Greetings! A bit about me...

[mystic]

Hello folks - I've enjoyed reading all your entries the last few days. Finally got myself an account so I could join you.

I started Atkins last Sunday (October 14, 2007) at 230. My journey to that weight, about 90 lbs overweight, was not actually a long one. It was directly tied to the gall bladder disease I had lived with for about 20 years - the disease kept me thin all that time!

When I was 14, I got my first gall bladder attack. My family thought I just had indigestion. This went on for years. I went to pediatricians, general doctors, specialists and surgeons. Not one of them ever checked for GB disease. Later I found out I never fit the profile for GB disease which was over 40, overweight and with children.

I was a runner all through junior high, high school and college. I was also a bit of a fitness junkie - racquetball, weight lifting, roller blading, etc. Eventually I learned which of the foods were triggering the attacks. I even stumbled upon the fact that sour candy would alleviate the attack! I carried Jolly Rancher candy with me everywhere.

I had two things going for me and one giant problem lurking in the shadows. First, the GB problem was actually regulating my diet. It had since I was 14. This is how I learned to eat. Forget the food groups. I ate absolutely according to what triggered the problem and nothing else. Second, I have a muscular build and my fitness habits maintained that. A good muscle base does wonders for your metabolism. Weight was not an issue when you consider these two pieces.

However, the lurking problem was unleashed when the physical problem was fixed. After my surgery, I discovered food again. Who wouldn't! I remember on a motorcycle trip, we stopped at a bar along Lake Superior. I ordered a wine cooler, a cheese burger and fries. This was about 10 days after surgery. I was paralyzed with fear when I looked at it all. As I took bites of the cheeseburger, the fear and the unbelievable taste made for a surreal experience to say the least.

I didn't get an attack. It was the first time in 20 years where I was able to eat anything close to that.

From there it was all down hill I never learned how to eat. My lessons in that area were: Eat only what doesn't kill you. Not exactly productive. After that cheeseburger I said to my friends, "I don't care if I gain 10 pounds! I'm going to rediscover food!"

Ugh.

Well the rest should be obvious. The lack of knowing how to eat, and the lack of true understanding of how food and exercise contribute to your size took me right down an unproductive path. Couple that with a shock to my self-esteem that occured every 10 pounds. It was a vicious circle.

Now why I didn't know about Atkins the last few years I don't know. I've been dealing with this for about five years now (since the surgery). Atkins has been out since 92! How come you guys didn't call me!! har har

I read the book - loved all the science. I started last Sunday and in five days already, I've lost nearly 10 pounds. I really can't wait to get off induction. I miss my apples and tomatoes!

I have about 95 pounds to lose. I'm not really sure. At 67-68" tall, 140 might be appropriate. I have no idea where my muscle mass is at right now so my ending weight is not as relevant as perhaps my percentage of fat. We'll see where things are at when I approach the goal.

So far so good. I'm thrilled to find an approach that makes sense and actually works. For the first time, I feel like I'm in control of the process and not wandering quizically through a forest of maybe's and perhaps' when it comes to metabolism, nutrition and weight loss.

Cheers!

[bradybunch]

Welcome to ADBB Mystic, nice to have you join us. I was so glad to hear that you read the book and understand the science behind it. It really is simple when you realize how this way of eating works. Good luck to you on your journey, stick with us and those extra pounds will be gone in no time.

[dreamof145]

Welcome. Congratulations on the 10 pound loss. Get acitve in the forums, make friends and enjoy yourself. We're all here for you, we want you to succeed!! Best wishes.

[mystic]

Thanks you guys - you're both inspiration enough! Amazing work. Looking forward to the journey

[sallyseachange]

Congrats on your loss so far, and welcome to the board. Tks for sharing your story, too.
Kudos for reading the book... that's an enormous help to getting to goal successfully.

Keep posting and telling us how you're getting along. We're behind you 100%.

[2BME]

Happy Saturday, Mystic! Your story is just so amazing. Who wouldn't bury themselves in food after all that? I am so glad that you found Dr. Atkins and that you made your way here. There are so many resources right here on this board: Recepies, advice, entertainment, comeroderie, support. Great job on the 10 pounds and we will be here for the other 85 you want to lose.

[mystic]

Hey thanks you guys. Much appreciated. Yes I actually enjoyed the book and I'm not a big reader. I has happy the book was filled with actual facts and science to back up his approach. It really gave me the feeling this approach does work and for the first time, I really feel like I'm the one driving toward the results, not the diet. Good feeling.

[dreamof145]

Keep those positive thoughts. Add to them through planning, measuring and surrounding yourself with others (ADBB) that are making it happen ~ thats what will help you get to goal!

[mystic]

Indeed, planning is a huge part of it isn't it. I'm seeing that... in the past things were dictated for me (gall bladder disease). Now I have to do the work and as silly as it seems, I catch myself thinking, "Man, I actually have to think and plan this!" It's such a foreign idea to me that I have to laugh at myself But what sense of empowerment it gives you! Never having had that or learned that, now I find it fascinating.

I'm so looking forward to this success. What a turning point in my life. Ahhhhhhh...

[sillygirl]

Hi Mystic, welcome. You can do this, and you're well on your way. Thanks for sharing your story. Post often so we can watch your results!