I quit smoking also...right before I started low carbing. It is so worth it once you get over the first week.

As far as salt...I never worry about it. I actually eat more salt now then I used to and am not retaining water. Make sure that you drink a minimum of 64oz of water a day and do not include any other drinks in that amount. I try to drink about 100oz or more...just depends. I think also cutting out the caffeine helped a whole lot. It took about 3 days to get over.

*as I ramble on*

I wish you the best. We are all in the same boat.