I have a lot of health issues which is why I really need to lose weight.  Heart problems, including a past heart attack, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, very low iron.  I need to lose a total of 102 just to get to the goal of 170 pounds.  I am a very heavy  smoker.  One to two packs a day.  Since I have made the move to improve my health by changing how I eat, it only makes since to quit smoking also.  But I smoke for a lot of reasons.  Cigarettes are my companion when I'm lonely, my entertainment when I'm bored, my medicine when I'm stressed, anxious, or angry, and my pacifier for everything else that I need it for in life.  If I'm not turning to food then I'm turning to cigarettes.

I'm really doing pretty good with the Alli program, but I'm kind of scared to quit smoking.  I feel that although I know the help my body needs to survive, I may fall apart without my old eating habits and cigarettes too.  I'm considering the nicotene lozenges or the patch.  I hear that people eat more when they quit smoking and gain weight.  I don't want to get any bigger and make my health even worst.  But smoking is just going to make my heart problems and blood pressure worst too.

I'm kind of stressing out over this.  Could really use some words of encouragement or advice, especially if someone else is in the same boat.

Wow! You really are talking about a total lifestyle change. I would urge you to get the alli working for you really well before tackling the smoking full force - although both are important for your health. If you're like most of us, one major change at a time is enough to handle. Maybe you could focus on cutting BACK on your smoking while you get the alli healthy eating plan in place. When you begin making good progress on your large weight loss (and you've already made a start!), you'll begin to feel positive about the great changes you're making for your health and will be ready for the next phase. In the meantime, you could start thinking about alternative habits you should start that will help break your unhealthy habits - start things that will keep your hands and mouth busy. Develop some new hobbies, like handcrafts. And take a long, hard look at the times you tend to eat and smoke and start looking for ways to way-lay the trigger events - fill the idle times, avoid stressful people, replace negative things with positive activities that will help advance your new healthy habits. Good luck - you CAN do this.

 Thank you very much for your support.  That sounds like a good idea.  I'll just put my everything into changing my eating habits.  I used to own a juicer, maybe I'll buy another one and try to make healthy eating a lot more fun.  My daughter also suggested I take up walking.  Years ago I used to walk one to three hours a day.  I might have to start at about 20 minutes now, but I think I'll try it once our seven days of rain passes.  There is a hobby shop nearby, so that is also something I could look into, although I've never had a hobby in my adult life.  But thank you for all of the good suggestions.  I really appreciate the support.

Thank you.  You described the relationship most of us have with cigarettes, but have never put it into words.  I also struggle with smoking and weight. I talked with my doctor a few months ago about losing weight and quitting smoking.  he told me on average people gain 8 lbs when they quit smoking,  That's not so much!   I decided  my weight issue is most important and the smoking issue will come later.  So my plan is to quit smoking before the end of the year. 

We can do this! 

Tricia

Hi Fwilliams62,

I understand how difficult it is to quit smoking and try to lose weight at the same time. The most important change for improving your health is to quit smoking. There are weight loss guidelines that support this fact. There have been many advances in things that can help you quit so speak with your doctor.

Fortunately, you can do both at the same time if you want to. When food serves a purpose other than nourishing your body you will need to find things to replace it-just like you will for the cigarettes. You know the reasons that you smoke so now you need to figure out the reasons why you eat. I am sure that you will find similarities. I completely agree with finding hobbies to fill up your time. You are making huge changes to your life so why not look for new things to add to it? For example, if you like animals you can look into volunteering at animal shelters to walk the dogs. The great part about the internet is that you can find things that you never even knew existed. Arts and crafts stores can also give you lots of new options for things to fill up your time.

How does this sound?

Betty Kovacs, MS, RD

 Ok, I will also try to quit smoking.  I will try the lozenges.  And I will still look into starting a hobby.  Thank you for your reply,

 Did your mom ever tell you "quit with the excuses already and just do it" ??  Oy vey - I can hear those words as if she's right behind me hahaha

We're always going to have an excuse why we can't "quit smoking, start eating correctly, exercise, etc., etc"

Like Betty suggested - find something else to do with your time, gardening, take your dog for a walk, on-line classes, real-time classes, volunteer your time at a local nursing home.

Change your priorities ... that's the one common thread we all have, we've made food our priority !!

 Well I bought the nicotine lozenges and they aren't half bad.  Actually, they are pretty good.  They dissolve slow, have a nice minty taste and really help with the cravings for nicotine.  And an extra bonus is that they seem to have some kind of calming effect.  I can feel the tension inside me relax while I'm sucking on one.  I think I can do this.

Hi Fwilliams62,

Wow, this is amazing news!!!!! Congratulations for quitting! It sounds like you are doing this so no more need to "think" that you can :o)

Keep up the great work,

Betty Kovacs, MS, RD

 HI,,

 I really feel for ya when it comes to the bloodpreasure,,, I got hit between the eyes in October,,, and felt like it was either loose it or I may loose my life or quality there of. I find out on the 19th if he will take me off them or not,,, last time I was in he was very happy and said he left me on becouse I was going in for my CNA and felt I would maybe under alot of stress,,,, naaaaaaaa LOL well happy to say I did pass my state boards yesterday and that stess is gone,,, but now I have to deal with putting in my two weeks notice and I always hate that and it hasn't changed any.  Smoking,,, I have heard studys that smoking actually raises your bloodpreasure??? I smoked for hmm about 2 months when in Army in one of there NCO classes we couldn't chew gum,,, no candy,,, mints but they would give us smoke breaks LOL ahhhhhhhhh I did quit shortly there after though,,, I hope you are doing well on quitting ,,, will notice a differance after.

Darc