pretzels and melba toast so will get some of that today.

I know what you mean about something being wrong with the sense of smell which has become so strong, but I too have noticed how food tastes so much better, it really is worth the downs to have the ups.

Sue

[jillygirl Administrator LONG TERM WINNER]

Welcome to quit support, Well done on quitting. If you look through some of the posts on here there are lots of hints and tips to help you. I found putting lots of nibbles around the house helped. i.e . nuts, diced melon, grapes, carrots etc. I am sure Emjay or Jarvo our advisors will be in touch soon and help you stay focused.

[jillygirl Administrator LONG TERM WINNER]

Me again I just posted you one of Emjays blogs to see if it helps you.

When the cravings get going...

Posted by EmJay Roy Castle 3 Sep 20121 commentReport

What happens when the cravings become too much?

Here's a few things to try that can help you through these moments;

1. Stay Positive

It really is important to remain as positive as possible as this can affect your whole outlook on everything. Feeling negative is understandable, however, you need to push these feelings out as they will make everything seem a lot harder. It's like carrying an extra load on your shoulders. Losing the negative feelings will lighten the load and nothing will seem as bad to you.

2. Keep a craving log / diary

Grab a small notepad and pen.

Write down at the top "I can do this".

When a craving comes on make a note of the time that it is.

Make a note of what you think may have brought on this feeling. Was it because you saw somebody smoking, it just entered your head, you spotted a cigarette packet etc...?

Write down the words "I am doing this"

Think about how you are actually feeling, does it feel like a physical feeling (in your body somewhere) or a psychological feeling (in your mind)?

Make a note of these feelings, both physical and psychological.

Write down "I have got through this"

Carry on with what you were doing beforehand...

Next time you feel a craving coming on repeat all the above.

After a while, you should be able to recognise any triggers that bring on these feelings, you can then plan how to avoid them.

You will also notice that given time, they will become less frequent as time goes on.

This feeling will pass, you just have to see it through

3. If possible do some exercise

If you can go for a walk, then a nice stroll will do you the world of good. Practising deep breathing exercises as you go. Filling your lung up with fresh clean oxygen.

Maybe if you are at work, just have a nice big stretch. Get up and nip the loo or go and get yourself a nice cold drink of water. Just take yourself for a little walk away from your workstation if you can.

If you can, go for a jog, or have a go on your rowing machine if you have one. Maybe if you just try a very brisk 'march on the spot' for 2 minutes.

4. Have a pint of water

This will help pass a craving and stave off any pangs of hunger, it will also help flush your system too. You will need to pay more visits to the loo though

5. Focus on exactly how you are feeling, do you really believe that the craving is that bad, that you cannot overcome it?

Can you get on with something that may take your mind off it for a short time?

6. Go and brush your teeth

It would be such a shame then to smoke and undo the good work so far, especially just having brushed your teeth and giving yourself lovely clean breath.

7. Breathing exercises

breathing exercises can be used to give you a calming feeling, help relax you, give you a bit of energy if you feel a bit lethargic, slow your mind down a bit should you feel it racing away.

It's worth practising different breathing techniques beforehand so that they come more easily as and when you need to use them. Have a look through our archives for some of our different types of breathing exercises

That's just a few suggestions to help you get over cravings. Try them and see how you feel and let us know how you get on

Remember that whether or not you decide to smoke, the craving will go away

Together we can do this

You can do this

[andi22]

Hiya Tiggy and welcome to our lovely community - the best place to be if you want to stay stopped and get help and advice (and have a laugh at times - feel free to join in any time on the daily chat )

Our local 'council' swimming pool has mobility classes for people like you. My mum used to go and I could really see a difference in her, especially when she went 3 times a week so this could be a good way for you to get back to being more active. As for the eating thing, well we've all been there and keep struggling with it but we also all agree that it's better to have a few extra pounds for a while than keep going on those little white sticks.

[dawlol 18 Months Winner]

I agree Andi - I've said that I'll worry about the weight

gain after crimbo when the quitting situation will be

well under control!

Dawn

[tiggysmith1]

Hi everyone, thank you all for the tips, will take them on board to help me. Still feeling postive and tomorrow I go back to work for a few hours a day to break me in again, so that will help me seeing my friends again.