I'm new and worried...

[nnooeellaannii]

So I don't know where to start because I don't want to write something really long and drawn out so I'll just sum it up.

I first started the Atkins diet back when I was 14 years old and weighed 196 pounds and was 5"5". After 6 months I lost 60 pounds and I was on the induction 20 carbs only phase the entire time. I wanted to lose more, however, I ended up getting kidney stones from it. I stayed thin until I got married at 19 and started packing on the weight especially during my pregnancy at 20 years old. Ugh so now I am 5"7" 253 last time I checked was this morning. I'm starting Atkins again but I'm worried that I'll get sick again. Can anyone relate? I'm kind of thinking it's probably worth it haha. By the Way, I'm Noelani, 21, I live in Okinawa Japan and I'm married to a Marine and I just had my first baby 4 months ago.

[Chicklady]

Hi Nnoeella...
Have you read the book so that you can do Atkins correctly? You might save yourself some medical issues! Also, make sure you have your kidney function checked by your doctor before you start!!

[Sunny_0ne]

Also, you MUST drink at least 64 ounces of water a day. Kidney damage can occur if you don't flush out all the metabolic byproducts as you lose weight. That may have been what happened when you were a teenager.

As Chicklady said, get the book and have your doctor test your kidney function. Dr. Atkins says that people with severe kidney disease can NOT do Atkins.

If you can't get the book, there are some wonderful articles under the FAQ's section that will get you off to a good start.

Welcome to the board!

[Desertthorn]

Hi, I returned from mainland Japan a couple years ago. I actually have a few friends still in Okinawa, one who is looking for someone to walk with and another who teaches courses at the gym so if you ever need some support, let me know. (The gal at the gym doesn't approve of Atkins so it would be our secret. LOL