I was suffering from bloating (very bad), gas, and constipation. I started taking a probiotic, 2 colace a day one In morning and one in the evening. I also take 2 activated charcoal tabs before meals. I've temporarily cut out dairy and have a very small amount of carbs. Focused on eating fruits veggies and chicken and turkey. I'm eating very small meals, and I'm making sure to thoroughly chew all of my food, things aren't back to 100% but I am def feeling better and not crying everyday! Hope this helps someone!! -Cheryl
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Replying to my previous post in the hope someone can follow my story if needs be (just follow the ' In reply to..' links of each post I'm 'Anonymous or Guest on most.)
So 6 months! It's been hell but I finally have some normalcy back to my digestive system, I don't know why it started to get better a few weeks ago, I had been diagnosed with low estrogen/ early Perimenopause since quitting, I don't if this was due to quitting or quitting exacerbated an already set in motion hormonal problem but I took supplemental estrogen for 3 weeks only (I decided not to continue with HRT for other reasons) and my stomach started to improve, when I stopped taking it things started to get worse again but then better. It's worth testing hormones I read another post where a guy had low testosterone after quitting, the sex hormones effect everything not just reproductive stuff.
I had decided to be gluten and dairy free again (after living on ice cream + shakes for a few weeks in desperation and dejection), which I did in the beginning with no improvement, but now it helps, I can eat pretty much anything and have only occasional discomfort. I still suffer with a lot of gas at night and a tiny bit of reflux (nothing compared to before) but am off all acid blockers. As I didn't have insurance I was unable to get much medical help but what I did get was useless :-
'' Here take some acid blockers, you have an ulcer, quitting smoking has nothing to do with your symptoms, stick to low fat foods."
I have since found out I am B12 deficient, my health has gone down the toilet since I quit but I think that perhaps smoking was masking problems already there (there are studies suggesting that smoking keeps certain diseases in check). I've always been a skinny (skinny fat in truth) unhealthy eater, I'm now a much healthier eater with a weight gain of approx 4-5 KG and a hormonal imbalance. The point is the digestive distress is much much improved and I was initially unable to eat AT ALL, with a weight loss of 5KG from my pre-quit weight leaving me thin and ill, so I was in a bad way digestively, I'm now 4-5kg up from my pre quit weight so my weight has bounced around a difference of about 8-10 kg this past 6 months. I'm not exercising though, I expect if I do I may lose a few kg but for now I'm just trying to recover from all this.
So please stay positive, the body has an in built capacity to heal but can only do it when given the chance, absolutely NOTHING really helped me at my worst, digestive enzymes, Betain HCL (which does help now if i eat meat), Supplements, acid blockers, severe diet restrictions (at one point bone broth and poached egg were all I ate and still had insane bloating and pain everywhere). I couldn't eat anything at all without pain, there were times when my food sat in my stomach for 19 hrs before it gurgled down to my intestines (i timed it!) it was as if everything just shut down, but it did work again in the end, it has been very scary and I'm still not 100%, having had constipation my whole life this has become slightly better with my healthier diet (fruits and veg everyday + less animal products) .
The fact that the medical community has no clue about this is insane and disheartening, with little access to doctors and that that I did have being frustratingly unhelpful, this and other forums have been a huge solace to me. There is hope! I've come through this and I honestly thought i would end up being drip fed or that my insides would tear open and I would die at one point! Don't give up! (Except for the cigs!)
Over and out, my new smoke free, pre-menopausal life awaits!
XXX
So 6 months! It's been hell but I finally have some normalcy back to my digestive system, I don't know why it started to get better a few weeks ago, I had been diagnosed with low estrogen/ early Perimenopause since quitting, I don't if this was due to quitting or quitting exacerbated an already set in motion hormonal problem but I took supplemental estrogen for 3 weeks only (I decided not to continue with HRT for other reasons) and my stomach started to improve, when I stopped taking it things started to get worse again but then better. It's worth testing hormones I read another post where a guy had low testosterone after quitting, the sex hormones effect everything not just reproductive stuff.
I had decided to be gluten and dairy free again (after living on ice cream + shakes for a few weeks in desperation and dejection), which I did in the beginning with no improvement, but now it helps, I can eat pretty much anything and have only occasional discomfort. I still suffer with a lot of gas at night and a tiny bit of reflux (nothing compared to before) but am off all acid blockers. As I didn't have insurance I was unable to get much medical help but what I did get was useless :-
'' Here take some acid blockers, you have an ulcer, quitting smoking has nothing to do with your symptoms, stick to low fat foods."
I have since found out I am B12 deficient, my health has gone down the toilet since I quit but I think that perhaps smoking was masking problems already there (there are studies suggesting that smoking keeps certain diseases in check). I've always been a skinny (skinny fat in truth) unhealthy eater, I'm now a much healthier eater with a weight gain of approx 4-5 KG and a hormonal imbalance. The point is the digestive distress is much much improved and I was initially unable to eat AT ALL, with a weight loss of 5KG from my pre-quit weight leaving me thin and ill, so I was in a bad way digestively, I'm now 4-5kg up from my pre quit weight so my weight has bounced around a difference of about 8-10 kg this past 6 months. I'm not exercising though, I expect if I do I may lose a few kg but for now I'm just trying to recover from all this.
So please stay positive, the body has an in built capacity to heal but can only do it when given the chance, absolutely NOTHING really helped me at my worst, digestive enzymes, Betain HCL (which does help now if i eat meat), Supplements, acid blockers, severe diet restrictions (at one point bone broth and poached egg were all I ate and still had insane bloating and pain everywhere). I couldn't eat anything at all without pain, there were times when my food sat in my stomach for 19 hrs before it gurgled down to my intestines (i timed it!) it was as if everything just shut down, but it did work again in the end, it has been very scary and I'm still not 100%, having had constipation my whole life this has become slightly better with my healthier diet (fruits and veg everyday + less animal products) .
The fact that the medical community has no clue about this is insane and disheartening, with little access to doctors and that that I did have being frustratingly unhelpful, this and other forums have been a huge solace to me. There is hope! I've come through this and I honestly thought i would end up being drip fed or that my insides would tear open and I would die at one point! Don't give up! (Except for the cigs!)
Over and out, my new smoke free, pre-menopausal life awaits!
XXX
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hey there, you could try getting your gut flora back in balance. it takes time but it can be done! check out youtube or see a gut specialist. :]
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Omg me too .. the Gi upset is xhronic for me .. this wud be the only reason I'd ever smoke again 3days off the cigs really struggling abdominal issues
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I quit 8 months ago and was still bloated and at my wits end. But I refuse to start smoking again. I looked up juices that aid in digesting food. Pineapple was one and I thought why not try it. I don't know if it's coincidental or what but I'm almost back to normal. I also have been exercising (always have) and taking Align. I also dilute the juice off and on because I know hydrating is important when quitting and cuts down on the sugar as well.
It's not expensive so maybe give it a try. Look Up juices that aid in digesting too.
It's not expensive so maybe give it a try. Look Up juices that aid in digesting too.
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Same here. On my 8th month of not smoking. 54 year old woman. I have gone from an 8-10 to 12-14 size. I eat well, exercise, did acupuncture for digestion, probiotics etc. Nothing works. I'm 5'3 and 175lbs. My normal weight is 150. I feel like c**p and definitely don't feel attractive. I get so mad when i read average weight gains of 6lbs. Its simply not true for a long time smoker in my age group. It truly is just our gut flora. It's not our "diet". Thats a scapegoat that physicians use. They blame our diet or exercise. it's almost juvenile their approach. It's going to take years.
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I know how you feel...
I have quit smoking 2 months ago after smoking for 15 years . Like you, I experience severe weight gain and bloating.I KNOW RIGHT, its even worse if you're a woman.
I have no appetite for anything, I dont even eat as much as usual but Im still gaining weight and my tummy swells up like im 6 months pregnant.
Disgusted, angry and helpless... I googled online and realise many people like me, having the same problem after they quit smoking but no one has yet to offer any solution.
Trust me, I exercise like im possessed. But hell noooo...Im still gaining weight.
The bloat is unbearable. I could not fit in any clothes. Im fat all over and Im desperate for answers.
So right now.... Im offering answers for the helpless people out there who was once like me:
1) I tried a natural laxative called Senokot. It will clear your bowels in 8 - 10 hours time. The bloat comes because after u quit smoking, ur body lost its ability to move your bowel without the help of nicotine. Its a natural process... our body was damaged... admit it and try to tune it back
Its works like 99% of the time, especially if you have functions or parties you need to attend and you'll need to fit in those body hugging cocktail dresses!!!! But warning here!!! it takes 8 - 12 hours depending on individual, so make sure u take them at least 12 hours in advance. When the laxative kicks in, u're be in a hell loads of pain. Equivalent to the contraction you get when about to give birth. BUT PLS DONT TAKE THIS for more than a week... your body will get use to it and forever lose its natural ability to move that bowels
2) Exercise.... cardio would be good. After you stop smoking, u realise that ur skin sags for some reason Im not sure as well. For me, its really bad at my butt and thigh. You'll see cellulite forming like overnight (But I think that depends on your age as well)
I did alot of different cardio, and let me tell u which one works
You can forget with crunches and leg lift. Anything to help u achieve that flat tummy is almost impossible whenever you start bloating. Solve the bloating issue first then u'll be able to work on abs
Talking about saggy skin. U'll see it more on your arms, thigh and waist (For sure).... Arms, well, you have to lift weights. But I know we can get impatient right, esp u're skinny (like me) and suddenly u bloated and became fat like overnight. But be patient... start lifting like 1 - 2 kg dumbells. While waiting for your body to tune itself back. If u start lifting heavy weights.... ur body will get used to it and u'll just have to continue increasing those weight. Unless u want to.... but for me, Im not really into exercising.
Squats : Instant result on the thigh and butt. Needless to say more
3) Now comes the secret recipe to make u feel whatever reason u quit smoking is justifiable again!!!!!!! (Trust me I hated myself for quitting when I see my body going through such dramatic changes)
Behold!!!!!!!!
It's Lemon Juice!!!!!!!! The wonder of wonder!!!!!!!!
Believe it or not.... I tried many many methods. To keep my weight under control I even tried smoking back a stick fortnightly. I lost sleep everynight because Im tired of being fat. I had to drink alcohol to force myself to sleep
To feel normal again after all the quit smoking symptoms and hooha your body is going through. Lemon juice is the antidote. I take half a lemon, juice it... add it with warm water and DRINK it. Miracle!!!!!!!!! Im back to normal again. I dont even have to exercise anymore.
I think i still gain abit weight after quitting (almost unavoidable) but HEY its the bloating that causes all the drama for quiting right. Furthermore... its ok to gain abit weight if its going to be for health sake.
I hope with this, I can help people out there facing the same problem as me :)
and for those who had read about trying enzyme pills or probiotics. My advise it, dont take them. Once your body get used to it, that's it... they'll rely on it like forever...
Let your body tune back the natural way as much as possible.
Good luck guys!
I have quit smoking 2 months ago after smoking for 15 years . Like you, I experience severe weight gain and bloating.I KNOW RIGHT, its even worse if you're a woman.
I have no appetite for anything, I dont even eat as much as usual but Im still gaining weight and my tummy swells up like im 6 months pregnant.
Disgusted, angry and helpless... I googled online and realise many people like me, having the same problem after they quit smoking but no one has yet to offer any solution.
Trust me, I exercise like im possessed. But hell noooo...Im still gaining weight.
The bloat is unbearable. I could not fit in any clothes. Im fat all over and Im desperate for answers.
So right now.... Im offering answers for the helpless people out there who was once like me:
1) I tried a natural laxative called Senokot. It will clear your bowels in 8 - 10 hours time. The bloat comes because after u quit smoking, ur body lost its ability to move your bowel without the help of nicotine. Its a natural process... our body was damaged... admit it and try to tune it back
Its works like 99% of the time, especially if you have functions or parties you need to attend and you'll need to fit in those body hugging cocktail dresses!!!! But warning here!!! it takes 8 - 12 hours depending on individual, so make sure u take them at least 12 hours in advance. When the laxative kicks in, u're be in a hell loads of pain. Equivalent to the contraction you get when about to give birth. BUT PLS DONT TAKE THIS for more than a week... your body will get use to it and forever lose its natural ability to move that bowels
2) Exercise.... cardio would be good. After you stop smoking, u realise that ur skin sags for some reason Im not sure as well. For me, its really bad at my butt and thigh. You'll see cellulite forming like overnight (But I think that depends on your age as well)
I did alot of different cardio, and let me tell u which one works
You can forget with crunches and leg lift. Anything to help u achieve that flat tummy is almost impossible whenever you start bloating. Solve the bloating issue first then u'll be able to work on abs
Talking about saggy skin. U'll see it more on your arms, thigh and waist (For sure).... Arms, well, you have to lift weights. But I know we can get impatient right, esp u're skinny (like me) and suddenly u bloated and became fat like overnight. But be patient... start lifting like 1 - 2 kg dumbells. While waiting for your body to tune itself back. If u start lifting heavy weights.... ur body will get used to it and u'll just have to continue increasing those weight. Unless u want to.... but for me, Im not really into exercising.
Squats : Instant result on the thigh and butt. Needless to say more
3) Now comes the secret recipe to make u feel whatever reason u quit smoking is justifiable again!!!!!!! (Trust me I hated myself for quitting when I see my body going through such dramatic changes)
Behold!!!!!!!!
It's Lemon Juice!!!!!!!! The wonder of wonder!!!!!!!!
Believe it or not.... I tried many many methods. To keep my weight under control I even tried smoking back a stick fortnightly. I lost sleep everynight because Im tired of being fat. I had to drink alcohol to force myself to sleep
To feel normal again after all the quit smoking symptoms and hooha your body is going through. Lemon juice is the antidote. I take half a lemon, juice it... add it with warm water and DRINK it. Miracle!!!!!!!!! Im back to normal again. I dont even have to exercise anymore.
I think i still gain abit weight after quitting (almost unavoidable) but HEY its the bloating that causes all the drama for quiting right. Furthermore... its ok to gain abit weight if its going to be for health sake.
I hope with this, I can help people out there facing the same problem as me :)
and for those who had read about trying enzyme pills or probiotics. My advise it, dont take them. Once your body get used to it, that's it... they'll rely on it like forever...
Let your body tune back the natural way as much as possible.
Good luck guys!
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I have had the same problem for 1 month and a half since I quit...this is my second time quitting, but I never had the bloating the first time around, when i quit for a year and a half. Is it weird that I bloat now? I hadn't been smoking that long between my relapse and quitting now, say 2 years, on average half a pack a day. I was considering going to the doctor, but Im not sure when I look at this forum... Its just f*****g annoying, I usually have a very flat stomach, and I work out a reasonable amount and I just want it to go away
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I had this issue too! Take probiotics, dont eat raw food bc so hard d to digest. Drink water and do warm water enemas (not store bought with chemicals but just Emma bag with warm H20) to keep your system moving (constipated after quitting) and take enzymes when eating to help digest food. You'll be on track in a month! That's how bad cigs are, the ruin your health (heart, lungs, digestion, skin, nailscetc). Good luck!
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it took me over a year before my stomach started to go down your body is adjusting to no nicotine your stomach will go down I am down to my regular weight now
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I quit smoking for 5 months last year and was bloated miserable and gassy. I felt pregnant constantly and no matter how healthy or how much I exercised it didn't help. So I started smoking again and it all went away and I felt so much better although I hated smoking. I wanted to quit again this year so I went to see a naturopath this time and we did a food sensitivity test, turns out I have leaky gut, highly reactive to eggs and dairy. I quit smoking using naturquit and stopped eggs and dairy and FEEL GREAT!! I am drinking glutamine and daily bone broths to heal my gut. I realise now that smoking only masks symptoms! Better off stopping and healing properly!
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Appreciate this useful info, I have smoked since 12yrs now 68yrs so my stomach in shock, an understatement I think, but thankyou I will now stick with not smoking & hopefully thru time I will feel slim again.
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I laugh at the" will die healthy" . I've been 4 months not smoking after 30+ years of smoking..my big thing is this bloating and gets worse as the day goes on. I am chewing nicorette gum like crazy and I'm wondering if that's causing it. I don't want to go back to smoking cause after these hard 4 months I know I couldn't go through it again.
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