Down 17 lbs in 1 1/2 weeks!

[RaspberryBeetle]

I'm still shaking my head. I am beside myself with amazement at how well this way of eating works. I can tell you that my success has come from doing something different than what I have done in the past. I followed the plan!

I never had an Atkins book in front of me when I wanted to follow a low carb diet. I hate the word diet, but that was all I had planned. Follow the diet, lose the weight, go back to eating 'normal' foods. I was setting myself up for failure before I even began. My 'diet' inconvenienced me at every turn because it got in the way of those situations where I wanted to eat what every else was eating. Friday is chinese food night in my house, and in my sisters' houses. I wasn't about to give that up....

It's been 6 or 7 years now of doing that type of behavior. At least 2 or 3 times, I tried to diet and failed. I even made an appt to go to a seminar on gastric bypass. My family pleaded with me not to do it. But I wanted what I thought was an 'easy' way out. I didn't want to do it myself, I wanted someone or something to do it for me. When I saw the documentaries on TLC about obese patients who had gastric bypass and still had to watch their calories and food, and they suffered from additional pains and problems, I knew it wasn't by any means, an 'easy way out'. I once again felt worn out from the thought of following another diet. Note to self:

You can never get away from the self-responsibility, no matter what you do.

I've been on Weight Watchers at least 3 times in my life, Nutrisystem, L.A. Weight Loss (cost me a few thousand dollars), Medifast, and a 'doctor's nutrition plan' outlined by the ADA. The feeling of deprivation was at times staggering. The low carb diets were the only ones that my body responded to. Even when I failed at the low carb diets, I know it was because I wasn't following any particular plan, and because I didn't have the mindset that I was going to change my habits for life.

Since starting the Atkins plan, following the book, I have not 'cheated'. That's the biggest factor I think in my weight loss. Not that I haven't been tempted. My slender husband loves potato chips. That is one of my downfalls. When I find myself fixating on it, I go to my bedroom and close the door and put in a DVD, or I do 10 minutes on the elliptical while listening to my favorite 80's music. I am satisfied with the food and the amounts. The plus is that my appetite is suppressed, which goes a long way in staying on track.

I know that I have a long road ahead and it won't be easy, and I may even slip up, but it won't be all or nothing as before. I am learning to recognize my trigger situations, and I am determined to get right back on the wagon if I fall off. I will not stay on the ground and roll around in the dirt!

[ValidRouge]

Well, raspberry, you certainly have your mind in the right place for success! Keep it there and I have no doubt that you'll reach goal and be healthier than you've ever been. Atkins done right is wonderful and healthy and it gets results. I can say this because I've done it "my way" and I've done it the right way.

This support forum has been critical to keeping me motivated and supported and on track. So, welcome!

[Grant]

Very inspiring Raspberry, thank you for posting that!

[RaspberryBeetle]

I wouldn't have gotten past day 3 if it weren't for this board. The forum for before and after pics motivated me. Everyone looks so healthy and youthful!

[ShannonK]

Bravo - you inspire me. I am so impressed.

Nice post, too. Very thought provoking.

[jengeesh]

Great to hear your story!. I too had thought about gastric bypass i'm so glad I never went to that. I have total complete FAITH i'll get to my goal weight with ADKINS alone. I'm about 18 days in i have lost 12 pounds. I tell myself," Rome was not built in a day". I do know there is no short cut wake up tommorw skinny. I now feel like... i learned a hidden Secret "ADKINS". I acually want to exercise I HAVE ENERGY. I don't nap anymore in the late afternoon. I can say i have not felt this good in 10 years. I can never see me going back to eating fries and ice cream.

[Scooterjam]

Fantastic Story! I love reading all the threads on this board. You learn so much about people and hard work, and dedication. I applaud you Raspberry, I love the fact that when your around tempting foods (potato chips) you go and do your own thing! Good for you. I can't wait to hear more!! Great job!

[RaspberryBeetle]

Jen, yes, the energy! I am not groggy in the mornings anymore. I used to have to take a mid-morning nap too. Not anymore. I noticed that I don't have as much puffiness in my face or hands. I'm also insulin resistant from metabolic syndrome, so when my fasting blood glucose went from 146 down to 90 in only 5 days of being on Atkins, I almost cried.

My next battle to conquer is my elevated blood pressure. It was 146/94 when I went to the doc last week. Usually the bottom number is over 100, and that is the number that concerns my doctor the most. I want to get that bottom number down to 80 or below and get off the water pill and Norvasc.