Hi Donna,

I'm also an ex-smoker and its been 15 years for me. That is a MAJOR step towards becoming a healthier person. Congratulations.

I have gained about 10 pounds in the last three years (I gained no weight when I quit smoking) since I had a hysterectomy. I am someone who never had a weight issue and could eat as I pleased. Ten pounds isn't much, but for someone who never weighed over 119 it seems like a lot. I have a lot more empathy for anyone trying to lose weight. Weight and the habits and lifestyle choices behind it are a huge challenge to change.

If you can quit smoking you can lose the weight you need to to become even healthier. Do you keep a food journal? That has helped me be accountable and realistic about my true caloric intake. You might want to check out FitDay.com, its free and you can really get a good take on your caloric intake/usage.

I would imagine your joints and everything else would feel better if your weight was less. No matter what the docs tell you, its going to be totally up to you to fight the weight battle just as you fought the smoking battle (unless you opt for surgical weight loss banding or whatever -- geesh).

Two other things: if you are gaining muscle mass your weight may initially increase as muscle weighs more than fat, but that would be very cool as ultimately the muscle will help burn more calories while at rest, etc.

Second, glucosimine has been researched and proven to help joint problems. An orthopaedic surgeon even recommended it to my husband. It will take several weeks to notice an improvement but it will help. I've gotten back on it in the last six weeks and my joint problems have pretty much disappeared.

If you can quit smoking and stay quit, you can do anything! You are on your way to a much healthier life and hopefully your doctor, your husband and the rest of the known world will support you in your efforts.