Here goes nothing....

[UrbanShaman]

Greetings all!

My name is Tim and I am very excited to be starting the Atkins Program and to be able to take advantage of this forum and its resources.

I am a 28 year old guy studying opera in Southern California. Although opera singers are traditionally viewed as big people, I'd like to throw off the stereotype and get fit.

I am currently at 387 pounds and it's really starting to affect my health. My blood pressure and cholesterol are fine but I feel so achy and tired. I feel like my body is just wearing out from all the extra weight.

Today is my first day on Induction and so far so good. I feel like I haven't eaten that much but I'm not hungry either. It's odd. I love to eat and enjoy large meals with lots of options and I'm always anticipating the next bite, but today, not so much. I feel content about my food and I think that means I'm reconciling to the fact that change is necessary.

I've been reading these forums since December and you guys are all so encouraging and informative. I look forward to asking questions and commiserating with Atkins newbies like myself. Here's to change!

Tim

[kate58]

Welcome Tim! Pity we haven't sound - a blast of some nice music would be lovely!

I have a friend who is a tenor, and he was very overweight but has lost a lot of weight over the last couple of years, though not on Atkins. He still looks very large because his chest is big and he is big framed anyway, but he feels a million times better and a lot fitter.

He said that loads of people kept warning him he would lose the 'roundness' and resonacne of his voice, because that depended on having loads of fat around his larynx. It certainly scared him a bit, well, a lot actually, but dying of a heart attack scared him even more. He also found that he was more and more his ability to act was becoming just as important as his ability to sing, and being on stage was killing him physically - achy joints etc.

Well, the weight is gone now, and his voice did not suffer at all. I just thought I'd tell you about that in case you start getting the same warnings.

The very best on your journey!

[inhisgrip]

Hey Tim, Welcome to the ADBB! You have definitely come to the right place. You'll find so much information and support here. Be sure to stop by the Century Club. It's for those of us with 100 or more pounds to lose. We have a daily 'roll call' thread where we check in with each other. Come join us. Good luck and Happy Losing!

[UrbanShaman]

Thank you inhisgrip and kate58:

It's so nice to hear encouragement. I will pop over the The Century Club soon to take a look around. I have almost two centuries to lose but the best things come to those who wait and two centuries is a long time.

Actually, kate58, my teacher is quite worried about this diet. She holds to the old school of singing although she herself is not a lady of large stature. I believe that anything that makes me healthier will help my singing because my body is my instrument.

I sympathize with your tenor friend. I am also a tenor and in the last opera production I was in, I actually injured my knee because the demanding fight choreography was beyond my body's current ability. I think that more than anything made me realize that something needs to give, and it shouldn't be my knee.

Right now I feel awash with all the water I've been drinking but I'm looking forward to a new day and a new outlook.

[Bluebelt2007]

Welcome to the board Tim, this is a great place for information and support. Don't be scared to eat especially if you do get hungry. Good Luck you will do great.

[European Turnaround]

Hi and wellcome Im just back on the wagon. Lost 6 Lbs since yesterday. You gotta love it.

[dreamof145]

Hi Tim, welcome. Glad you've joined us. Utilize the board...make friends and keep us posted on your progress.

[Randiman1]

Welcome to !!! We are glad to have you! This is the best support system that you will ever find. Everybody hear deals with the same types of problems/issues/obstacles!!! Feel free to keep us updated with your process as well as ask any questions!!!!

Welcome again!!!

[camille520]

Welcome Tim! I commend you for wanting to "throw off the stereotype and get fit". The good thing about this eatting plan is that you can eat and don't have to starve yourself. I love that about it.

[sallyseachange]

Hiya Tim. Welcome to ADBB! How lovely that you're studying opera... it must be so satisfying to have such a talent.

Glad you found us here... it's a great place for support and inspiration. We'll help you become one of the few skinny opera singers... and you'll be a successful one despite that, I'm positive!