How long?

[CHUBBRUBBKARA]

I went to a birthday party this past weekend and I refused cake and lots of other goodies. People asked me why? I explained I was on a diet. So... I guess no one noticed that I had lost any weight. I know it's only been about a month but it seems like such a long time to me. So here is my three part question.

1. How long before the people that you live with and see every day noticed the weight loss?

2. How long before everyone else noticed? People that you see once a week or once a month.

3. In both cases, about how many pounds and or sizes did you drop before you think they noticed?

[jeepgirl06]

The last time I had lost some weight, I had started at 280, and was down to 240 before people started noticing. I dropped from a 28 to a 24. If you started at 260, give it till 230-220 for people to start noticing, especially people who see you every day, cuz they don't recognize the shift. When it does happen, you'll be thrilled. HOWEVER, to keep going, use a measuring tape on yourself, measure and you will feel awesome as you see the INCHES come off. Pounds, well, we're so used to it, but inches, are another thing... and then, what's even better, is trying on a pair of pants you started off with, and realizing that you can grab a fistful of it in your hands while they're on... give it time. It's well worth it, and DO NOT GIVE UP. I gave up and gained it all back, now I'm starting over, +20 pounds. DO NOT GIVE UP.

[jeepgirl06]

and if I didn't say it enough, DO NOT GIVE UP.

[jroche5998]

I was down about 40 pounds when people started noticing, then the compliments started flooding in. It almost got embarrassing, but it was nice too. Stick with it, the compliments will come. The best ones are from those who truly love and care about you.

[IrishIrish]

While I understand how important it is to receive acknowledgement from others along the way, I think it was also very important to worry less about what others think and know you are doing the right thing. When I began having success with Atkins, I received the wonderful comments followed by questions of how did I lose so much. The second I told them Atkins, the "Atkins Uneducated" would begin telling me why Atkins wasn't good for me. Thankfully, the longer I've been on Atkins and the better my medical indicators, the less I care about what others say. I've decided over the last couple of years that I'm not going to let others ruin my day by what they think. Even though I have a great deal more to lose, I can't be waiting for "at'a girls".

Just stay the course and know you are doing the right thing. Here on this board, we celebrate all our members successes!

[2big4mysize]

First wooo hooo for you not celebrating with cake!!!!!!

My parents noticed at about 25 pounds but they knew I was eating Atkins and working out. Nobody outside of them and my doc said a word until I was down over 80 pounds and I was so happy to hear it I thanked the operson a little bit too loudly and other immediately said they had noticed but didn't knoiw if it was intentional or I was sick since I lost it so rapidly. After that when I saw folk looking I'd just say yep I'm shirnking on purpose and then they would gush.

yep what Irishirsih said do it for you and come see us if you need outside validation of your hard work. We know how hard you are working your Atkins to become the healthier smaller yiou.

[Austlyn]

Well I think my hubby did not notice till everyone else did, my children noticed right away!

[hey_nelson]

Ya know, my Director has mentioned to me that I have lost, but that's it. It's ok and it makes me feel good. But i'm also one that does not want the eye attention because I blush red to purple. duh.

[Elizellen]

I think people often are afraid to offend us by mentioning weight loss without some signal from us that is is OK

Either because they fear we might be battling some wasting health problem or that we might interpret the compliment as a suggestion that we were fat before and get upset.

My DH was asked by a neighbour who we know by sight but not to talk to about anything but the weather (the usual safe conversation subject in UK) if his wife had been ill! So it appears I have been a subject of speculation amongst others, but they were too shy to comment on it to me!