Fourth Time's a Charm?

[MrsBrittney]

So I'm back (again). I was actually nervous to return because I think I've "returned" so many times to this board, people would find my returning yet again to be cumbersome and annoying. But my darling husband pointed commented last night, "Why don't you post on that board again? Their support really seemed to help motivate you," and I realized how very true that statement was. You folks are an amazing group of supportive, understanding, informative, insightful and non-judgemental superstars. You really are. You change lives and I'm ready to change mine.

My story with Atkins is common. In 2001 I found myself in a stressful relationship, on my own for the first time and on a student's budget. Thanks to the cheap prices of Top Ramen and Easy Mac, I ballooned from 130 lbs to 165 lbs and I hadn't really noticed. Luckily for me, a coworker had and her husband had recently been given the Atkins book by his doctor. She purchased me a copy and I followed it to the "T". Four months later, I was 45 lbs thinner - but I illogically never moved off the Induction Phase to teach myself any real habits. Happy to be thin but not a diet-commited 21 year old, I went back to eating poorly but kept up my exercise.

I waivered between 115-125lbs over the next few years with various off/on diets. In 2005, I met my future husband and was 116 lbs. Comfort kicked in of not being on the dating scene and I was 126 lbs by Summer 2006. Then over the next 24 months I had a job change that took me off my feet and into a chair all day, moved in to help my father, moved out, got engaged, got married, moved halfway across the country and handled being the soul earner while my husband was out of work for 5 months. And I used chips & cookies to combat the stress.

Its now Summer 2008 and I weigh a whopping 162 lbs. That may not sound HUGE, but on a four-foot-nine-inch frame, its a doozy. I had recommited myself to Atkins several times since we relocated 8 months ago. And each time, I did several things. I "adjusted" Induction to allow for my daily thermos of coffee & sugar-free creamer. I "allowed" myself a cheat day every week that turned into 3 or 4 day strands of ice cream bonanzas. I eventually forgot how badly I wanted to lose this weight until recently (about 12 days ago).

I went to my doctor with many complaints. Though I'm only 25, I am actually falling apart LOL. I seem to have health issues for everything (my last doc guessed at IBS and never tested) so my doctor ran a blood test and a uranalysis. When they came back clean, he told me I'm depressed. We actually argued this point, ending with me stating, "I'm NOT depressed, I'm just FAT!"

And it hit me. Not only are many of my new health complaints the types to be better alleviated with proper diet, exercise and a healthier weight - but if there is any depression in there helping to aid these along, it stems not from a poor life but simply poor self image.

It really got me thinking about my health, my life, everything. I don't do a lot of things for myself - my life is my family (perfect example: my well-salaried husband recently announced he's changing his career to become a very underpaid teacher, so to balance out our income, I'm going back to college to get a NEW career that earns more, so that he doesn't need to focus on the hit he'll take to his paycheck) - but this is my health. And having a doctor look me in my face and say it was probably EXACTLY what I needed.

A few days after that, we went on our annual vacation. We got back yesterday and last night I uploaded the photos. I had tried to avoid the camera at all costs but did manage to be captured in one shot. And when I saw it - sitting there, trying to hide from view in a hooded sweatshirt and pants ON A BEACH TRIP, with a double chin ... I nearly cried. So.. here's to Atkins. My hubbie is doing it with me for support (and will add back in the higher levels as needed, since he shouldn't lose any weight) and here's to fixing my life!

[liv]

Glad to see you back MrsB. Which ever time you stick with it will be the charm and it sounds like you've found the motivation to make this time it. I believe you will.
Liked your picture. It was a summer pic from last summer that made me eventually take the plunge. It still motivates me to keep going.

[misplaced southerner]

hi and welcome back!! hey, who knows...maybe 4th time is the charm. stress has a terrible way of attacking our bodies, creating the dreaded cortisol and sucking the life out of us. even when we don't think we are under stress, we can still be. and stress can cause depression ....been there, done that.

either way, you are here and focused on a new lifestyle that will help you live life to the fullest. it is great that you have your hubby's support. i have no doubt you can do this!

there's nothing like pictures to be a wakeup call. while i think you look really cute, i know we are our own worst critics. soon, you will have a different photo to compare this one to and you will love it...BTW, your babies are soooooo cute! keep us posted on your progress!