new to forum/heart problems

[Debann]

Hi!

Thanks again, Tom, for the welcome. In my reply I said I'd probably wait a while to start posting until I got more used to all this, but I have some major health concerns, so I thought I would start now.

Today is my 6th day on Atkins. I have not lost any weight, but my ketostick turns light purple ( in the small amt. range). Anyone have this experience? What happened? Did you start losing?

Also, I am very concerned about electrolyte imbalance and arrythmias. Even though I have a pacemaker and a defibrillator, I am still prone to them. (I have a congenital heart defect.)

I was thinking of going to my family doctor to have him monitor my blood levels. But I am a bit concerned about this because Atkins is so controversial and he may very well be against this.

I have 45 pounds to lose. The one good thing I have noticed is that almost immediately all my cravings and food obsessions have gone away and I really don't want to give this up.

While reading posts over the past few days, I have to say that I am impressed with the care for each other that is seen in your posts.

Any help would be so much appreciated. Thanks!

Debby

[mitzimarie]

Hi, Debby

Welcome to ADBB.

First things, first - You MUST be up front with your doctor about your way of eating! We are not doctors here, and in fact, one of the things that is recommended by Dr. Atkins is to be checked out by your physician and have blood work done before starting so you will have a benchmark on how things stand when you start this lifestyle change. Then you can compare stats, and witness the miracle that is Atkins.

Honestly, with your health problems, I would hope that you would have a good relationship with your doctor. I know that the medical profession is all over the place with regard to acceptance of Atkins, but more and more of them are seeing the light. Both my general practitioner and gyn understand and embrace this WOE, so I am lucky.

I think that you should get checked out by your doctor as soon as you can. Who knows... he may be thrilled that you are going to whole, natural unprocessed foods. My uncle (aged 57) had quintuple bypass surgery last year, and the first thing his doctor did was beg him to follow an Atkins type diet... so there are cardiologists out there who are pro-Atkins. You need to check with yours.

About the ketostick - I don't use them, so can't really offer any advice on them except that darker colors can indicate dehydration... not a good thing. Are you drinking lots of water?

Debby, if you haven't yet, make sure to check out the "sticky" at the top of this forum page addressed to newbies. Hopefully it will help you on your start here. Good luck to you.

[Chicklady]

Hi Debann Can't help you with your medical issues, but just wanted to welcome you to ADBB

[BonnieRose16]

Debby! Welcome to!!!!

I too was nervous about coming to my doctor with my decision. I saw my endo today and he put me on a new medication. It ended up being easier to ask, because I had to. I had to make sure that it was a safe medication to take with this WOE. He was absolutely fine with it!!! I think you have to tell your Dr because otherwise, he wont know the reasons for any changes he sees in your test results... Good Luck!!!!

[Debann]

Bobbie Rose, Chick Lady, and Mitzi Marie:
Thanks for your welcome. I will definately make an appt. with my doctor. Thanks for the advice; it was what I needed to pus through my reservations about seeing my doctor.

[sallyseachange]

Hiya and welcome! Nice to have you with us.

I agree with the others that you should get checked out by your doctor, and be upfront with him about the way you're eating now.

If your cravings have gone and your stix are turning purple, it sounds as if you're in ketosis. I'm sure you'll find you start losing pretty soon. Do your clothes feel any looser? Often we can lose inches before the lbs catch up. Try taking your measurements. The tape measure is a far better guage than the scale.

Be patient... if you're following the programme to the letter, it'll happen.
If you're still concerned after a few days, try posting a couple of menus in the "Review my Menu" forum. It could be that there's a little thing that just needs a tweak for weight loss to start up.

You can do it!

Keep us posted!

[Debann]

Sally,

Thanks for your welcome... I appreciate it. And, I will keep on following the diet.

Debby