I am so excited!!

[pamelainaustin]

Hello--I have lurked on this board for a couple of months now but this is my first post. There is a lot of great information here as well as many inspiring success stories that caused me to take a closer look at this way of eating. I bought the 2002 Atkins book about 3 weeks ago and have read it (some parts several times). I will admit to being a bit skeptical and "afraid" of Atkins mostly due to some negative stories in the media a number of years ago. Now that I have read the book and done additional research, I am ready to go. Tomorrow, December 1, will be my first day on induction.

About me: I will turn 50 in a few months and have been (mostly happily )married to my "first" husband for almost 23 years. I have worked as a nurse practitioner for the past 17 years and was an RN for 8 years before that. I feel fairly well educated regarding nutrition and have tried losing weight for a number of years using the traditional low fat/low calorie plans (which of course have not worked and now I understand why). I did not develop weight issues until about 8-9 years ago but I do have a strong family history of overweight, diabetes, etc. I am determined to make the changes necessary to avoid this for myself. I am physically healthy at this time and want to stay that way.

Where I am at right now: I have not weighed myself recently but will weigh and measure myself first thing tomorrow morning. I will set up one of those timeline thingies then if I can figure it out how since I am pretty computer illiterate. This summer I had to buy several pairs of pants in size 18W which was shocking--I actually went to Goodwill to buy them because I was too ashamed to go to a "real" store. I expect I need to lose about 70 pounds. I have exercised sporadically and have TaeBo, The Firm, Winsor Pilates, Denise Austin and Joyce Vedral tapes (most in nearly new condition ) as well as a climbing machine and weight bench/free weights all set up in a room. I plan to start with daily walking for the first few weeks. I do not plan to weigh/measure myself at all again until December 15th.

My biggest challenges will be giving up alcohol and chocolate but I know I can do it. My husband is fully supportive since he knows how bad this extra weight makes me feel about myself. He does not need to lose any weight but is pretty self sufficient and actually likes most of the stuff allowed on Atkins.

Well, wish me luck and I plan to do a post this weekend in the induction area to get things all set up.

Pam

[dreamof145]

Hi Pam. Most of us can relate to your story. Congratulations on committing to changing your life-style, reading the book and planning to make it happen. Everyone here is extremely supportive. Get active in the forums, make friends and keep a positive attitude - We're all here for you! You can do it.

[Esteliana]

Hello Pam! =) Welcome to the board. I'm glad that you will be joining us in this long journey on a rollercoaster of fun.

You're a Nurse Practitioner, huh? I'm looking into going into the medical feild as an RN. I'm taking my prerequisites right now in order to get into nursing school. It's tough, but I'm doing pretty well, so that's good.

If you ever need any help whatsoever, the friendly people on this board will help you out! We're here to help you and motivate you! You can do it!

-Bekka

[sallyseachange]

Welcome to the ADBB Pam. Good to have you aboard.

You did a really good thing, reading the book before you start. Understanding how and why Atkins works is really helpful and motivating.

I hear you on alcohol and chocolate... two of my weaknesses. But if you can grit your teeth and hang in there for the first few days, it gets much easier. Also, as you see the lbs fall away, you'll be inspired to wait until the correct OWL (ongoing weight loss) rung for those treats. The alcohol rung isn't too far ahead.

Post lots and let us know how you get along. We're behind you 100%.

[sillygirl]

Welcome Pam! Thanks for the great informative first post. No worries, I'm turning 50 right along side you very soon! I've heard it's a great age to be!

You have all the tools you need to make a succsssful go at eating Atkins style. you will be pleased with how easy it is once you get going. Please keep us informed!

[Jessica Alexandra]

Hi Pamela! I was afraid of other people being critical about the diet b/c of all of the bad press at first. But I did research and educated myself like you. So I'm proud that a nurse is here to support!!! Welcome, and Congrat's in advance to your new WOL!!!

[pamelainaustin]

Thanks to all of you for your lovely welcomes!! Reading your other posts and seeing your gorgeous pictures are all a great inspiration to me. I did the weigh and measure thing today (depressing) and will get my husband to take some pictures of me tomorrow. I have avoided the camera for quite a while so I really don't want to see...I am going to wear a bathing suit .

Bekka, that is that you are working toward becoming an RN--it has been a LONG TIME for me since nursing school but I do precept students alot at the clinic where I work so if I can help you in any way just give me a shout. Nursing is a wonderful and flexible career and it sure pays better now than when I started out. It is hard work but very worth it IMHO.

Day 1 has gone well so far--I am tallying up my food intake on fitday now and will be posting a couple on comments on the induction thread. It has truly amazed me that I have not been hungry AT ALL today but I did seem to spend quite a bit more time than usual preparing food but hopefully I will get the hang of it. I need to come up with some lunch stuff to take (I have a microwave and a refrigerator at work) with me. I normally eat a WW Smart Ones, a fuji apple and a diet coke for lunch every day but that will change.

Again, a big Texas "howdy" to all of you--look forward to getting to know you over the coming months.

Pam

P.S. Jessica, your baby is a cutie pie My specialty is pediatrics and I just LOVE babies!!

[blue996]

Welcome to the Board! Once you are done induction you'll be feeling great and well on your way. I find for work it is really important to prepare food on the weekend (soups, veggies, meatloaf, etc) so you have stuff to grab quickly. Doing this has been so important to staying on track. Good luck!

[pamelainaustin]

Thanks Blue for the welcome. I have packed up a big bag of baby spinach, baked chicken, hard boiled eggs, shredded cheese, mushrooms, and salad dressing for the first few days at work. I would like to find some recipes for induction friendly soup.
I will have to threaten all my coworkers with bodily harm if they bring any holiday goodies into my office!!

After my first 2 days of induction I am speechless with amazement that I am not hungry at all and feel really great--so far, so good.

Pam