Induction Day 3

[lisalynn1975]

Hello Everyone! I just started induction. I've had success on WW in the past and was able to get down to 208 pounds; however, the last few pounds came off at a rate of .2 to .4 pounds per week for several months. Honestly, I became frustrated. Every week, when the weight watchers weigher would say, "at least it's a loss," I would grow more and more irritated. I quit going and gained 34 pounds back over the last year. I don't think I'm an overeater, but I am a convenience eater, which usually involves a great deal of calories. Over the last year my exercise discipline also vanished. Partly I blame going back to grad school and still working full time. My education involves a great deal of clinical practicum, so it's like working 2 jobs and going to school. It's my reality and something I need to deal with. I must find the time to be disciplined in my food choices and find the time to exercise--------NO EXCUSES!!!!!!! Thanks for listening and allowing me to vent.

[bigapple34]

Hi Lisa,

I am also on Day 3 of induction and in medical school so i can relate! So far induction is going ok, but i definitely have alot of cravings! Look forward to getting to know you.

Michele

[lisalynn1975]

I understand your pressure. I work with interns and residents. I'm actually in grad school to become and Family Nurse Practitioner. Doing 160 to 200 hours of clinic hours in a semester is a tough one. Where are you planning on going for your residency?

[kate58]

I had the exact same experience on WW. And I was always hungry into the bargain.

People are different and I think it's a way of eating that suits some people, certainly I have seen people lose a LOT of weight at WW (and even a few who have kept it off, though not so many of those). But if carbs are your problem, and they are for a lot of people, then Atkins is always going to be more effective and more satisfying. Those who have a high tolerance for carbs and for them low fat/low calorie eating will work. Though the more I read, the more I think those people are actually a minority, if they even exist.

I know that the only way I'll stick with any way of eating long term is if it brings results, makes me feel good and doesn't make me feel hungry all the time. Atkins is it for me.

[lisalynn1975]

I think that makes sense. I may be very sensitive to carbs. I feel like I can diet low cal and low fat for weeks without results. In just 2 days of full induction, I'm convince. I've had a 5.5 pound loss already. That's amazing.
May I ask you a personal question? How long did you stay on induction? Your weight loss is impressive!

[bigapple34]

Hey Lisa,

I am actually applying for OB/GYN right now. I have two interviews left out of 15. The worst part about interviewing is traveling (airport food isn't really atkins friendly), and then they have a HUGE spread of food for lunch at all my interviews. And trust me, people will ask why you are not eating. It is alot of pressure, since you are applying for a job, and don't want to make a negative impression. It is hard! I don't know exactly what i am going to do when i go to the next one! How much longer do you have in school?

Michele

[s&swtr]

Hi there - I am on Day 3, too. Unlike you, I am a school teacher. There is always food around and people are quick to comment on eating habits. Yuck!
I didn't feel 100% yesterday, but feel fine today.

I weighed myself and had my mom record my weight (I didn't look!). The number on my ticker is just a guess. I want to wait until my 2 weeks are over to compare numbers! I just know from doing WW that I was very focused on the scale and would give up for the day(or week) if the scale didn't show a loss.

Lots of luck to you all!

[kate58]

Lisalynn, I stayed on induction for only 2 weeks, in spite of my initial intention to remain there for longer, given the amount of weight I want to lose. There were a few reasons for my change of mind:

1. Seeing posts here convinced me there was no real advantage to staying there longer, and that the weight loss would continue on OWL. They were right.

2. Although I liked the safety of induction - with its simple lists and rules - I knew that to be successful long term I had to learn about what foods I can and can't eat.

3. I started in September, and knew it was a long term project and that Christmas was on the horizon. I know myself and knew that the very restricted foods on induction were not going to cut it for me at Christmas. I needed to have more leeway by then and to be more aware of foods I could safely eat.

There was no slow down in my losses as I moved, carefully, up OWL, until Christmas, when I ate legally but way to well and first stopped losing, and eventually put on a couple of pounds. But I dropped back to OWL rung one on the 26th and have lost those and a few more along with them now.

I honestly believe that if I had not had such a range of foods to select from over the holiday I would have broken out and cheated. Induction becomes very boring after a while, which makes temptation more easily given in to.

I have stayed at rung 4 for some time, and am comfortable there for now. Will stick at that level for maybe another 20 lbs or so and then start climbing again.

I would really, really recommend moving on to OWL as soon as you have done your 2 weeks clean induction.

[Esteliana]

Wow!! There are more Nurses on this board than I thought. Sweet deal!!! =) I'm currently studying for my NREMT to get my foot in the door, and of course taking classes to get into Nursing School. I'm doing good so far with all A's and B's. If I can get an A in the next two prerequisites, that would be entirely amazing. I want to be an RN in the ER. Heh heh, hence the EMT thing? Make sense, I think it does.

As for staying on induction longer or going to OWL, I would have to agree with Kate. =) Last time I did this WOL, I stayed on induction the whole time and sure, I lost 30 pounds or so, (I was 180 to begin with and ended at 150 lbs) but it got boring and I couldn't deal with it. Back then, I didn't realize I had the option to move up in rungs and I was so plugged up by the time I was 150, I just gave up. I'm on OWL rung 1 now, second time around and it's treating me the way I want to be treated. More veggies can NEVER hurt anyone because they're good for you!! =) So I'm staying here for a while because I love my veggies.

=Bekka

[blue996]

To echo Bekka and Kate you will do better if you move onto OWL. Like Bekka I didn't really know about OWL when I first did Atkins and stayed on Induction for six months. Sure I looked great at 135 pounds but I learned nothing about eating this way for life. Had I moved onto OWL I am sure I would not be a second timer.