New to Atkins

[rdacurry]

Hello everyone!

Thanks for the information about introducing myself. I hadn't really looked around the site too much so I thought by updating my profile, that was the introduction, but...........

Anyway, my story is probably not much different from alot of others out there. I developed Hypothyroidism (under active thyroid) about 2 years ago. Within 4 months I went from 115 lbs to 140 lbs. That's when I was diagnosed. I was the type that could eat anything and never gain a thing.

I went from a size 2-4 to an 8-12. This was so depressing! The Dr. said the medication would help me to lose weight and get my thyroid under control, after 2 years of adjusting medication and with no luck, I tried the low-calorie diet. The induction was 11 days. After 7 days, I gave up. I was completely starving!!! Sure I lost 5 lbs, but to me, it was not worth it.

I work downtown and food is so convenient to just grab McDonald's, Arby's, or anything fast food.

A co-worker of mine mentioned she had used the Atkin's Diet in tho past and lost 20 lbs in a month! I had heard of it, but didn't know anything about it. I was hesitant since it hadn't been to long after my last failed attempt, but she brought the book and I started reading and thinking, this is something I can do!

We started together on 11/27/08 and have been going strictly by the rules.
While I was never a big soda drinker, I love sweets! I've always been addicted to Macaroni and Cheese!!!!

Tomorrow will be the end of my 2 week induction and it really wasn't hard for me.

I started at 148 lbs and am now down to 142 lbs. It's coming off slowly but with the Ketosis strips, the visual is very motivating for me to know I'm burning fat.

The biggest change I've noticed is I'm not bloated and don't feel miserable after eating. I'm not sure what food made me feel that way, but it could be the rice, potatoes or pasta, which I've always eaten a lot of, and breads.

Well, I think I'm on a roll and starting on Wednesday, my co-worker and I will be walking 5 flights of stairs at work, 3 times a day. Our bldg. is 24 floors. Maybe someday we'll be able to make it to the top!!!

I've also purchased a WII and have been on it almost every day! It's also a great motivator!

The best of luck to everyone out there!

Take Care!!!!

[Georgiana]

Welcome to the board!

Looks like you're doing great.

Good luck Atkins-ing!

[*Wendy*]

Hi there rdacurry! Welcome to the board.

After reading your intro, I see we have many things in common. I too discovered that I had Hypothyroidism - only after having gained 50+ pounds and writing it off to being lazy, getting older, lack of willpower, rotten marriage, etc. - I totally glossed over how exhausted and cold I was all the time - I probably don't need to describe to you how almost-overwhelming it was to even get out of bed in the morning - but at the time, I was attributing the array of symptoms to whatever was handy!

It took me being God-awful sick with pneumonia in order to get myself in to see the doctor & he demanded that I get the bloodwork done that I'd neglected for several years.

At first I was so scared when they called me to tell me I had a problem - but once it sunk in, I had HOPE because I thought that finally I had an answer and so therefore a solution ... as you know though, getting the medication does NOT reverse the weight gain - it only halts it's progress.

Unfortunately, I have found that you have to work your tail off to lose the weight that you'd gained before you were diagnosed! It is so not fair! I was effortlessy slender before this happened to me, eating whatever I wanted to, and it aint right that I should have to work so hard now!

But, that's the hand we were dealt. So, I hope that you find this site helpful in dealing with YOUR hand! The good news is that you discovered your issue before you ballooned up to where I am.

You lost 6 pounds on Induction - that is sensational! I am envious that you have just a little more to go before you make goal.

Please explore the board/site some more now that you have found us - there is a forum just for Thyroid folks by the way.

I hope your friend is doing as well as you are - that is going to help so much to have someone that is working the plan right along with you, going through the same struggles, etc.!

Good luck to you!

Wendy

P.S. I love the Ketostix too - a nice confirmation that you are burning fat! I buy the jumbo packs and keep one on the toilet at home and the other in the restroom cabinet at work.