Question:
I just can't figure out why after being smoke free for a year am craving them again

This craving started about 3 months ago. I am five months out and have lost 73 lbs. I figure I am going through another adjustment from WLS and can't eat so I crave cigarettes. Does this make any sense at all?? We had a huge stressful layoff at my work and I smoked that very day. I then smoked everyday there after. Just one a day but it was beginnig to be a routine. The last straw for me was when i bought my own pack. I haven't smoked now for a week but I feel the craving coming back. I am also hungry all the time. What in the world is going on with my body?    — Priscilla A. (posted on July 21, 2003)

July 21, 2003
I think you need to quit smoking again IMMEDIATELY!!! Those cigarettes are so DANGEROUS and UNHEALTHY and that goes for everyone on the planet. I smoked for 30+ years and there are still times when I want a cigarette but thank God have stayed STRONG and stayed AWAY. If you want to know how STRESSFUL my life is read my profile. I have NOWHERE to turn away from the stress but I am not going to smoke cigarettes. I have read/researched extensively and they say that around the time you are now that your little pouch softens and that may be why the hunger again. I think you should stick to the program that you used to lose the 73 lbs to begins with and you will be fine. For the smoking... you need another habit. Like to sew? Like to collect things? If you would just be "patient" and wait your cigarette cravings will PASS... tackle them one craving at a time but don't tackle the cravings by "giving in". Water helps too! DROWN the cravings! God Bless you! What a great loser you are! I am having surgery in 15 days.
   — Eleanore Davis

July 21, 2003
I quit smoking on 10/8/88 I havent picked up a cigarette since then - I used to smoke 3 packs a day and I still have terrible cravings. I guess its something -- Thank God I'm learning to live with. Cinnamon gum (sugarless)& tic tacks have controled my cravings. Quit smoking now! It's not worth it and you are come too far! open rny 12/23/03 down 101lbs
   — debmi

July 21, 2003
I don't think you ever get over it. I started in 1948 (age 14) and by 1959 I was smoking three packs a day. I finally quit in 1980 -- after both my father and my oldest sister died of emphysema. I still dream that I am smoking, 22 years later. It is SO hard, I know, but you've got folks rooting for you. Best wishes. Nina in Maine
   — [Deactivated Member]

July 21, 2003
Hey, I've been craving ciggies, too. Bought a pack last week. Smoke a bunch two days in a row and then flushed the pack with water (I'm drieing them out now!!...only kidding...relax!!). I'm 4 months out, down 70, so we're about the same. I guess old habit die hard. You can't eat ice cream or chips (my personal stress favorites) so you'll choose another vice. Don't worry. It'll pass, just do what the first responder said. Wait and drink water, it passes in about 5 minutes. Killer habit! Good luck!
   — msmaryk

July 21, 2003
I know that for YEARS after I quit I would suddenly get cravings to smoke again. Usually it was situational -- I was at the beach or somewhere where I used to really like to smoke and bam! the cravings would hit. If I ignored them they did give up and go away. I think your sudden cravings are related to all the stress you're going through. You don't have your old friend FOOD to help you through so your brain is going back to another old friend that used to help you. I guess for all of us, the trick is finding new healthier coping mechanisms because we'll keep facing stressful times. Food and smokes only help for a few minutes when you think about it, so a new coping strategy would be helpful even if it only lasted for a little while -- like a quick walk, a foot massage, a shower, a phone call, a SF flavored beverage. . . Good luck, it's a hard battle but you do finally reach a place where you can say you've won. Laura
   — Laura K.

July 23, 2003
Well, I'm only three months out, but I don't always crave every day. (I'll probably crave today just for talking about the darn things) lol. But I stay away from my friends when they're smoking and I eat sunflower seeds. If you take your time, you wont eat that many and it keeps your mouth busy. I know this has helped me tremendously. GL and it is SO worth it when it's all said and done. Just think, no more stinky clothes and hair....no more hacking up a lung...Love yourself for quitting, you're healthier for it!
   — SweetDragonfly

July 23, 2003
I should clarify, I quit smoking about three months ago. I know, I know....but my cravings should be out of control and they're not.... :0)
   — SweetDragonfly