Eight years and maintaining

[Gooseylace]

Sorry to have been away from this board for so long. It's been eight years now since I reached my goal of 130 lbs - down from 260. I'm living refutation of the claim that "yes, you can take it off on Atkins, but you'll gain it right back." My weight for all this time has varied only from 125 to 135, except for one holiday season when it crept up to 140 after visiting relatives and eating small quantities of "normal" foods - that "sliver of pie" and "just a spoonful of bread stuffing."

I'm also living proof that you're never too old to lose weight and improve health I was 64 when I started on Atkins and could barely walk a block. I had to drag myself up our stairs, and we were considering installing a chair lift. Now at 73 I engage in senior aquatics three times a week, can run up and down stairs in my three-level house, and am active in various community organizations.

Both my cholestrol levels and blood pressure are normal or better, despite the fact that I don't limit my meats and fatty foods. I also eat more green vegetables and salads than I ever did in the old days of "normal" meals.

One unexpected benefit was the improvement in my dental health. I'd been warned that I was going to need extensive periodontial treatments. By the time I was able to schedule them, the dentist was amazed. Apparently since I was no longer "bathing" my gums in sugary substances, I no longer needed the treatments. With just regular dental cleaning, my teeth and gums are still healthy - no cavities, no gum disease.

Forgive me if this sounds like bragging - I really want to help others realize that it's never too late to achieve the terrific benefits of the low-carb way of eating.

[Sarina D]

Hi Gooseylace, it's terrific to meet you and I thank you for sharing your success story with all of us. You have achieved fabulous results in weight loss as well as improving your health........congratulations!

You are truly an inspiration and proof that this way of eating is not only possible in maintaining the weight loss one achieves but improving our overall way of life.

Thanks again for taking the time out to share your story!

Sarina
---------------------

Heaviest weight last year- 400 (2007)
April 1, 2008 - 387
Atkins start weight – 347 (July 19, 2008 )
(100 lbs. lost as of Oct 2, 2008 - Hit 300 lbs. on this day )
Current weight – 262
Goal weight - 150 – 160

[ceemarie]

Thanks for sharing your life experiences, they are very motivational. It is amazing how my body has reacted to just losing 25 pounds. Can't wait to lose 43 more!

[Zarabelle]

Hello! Wow, that is fantastic. Thanks for coming and telling us your story. I hope you stick around on the board now and give us lots of tips! Zx

[Sweet Strudel]

Hi and thanks for stopping back to share your success. Its true life stories like yours that motivate people to start and or continue this WOL.

We have all heard the "sure Atkins works but as soon as you go off it you will gain the weight right back". Thats TRUE. The thing is, we never really go off it. Its a lifestyle change, not a diet.

And its great that you mention age and how you are never too old to improve your health.

It continues to amaze me at how many health issues improve eating this way. This is the first time I have heard improved dental health but it all makes sense.

Congratulations on your loss and maintaining it!

Thank you for posting!

[Trisha001]

That's Awesome!! What an inspiration you are

[sallyseachange]

Wonderfully motivating! Well done you! And thanks so much for sharing this with us!

[Einy]

Thanks for sharing your story Gooseylace. This is really inspiring. No need to be sorry, it doesn't sound like bragging and even if it does, with such amazing results, I would..

Seriously.. Great job...

[liv]

Thanks for the update and inspiration. Good to know that it works.

[Crue]

Wow i didn't even think of the dental benefits! It's great that you've been able to live the atkins lifestyle for 8 years. Big Grats on your success.