New way of thinking!

[boogerman2000]

After doing atkins for almost 2 months I can absolutely say that I love it. I started at 410lbs on February 12th and today April 2nd I'm down to 359lbs. First and foremost, I FEEL GREAT!!!! I had terrilbe heart palpitations/flutters/skips etc and, knock on wood, they have virtually disappeared. I don't look forward or find comfort in eating any longer. If I do get a craving, it seems that if I go do some type of activity it goes away. There is sooooo much more to life than food. I didn't believe that 2 months ago.

My motivation is definitely my son and people noticing the weightloss. My self esteem has gone way up and my ability to cope with stress has increased tremendously.

The new way of thinking is simple...I do not fret over small weight increases or decreases. I think of my weight in 10 lb increments. When someone asks how much weight I lost, I tell them that I was 410lbs and I'm now in the 350's. I've come to realize that my weight can fluctuate between 3 and 7 lbs from morning to evening. My thought is that when I can safely get on the scale at anytime of the day and be below the 400, 390, 380, 370, 360, 350....etc hurdle, I've met that mini goal. I started out being overly concerned with losing X amount of lbs. in X amount of days. The fact is, I'm in it for the long haul and if I feel this great being 50lbs down in another 50lbs I might be able to fly or more realistically get off the blood pressure medicine.

I read somewhere on WebMD that at 400lbs, losing just 5% to 7% of your body weight can bring your numbers back into the normal range. My blood pressure was 140's/190's and now the high's are 130's/70's to low 80's. My doctor told me that by summer she'll try to take me off the medication as long as I keep up the progress. By the way, she is thrilled and truly supportive.

On a side note, my wife who has been a tremendous support has be on somewhat of a modified program along with me and has lost about 20lbs. God willing we will realize our goals and be able to maintain them once they are reached. Thanks for your continued support and if anyone is having trouble with staying the course, I'd love to hear from you and you can expect nothing but encouragment in return.

[adreliluc]

That's awesome! If that's not motivation I don't know what is!!! Keep up the good work!

[Jace]

Darren, congratz to both you and your wife on your successes! It's great to see you're in it for the long haul...that is something that has been noticably lacking in many people, yet it's one of the keys to success and maintaining.

Looks like you're well on your way to a new a healthier life, keep up the awesome work!

Best of luck and if you need anything feel free to give a shout!

~Far la bella figura!

[*Emma*]

Great post and a wonderful way of thinking - congrats on your loss

[lisadallasr]

Hi Darren, i have to say that is a great attitude to have!!! You are doing an awesome job, and i know by summer you will be off those meds!!!

[usetababrickhouse]

congrats and keep up the great work. i understand about your ideas on the 10 lb marks it makes perfect sense. it seems sometimes we get all caught up in the scale numbers and forget how absolutely wonderful we are feeling!!! happy losing!!!

[Elizellen]

Congratulations to you and your wife on your progress so far, Darren
I look forward to hearing about your progress as you clear your 10 pound mini-goal hurdles!!

[sallyseachange]

Darren, congratulations to both you and your wife. It's awesome that you feel so good on Atkins and take such a sensible view of weight loss (the scales)! Thank you for posting this... it will inspire many, for sure.

[Tiggerdagibit]

That is so awesome! I'm very happy for you and your wife.