Greetings!

[Mrs. A]

I just joined your board today after reading here for several weeks. It's been a great source of information and support. I finally joined because I have a question that I haven't seen addressed and I'm starting to get frustrated.
I started Atkins on March 9, and so far have lost 21 pounds. My starting weight was 247 and my goal is 140. Here's the question. I am pleased with the fact that the scale says I've lost 21 pounds, but I'm not seeing a physical difference. My clothes don't seem to fit any differently, and it seems to me that I should have dropped a size after 21 pounds. I realize that I have a long way to go so maybe that's the reason I'm not seeing much?
For those of you who have a 100 pound loss goal as your goal, can you tell me when I can expect to see results?

[JulieB]

Hi Mrs. A,

I haven't been doing this very long and have "only" lost 14 lbs, but it looks like its going to be a while before I need new clothes. Only the scale & measuring tape reveal results...I can't see it yet. I have gotten into the habit of buying clothes (even jeans) with some stretch because they are more comfortable, and because they...well...stretch Unfortunately, that stretch works both ways...clothes feel fine if a gain a few, or lose a few.

BTW, feel free to come join us down at the Century Club - Forum for those of us with 100+ to lose.
Century Club (100+) - Atkins Diet

Julie

[kibskix]

it generally seems the more you have to lose the slower it takes to go down a size, probably because you tend to have to squeeze into clothes moreso than other people.
i made a post similar to this a while back, people with 50 or less to loose, and also people who are shorter, said they generally go down a size every 10lbs. i'm 5'10 and it takes me more like 20. last time i did atkins i started in a 16, and went down to a very loose 14 but not quite a 12. so only 2 sizes, but i lost 32 pounds. this time, i'm down 17 lbs so far and i've gone from a stretchy 19 to a normal 17.
also keep in mind every time you lose weight you lose slightly differently and from different places. last time i lost most of it it seemed in my legs chest and waist. this time i've dropped the most inches from my waist and hips but my legs and chest have hardly changed at all

[imagood1]

As long as the weight is coming off and your measurements are decreasing I wouldn't worry about when the clothing sizes start changing. I "normally" loose in my face, rearend and chest areas --- this time I lost in my stomach and legs first, my face has a little difference but not much - my chest is slightly smaller but not enough to go to a smaller bra and my rear end isn't getting flat and smooshie like normal.

Because this plan eats up your fat reserves first you will probably loose in different places than before. Stick with it - you're doing fine!

[FwL]

I've heard it said that you have just as much fat on the inside of your body as you do on the outside.

I don't know how true that is... but you lost 21 pounds from somewhere... most likely a little bit from all over your body.

Just stick with it and keep those pounds coming off!

[msanjelpie]

Once I had lost about 40 lbs, people actually started saying, 'are you losing weight?' Before then, even though I could tell the difference, nobody else could...

The taller you are, the more you have to lose before changing sizes... Not sure how tall you are...

[Mrs. A]

Thanks to everyone who replied. Your answers make sense and sound reasonable. I'm just so tired of being fat I want it gone now!
Msanjelpie-I'm 5' 8 1/2.

[blueberrylady]

Welcome to the board, Mrs.A!

I think you're doing a great job and what you need now is patience because if you stay on plan, you will continue to lose weight! It takes time and none of us lose as fast as we would like to.

I've lost 38 lbs. so far and am still wearing the same clothes as last year although they are baggy on me now.

[allie]

Originally Posted by FwL

I've heard it said that you have just as much fat on the inside of your body as you do on the outside.

This week on Biggest Loser (I'm hooked on it, it's actually what inspired me to get busy and start this program)... anyway... they were showing one of the contestant's MRI results from before and after his 100+ pound loss. You could actually see huge fat deposits in his chest that were pressing against his heart. In the films after his weight loss that fat was completely gone. It was eye-opening, to say the least.

[imagood1]

Originally Posted by Mrs. A

Thanks to everyone who replied. Your answers make sense and sound reasonable. I'm just so tired of being fat I want it gone now!
Msanjelpie-I'm 5' 8 1/2.

you're lucky to be tall....try being 5'2" and weighing over 200 pounds...it's so obvious it isn't funny. No one who sees you daily will notice as easily as someone who hasn't seen you for awhile. Take pictures of your progress and keep track of your measurements - that's how you will see the difference.