I am confessing to falling off the exercise wagon.

I quit smoking 7 days ago and that first week I was pretty depressed. I just didn't CARE about going to the gym. Not at all. I was just giving myself lots of permission to do anything I wanted....except smoke. Ok...so that worked. I'm still smoke free.

Well, now it's time to get back at it. Enough rest. EXCEPT that Saturday I had a massage and the masseuse was doing some wierd quad stretches on me and has apparently hurt my lower back quite badly. I have a weak back anyway. It WAS getting so much better with exercise and now, today, I can barely walk. It's gonna take another 2-3 days before I can get to the gym.

Somebody tell me that it's OK...that I am a new person...that I haven't fallen into my old trap ....and that I"ll be back at the gym in no time.

I need a drill sargeant to come kick my ass by Thursday if my back is better. Any volunteers?

YOU GO GIRL!!! You are doing awesome, almost to the 2 week mark! I am almost 9 months smoke free and if I can do it, ANYONE can! Keep up the good work! This is the hardest thing you will ever do, but the best!

Do you think not smoking has had an impact on your weight loss?? Last time I quit I gained 50#!! I am praying so hard that I can still lose weight. I would be so sad if I couldn't get to goal.

You're signature asks what am I grateful for...

I'm grateful for this awesome tool we have and the new lease on life that it has given me!!! I'm also grateful for the site and the support and encouragement it has provided. I have made some awesome friendships so far. I love it!

Ditto, Cherea! When I ask the gratitude question those are the first things that pop into my mind, too. Then I have to scrounge around for some new ones...LOL

Do you think not smoking has had an impact on your weight loss?? Last time I quit I gained 50#!! I am praying so hard that I can still lose weight. I would be so sad if I couldn't get to goal.

You can do it!!!!

I think we all have "crutches" that we rely on to deal with stress, boredom, etc. Eating and smoking are both big ones that people use- you are trying to kick both at the same time. That's super hard- be proud of yourself and don't beat yourself up if you have occasional lapses, the great thing about the band is that you can start fresh at any time- re read the rules, get back on the exercise track and you will be there in no time!

It took years for us to get here, we won't beat the demons overnight!

Thanks Marjorie... I am trying to be patient with myself and focus on the good things that are happening without letting fear take over. So far, i must say, that it has been easier than I expected AND the weight is still coming off. I don't seem to be having too many oral pacification issues.