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Chantix and weight gain

Posted By: TTer22 on 2009-03-17
In Reply to: Also quit with Chantix - my quitting experience

Does Chantix help with the weight you gain from quitting smoking, or do you gain anyway?


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Those that I know on Chantix, didn't gain the ൜ pounds", but still gained.
It seemed like most of them only gained like 10 pounds or so in the first 3 months on it. They say when quitting smoking to expect to gain 20. I don't care how much I gain. I lost over 50 pounds a couple years ago, so I know I can lose it again if I need to. Better to be 20 pounds over weight than smoking.
NO WEIGHT GAIN AFTER
When I had my TOTAL hysterectomy at age 30, my doctor told me that I should not use the excuse that I had a hysterectomy and gained weight. He said that was an excuse and if I gained weight, it certainly would not be because I had a hysterectomy. Well, I'm here to tell you (31 years later) I never gained "because" I had a hysterectomy. In fact, I never gained an ounce. Now, have thyroid problems and have LOST weight tremendously but not because of a hysterectomy or any other reason. Can't do the diet thing, because I don't have THAT kind of will power! Best of luck you to and all....
weight gain
I have gained a lot of weight since my daughter graduated from high school. . she was very active in school and in sports and I was active along with her. . now. not so much. . I still like to go out and be around people . . though not as much as I used to. . sometimes you have to just force yourself to do things. . I have also thought about some time in the future getting a job somewhere else just to be around people. .
weight gain
yes I have gained weight. And I have become unsocial. I have noticed I no longer want to get dressed anymore and when I go somewhere I cant wait to get back home and put on comfy clothes. I know other MTs who have the same problems.
Not just swollen but the weight gain is horrible
can you imagine gaining over 25 lbs in a 2 week period. I laughed when I read the post above about how we do it to ourselves. Yeh, I nearly died from asthma. When you go to an ER and they don't ask your name nor your insurance company, you are bad off. I begged to come off the prednisone, felt like Puff the Magic Dragon. My pulmonologist told me this weight gain different than regular gain, probably would not be able to get off but I guess I did it to myself, darn it, having that attack and then taking that darn prednisone so I could puff up like a toad. Ha!
weight gain and antisocial behavior

Has anyone else noticed that this job tends to make you gain lots of weight and become pretty antisocial?  I feel like I am just sitting here watching the pounds add up daily...  I do not want to get dressed and leave my house - If I do get dressed, I come straight back home to put on my comfy clothes and sit my butt in this chair all day long.  I moved to a new town 3 years ago and still have not met a soul because I am in my office by myself all day long with no source of networking to make friends.  It has become a pretty lonely life for me.


I am even to the point of going to the local outlets and applying for a minimum wage job just to have a reason to have to get up and put clothes on and get out of the house every day.  I don't know what else to do - am at wits end here!


how can you gain weight if you aren't eating
x
Asked my doctor about weight gain...
He said that weight gain was a myth, shouldn't be the case, that probably the cause for the weight gain that so many people online complained about was probably the fact that now they could eat what they wanted and so they over did. I've had no problem with weight gain at all. When I started getting the symptoms over a year ago, I started changing my eating habits, not drastically. I had pretty much been a slave to Budget Gourmet, etc. Being single, I didn't like to spend the time cooking just for myself. That all changed and I cut out the microwave meals completely, trying to get rid of the preservatives, etc. I just started cooking for myself with fresh ingredients in large batches and then using Food Saver to vacuum seal them and put them in the freezer for future use. It has worked out really well. I know what you mean about not wanting to eat ANYTHING for fear the pain will come back before surgery. I googled online to see what I should restrict and went from there. No more fat, no pork, no CHEETOS :(. I remember making tuna casseroles, using a cream of celery soup as a base. I ate a lot of things like that until I had my surgery and I never had pain again. Wishing you good luck and good health.
15 years, no weight gain, I walk a lot, fast.
nm
This website says 70% of woman gain weight on Depo
http://www.fwhc.org/birth-control/bcdepo.htm

Not just me!
a rapid weight gain without increasing one's calorie intake
so much that it would justify the weight gain, is an indication of water retention.
since the employer has the most to gain from...
denying benefits, I would say that if the former employer would like to, they could pay for the drug testing; therefore, no tax payer money wasted on drug testing and, perhaps, drug addicts get no more of my tax money. It's an idea anyway.
Gain an hour of work.. for me and DH
Both work nights :)
how much did u gain from swelling in pregnancy?

I am almost 37 weeks along with my first child (girl!). I have gained a third of my pregnancy weight in the last month due to giant man feet and ankles. Yuck! I haven't worn my wedding ring for months-the hands were swollen first, but then came the feet. I had to wear my new found velcro strap sandles to my anniversary dinner this week. I had on a lovely skyblue knit dress with a beautiful blue topaz necklace my husband bought as an anniversary gift, and it was all topped off with my velcro summer sandles.  I just had to giggle at myself, but really when no other shoe fits what are you supposed to do?


Does anyone else have some good stories so I know I'm not alone? Thanks.


Try Chantix
I was a heavy smoker from the time I was about 13 to age 27.  I had my baby and quit because I had an extended hospital stay with my delivery and so on, so it was not too hard because I was inconscious for about 4 days after delivery, so I think that the nicotine got out of my system.  Like an nitwit, last year I want on vacation and had a cigarette, well 1 turned into a half a pack a day.  I went on Chantix (after battling the insurance company for authorization), did it as directed, and now I have not had a cigarette in 3 weeks with really very little craving or angst.  On this med, cigarettes do not satisfy you.  I would recommend this to anyone.  I had a little nausea and could not take my vitamin with it in the morning, but it has all been well worth it to be a nonsmoker.  Give it a try if you want to quit, and you should want to quit.  You will feel so proud and great.  Seeing it from both sides of the fence, I also noticed that people really look down on smoking.  GOOD LUCK!!!!
chantix
They better call the doc.
Chantix
Anyone have encouraging stories to tell?  I'm on day #8 and was doing good up until this point.  I think I'll make it through though. 
Chantix
I personally know 3 people who have had great success with Chantix and two of them didn't even really want to quit THAT bad, but made the decision for financial reasons.  I have decided the next time I am at the doc's office for whatever reason, I'm asking for some
Chantix ?
x
Chantix?
Woo hooo! Congratulations. Hubby quit Oct will be 5 years now. Quit once for 6 mos with nicorette but started back. 6 mos later came home with gum again, said he was tired of coughing and hacking all day. Put them down and never picked up another. Old elderly doc friend of mine said one time, if they told you to chew on a chrome bumper, you will not quit until you WANT to quit. So, seriously wanting to quit is a darn good start.

One good (or bad) thought. All those things you have listed, job, kid, bills, court, etc., etc...You had them when you smoked too and it did not help, so battle them without cigs. The nicorette does work though.

Chantix is the way to go! sm
I've tried every quit-smoking fix each time one would come out. When my doctor recommended Chantix because it works on the brain, I though sure it does. But I started it and couldn't be happier or more proud of myself (after all the failures). I'll tell anyone who will listen that the Chantix is worth the $120 or so each month. I'm starting my last round and hopefully that will be that. The best part about Chantix is that there is no hungering for a cigarette (a fleeting thought, maybe, but not stressing over it). There is no urge to chew and gnaw on something. You're every thought does not revolve around "I have to have a cigarette." If you want a guaranteed easy way to quit smoking with the least stress and best results, go with the Chantix. Since you won't be buying cigarettes, you can afford the $120.00 a month. I can't praise this drug enough.
Chantix
Well, it works immediately on your quit day. You take it (and continue to smoke) for the first week of Chantix, then the 8th day is your quit day, and I'm telling you, you don't care. It's strange but true.

I think 3 months is the norm for taking it but if you tell your doctor that you think you may need to take it longer (which I did), they'll let you take it another month or two with a tapering off.

I'm taking it longer because I know in the past I have had no willpower to deny myself a smoke using other methods, plus the fact of how many years (30) I've smoked. I'm just trying to make sure my brain is over the nicotine fix.

The hardest thing to break is behavioral. Every smoker smokes during, before or after certain activities and you have 1 lit without even knowing it. After a meal, before you go into the store shopping for a couple of hours, during stressful periods, talking on the phone and so on. I also thought I couldn't sit and pay bills without a couple of cigarettes. I think all of us smokers have virtually the same triggers more or less.

Every once in a while (it's been nearly 3 months for me now) my brain still thinks it's going to have a cigarette. When I take my dinner dishes to the kitchen, my brain says "Now I get to smoke." But just as quickly, you realize, "No, I don't" and the thought simply goes away. I'm just trying to make sure this is my ONE successful try to quit smoking. It's never too late.

I know you all are going to think I work for the drug company that makes Chantix. It's just that I want any smoker to know that if it works for a no-willpower weakling like me, it'll work for you.

Have any of you tried Chantix

I picked up a prescription yesterday and wondering if anyone has used this and if they are willing to share how it worked for them. 


 


 


I am currently on Chantix. (sm)
I have been cigarette-free since August 2, 2007, and feeling great. Not too many side effects to speak of. Vivid dreams but not scary dreams. It completely takes away the PHYSICAL cravings you get but you still have to work on the BEHAVIORAL and PSYCHOLOGICAL parts of smoking. It is early in my quit so I am still struggling with those, but every day is better and better. I can't believe how well Chantix worked at kicking the physical cravings! Good luck!
Chantix.
Chantix is definitely worth it. If it gives you nightmares, you are supposed to take the second dose earlier. If you are still getting nightmares, then they suggest that you try just taking the first dose only (I have a friend who used it with great success - quit after 40 years of 2 packs per day).

If you don't like the cost, I know of a lot of insurance companies that will pay for it because of how much it saves them in the long run. I think there might even be a program on the internet (quit plan??) that helps cover the cost as well. If you smoke even a pack a day, Chantix costs the same in a month.

It works by blocking your nicotine receptors, thus everytime you light up, you don't feel anything, so a cigarettes becomes worthless. If you are on Chantix though, expect to be on it for at least 6 months. People, who quit after just 3 months tend to have a higher % of starting back up.

If you are really serious about wanting to quit, why not give it a shot. You can always stop taking the medicine if you can't stand it (shelf life is only 24 hours).

Good luck and if you are serious about quitting, you will.
I am only 5Ƈ". When I weight my desired weight (sm)
my face looks bad - drawn.  I like myself best when I weigh about 140-150. 
how many rounds did it take you for Chantix? nm
;
The doc I work for has given Chantix
to many patients all with success. One man stopped taking it a little sooner than maybe he should have cause went back to smoking, started Chantix again and has been smoke free now for 3 months. Just typed his chart yesterday.
Also quit with Chantix

I smoked over a pack a day for about 20 years.  October 2007, I starting taking it.  I took the first 3 weeks out of the 1 month pack and went in for a hysterectomy and stopped taking Chantix after that, but never started back up again. 


My husband, smoked 2 packs a day for at least 20 years, also took Chantix for 1 month and has stopped smoking.  He quit last January (14 months ago).


I did get VERY depressed on this medication and often had thoughts of suicide.  This went away after 3 months of not being on the medication but it was a horrible experience.  I think they now prescribe an antidepressant to take along with the Chantix. 


All I know is I could not have done it without them.  I love not being a smoker and cannot stand the smell of it anymore. 


GOOD LUCK!


I am a smoker (until my Chantix kicks in) already sm
lost 14.5 pounds and 14 inches, going for a goal of 25 pounds, that way when I quit, and if I can the average 12.5 pounds, it won't matter. I will still be down in weight and a NONSMOKER. However, I do not smoke in my house, other people's houses or cars. That is just RUDE. I at least have some decency with my smoking
The miracle of Chantix. Please read

For all of you who think you simlpy can't stop smoking you need t hear this.


A member of my family has literally tried for the last 22 years to stop smoking. Used everything from the cold turkey method to nicotine gum/patches etc. He would go as long as a few weeks or even a month and then right back to smoking.


I got wonderful news last Saturday over coffee with my niece. Her husband whom this family dearly loves and respects has finally won the battle with Chantix. My niece has asked him a few times to try it, and a few weeks before Christmas he did.  He is completely smoke free. She asked him if he minds it and his reply was that smoking no longer even enters his mind. He said that with all other attempts even when not smoking he always wanted to and could not get it off his mind.


He is now concentrating on his health in general and has lost 12 pounds since Christmas!   You go Ray!  He has tried so hard and has come out victorious. 


Don't give up.


P.S. He tried Wellburtin in the past, but eventually went back to smoking due to side effects on the medication.  


My husband and I have had great success with Chantix
Would highly recommend to anyone who really wants to quit - always remember there is no magic pill but with Chantix, this is the best so far they have come out with - we have been smoke free since October and we both smoked heavily for over 30 years.
me, too. Chantix is giving me the wildest dreams
i have quit so many times it's a breeze.  i get the nicotine gum -- 170 pieces 30 bucks.  works pretty good, but then i loose it -- again.  never quit quittin'
get him a prescription for Chantix. It will give him a 44% better chance of quitting. nm
.
I have to agree......I quit with Chantix also. It really does work wonders.....nm
x
I have to agree. Just started Chantix 2 weeks ago and is working great!!! nm
x
weight
Buy less and tell him "this has to last until next Wednesday" or whatever. A calorie is a calorie, so eating "too much" is a habit you need to help him break.
Her weight has really come down
from around 13 or so to now 5 and I started her myself on kittie food (read it has more calories than cat food) and also an extra calorie boost that I got at Petsmart. The cat is feeding and drinking well but she is so skinny. The vet put her on additional med Friday saying possibly she was having organ failure- of course I know what that meant- hate to hear but my posting is I wondered if the sounding off just attention getting. I do not want in pain (I have enough of that for the both of us, ha!) but wondered if just wanting me to pick her up. Hard to do and type with just 1 hand!
weight
You GO Girl.....keep up the good work!! Don't let me catch you with a chocolate bar or something that is not on diet plan.......LOL....LOL....LOL...
You might try Weight Watchers sm
I know that it is an expense, but so worth it.  You can eat regular food, but most importantly, there are group meetings with lots of support.  You'll meet nice people of all ages with the same struggles, and the goals are not set too high at first.  It sounds like you feel alone, and you're not.  I found Weight Watchers to be helpful in that you can eat regular food and the instructors were really supportive.  We'd laugh and then get serious about our quests.  You may want to consider a counselor (not being mean here), but I hear your cry for help.  Why not make an appoint with your primary care doctor just to express your concerns.   You have the power (you are special ya' know)! 
My weight, unlike yours, has nothing to do with
the amount of attention I get from my husband, loads of that and I am overweight. He treats me like the love of his life. I would say to you maybe the body habitus you have really is not playing a part in the attention seeking you want. If I were thin, I really do not think my husband would be around. He told me no one wants a bone except a dog and they even try to hide theirs.....
well, i try to eat right. i need to lose some weight sm

so i do buy whole wheat stuff, bread, wraps, spaghetti. i buy low fat/fat free lunchmeats, 2% cheese.  i don't buy cupcakes and cookies (or else i'd eat them!)  i don't drink much milk, not that i don't like it, just don't drink it much.  i drink more water than anything.  i'll have about one diet dr. pepper a day.  i love food, it's just trying to stay on a healthy track.  my problem is i don't get enough exercise.  i have a 5 y/o and an 8 y/o that keep me busy.  but i do like to exercise. 


 


Try Weight Watchers instead.

But how did she lose all that weight?
She was really heavy and saw her lately in my weekly rags and so thin now.
My furries weight
I was just at the vets office this morning with my big boy and took him for something else and the physician thought they would take the time to admonish me about his weight, telling me to change his diet, no wet food, only dry, smaller bit 2x a day. I tried to explain in a nice way I did not mind cutting back now but definitely did not want to change brands at this time because of the food recall. As she persisted, I got more hot under the collar, finally telling her it would be much easier for me to cut back on his food than to give him the wrong kind (mine is 1 that has never had a recall and feel safe with it right now) than it would for my cat to go into renal failure - you cannot put a cat on dialysis. I think she sorta got the point and lightened up. Ridiculous for her to suggest such a thing at this time with my explanation of why not wanting to change foods.
weight loss
The only tried and true method for weight loss is to burn more calories than you take in. For me, that means eating healthy (no junk) and lots of exercise. I jog every morning and work out at the gym 3-4 times a week with weights. If you build muscle, your metabolism increases even at rest. It gets so hard as we age and harder after each baby so consistency is really important. Good luck!
weight loss
I am doing a diet called the Abs Diet.  There is a book available for it.  You eat 6 small meals per day, lots of fiber and wheat, turkey, almonds.  It has toning exercises targeted mostly for your stomach demonstrated in the book.  You weigh at the beginning, middle, and end of the plan - a 6 week plan.  In the first 2 weeks I lost 4 inches off my waist and dropped almost a point off my BMI.  I'm never hungry and because of the protein and healthy things I eat I don't crave junk food.  Of course, you have to drink 8 glasses of water per day, and they recommend if you must drink sodas to only have 2 per day, that is diet soda.  Go to www.absdiet.com to learn more about the plan.  Good luck!!
so, how much weight have you lost? nm
?
I have had some weight loss
It hasn't been like a big dramatic thing, but I'm down about 5-6 pounds. I'm sure part of that is that I have been watching my fat and calories, but I actually feel like I'm eating pretty well. I have been more active, too, getting out and walking every night, working in the yard, and it's been hot and humid here in Wisconsin so I'm sure I've sweated some off. You know, I don't know if it works, but I do know I would pay more than $50 every 4-6 weeks for a personal trainer or motivator, and I kind of use this as my personal trainer. I know that I should watch my fat, and I don't try to have a big cheesy pepperoni pizza and take Alli to make it all go away, because I know then I might have those nasty treatment effects. But for the last week and a half, it has kept me honest in my eating for the most part, and for me that's worth it. I need to drop about 40 pounds to get to my goal, and I'm shooting for February to do that by, so I'm going for the slow steady loss, hopefully Alli will help me get there.
weight problem
My son, who is now 27, has always had a weight problem. I tried absolutely everything and nothing worked. I tried Weight Watchers, which has children's meetings and this worked the best. Also contact local hospital, sometimes they have children weight loss programs.
Your weight problem may be due to your
I hope you feel better soon.  Usually weight problems are psychological, and it sounds like you are under a lot of stress.