You'll be seeing alot of me!

[Courtney]

Hello all,

My name is Courtney and I began my atkins journey last Tuesday (May 15th, 2006).
A little about myself: I have always struggled with my weight. I was considered "thick" when i was in high school. It didn't bother me so much then as it does now because now I am the heaviest I have ever been.

• I was very athletic in my "younger years." I participated in competitive cheerleading for 8 years and was also a cheerleader at school (middle & high school).
• I was a member of a softball league.
• And I also did figure skating when i was younger - before cheerleading -and then once i was older I taught ice skating and hockey.

During all those years, I developed a lot of muscle, but I had a "little belly" that just wouldnt go away (even with being that athletic and always working out). I have big hips and big breasts so it makes me look larger than i think i really am. Anyway, once I graduated high school and stopped cheerleading and everything else, I gained a tremendous amount of weight. About 50 pounds +. So thats why I am here.

I have tried many different weight loss practices - Weight watchers, Slim fast shakes, different diet pills, etc. But I was never successful. Weight watchers I always lost weight, but after a month or so, I would lose interest and stop and of course, the weight +more would come back. My brother along with many others i know had tried the Atkins approach and was very successful. I thought, "hey, why not."

My brother just got engaged about 2 weeks ago. His wedding is planned for sometime in the fall of next year (2007). I dont want to be the fat sister in the wedding (sorry for the bluntness). My little sister is a twig, my mom & brother are too - me & my dad suffer with weight issues. So, i decided to actually do something about it this time and really strive to meet my goal.
I feel I cant really go by what the number says on the scale (to a certain extent) because like i mentioned before, I do have a lot of muscle. So i am aiming to wear a size 8 by the wedding. I just went shopping last week, and bought a size 18! (18? Holy crap, I thought I would never get to be this size... I was a 14 for quit some time, then 16 for about a 2 years - now, the 16's were just uncomfortable).

I have had several other challenges in my life and i have been able to overcome those, so why not this? Quitting drinking and smoking has been tough, but with determination and drive i have won those battles - I have the same determination and drive to win this one! This is the only other thing I want/need to do for myself to be healthy. If I can do this, i can conquor the world.

So, here i am. I started the Atkins with only information relayed to me from other people. I have not read the book & am confused. That's how I found this website and most of my questions have been answered.
You know, I do wish I read the book before I started this, but i've already started and there's no turning back. Im going to purchase the book this weekend (2002 version I see is the best from the other posts) and will do a thorough reading. But for now, I am just doing what I have been told.

From seeing the pictures and hearing the stories, I am truly inspired by all of you and I am not giving up this time!

Thanks and hope to talk soon, (sorry for such a long message),
Courtney

[Richt]

Welcome to the board Courtney. You will find this place to be so supportive and the knowledge you will pick up here is second to none.

I hope we will be seeing a lot more of you. Its always good to see new members.

Welcome

Rich

[Courtney]

Thanks Rich.
I saw your pictures yesturday and was truly astounded by your weight loss - it's people like you who inspire me. Thanks for such a warm welcome!

[Atkid]

Courtney,
Welcome to the board, nothing like a wedding to get you motivated to keep losing weight. With the wedding being next fall your goal is so obtainable. Its good that you are going to purchase the book, it is a good read from cover to cover. Good luck on your weightloss journey and post often. You can be the
"knockout" sister at the wedding.

[Courtney]

Originally Posted by Atkid

Courtney,
Welcome to the board, nothing like a wedding to get you motivated to keep losing weight. With the wedding being next fall your goal is so obtainable. Its good that you are going to purchase the book, it is a good read from cover to cover. Good luck on your weightloss journey and post often. You can be the
"knockout" sister at the wedding.

Atkid, thanks for the welcome also. Yes, the wedding is a great motivator. I have so much time before it, i figured its a perfect time to start my hige weightloss success. I will be sure to read the book and gain as much knowledge as i can! Thanks again!

[Luna Rossa]

Hi Courtney!

I started Atkins back in January 2004 for an August wedding of that year so I had the same motivation to whip myself into shape. I managed to drop several sizes in that time. (and looked fabulous in my gown if I do say so myself! lol) I didn't want to be the fat sister, or look back on photos of the wedding and hate myself in them. I knew there would be hundreds snapped and didn't want to cringe for the camera.

It's totally achievable - stay focused, read the book cover to cover and keep it handy, exercise to firm up the jiggly spots and speed your metabolism/weight loss, and keep posting on ADBB!!

[Courtney]

Originally Posted by Luna Rossa

Hi Courtney!

I started Atkins back in January 2004 for an August wedding of that year so I had the same motivation to whip myself into shape. I managed to drop several sizes in that time. (and looked fabulous in my gown if I do say so myself! lol) I didn't want to be the fat sister, or look back on photos of the wedding and hate myself in them. I knew there would be hundreds snapped and didn't want to cringe for the camera.

It's totally achievable - stay focused, read the book cover to cover and keep it handy, exercise to firm up the jiggly spots and speed your metabolism/weight loss, and keep posting on ADBB!!

haha im so glad to hear that - all i could think about was being introduced to my futures sister in law's fam and them saying "she's fat" (haha not like they would, but its my distorted way of thinking b/c of insecurities with my weight). so i am excited to "look good" and feel great in my dress. Also, yes, the pics are a huge motivator, especially for a wedding, b/c i am sure the pictures will be up all over their house.... i appreciate the input.

[staziaw]

Hi Courtney! Welcome aboard!

First of all, a big hearty congratulations on quitting drinking and smoking! What fabulous first steps to a healthier you!

Second, the goal of your brother's wedding is excellent. That is enough time to reach your goals in a healthy manner.

Yes, read the book. Very very important. Read the stickies in the various forums on this board. There is so much information here, it's astounding!

Eat your veggies!

Drink your water!

Do your exercise!

Check out the Exercise Challenges board. There are some great monthly challenges that are very motivating!

I look forward to seeing you around the board!

Stacy

[Courtney]

Originally Posted by staziaw

Hi Courtney! Welcome aboard!

First of all, a big hearty congratulations on quitting drinking and smoking! What fabulous first steps to a healthier you!

Second, the goal of your brother's wedding is excellent. That is enough time to reach your goals in a healthy manner.

Yes, read the book. Very very important. Read the stickies in the various forums on this board. There is so much information here, it's astounding!

Eat your veggies!

Drink your water!

Do your exercise!

Check out the Exercise Challenges board. There are some great monthly challenges that are very motivating!

I look forward to seeing you around the board!

Stacy

stacy, thanks so much, what a warm welcome and some wonderful pointers! I have already gotten so much information, its crazy! the book is my next goal! thanks again

[castaways]

Hi Courtney!

Welcome, I'm fairly new here as well. I think this board is the best support for doing Atkins out there. Was happy to see you are going to buy the book-it is essential.

Have you considered doing the Atkins Bootcamp? It's a great experience.

Hope to see a lot more of you.