I'm finally making an effort......

[vanna1981]

Hi Everyone!

I'm Vanna and I'm really excited about the Atkins program. I've read so many inspiring stories on this board and before I decided to start, I also did as much research as I could. I've officially started induction as of Wednesday 5/27/09 and have since lost 4lbs, so I'm pretty thrilled so far.

I've been struggling with my weight for the past 4years since giving birth to my son (who just turned 4 last month). I'm 5'1" and prior to my pregnancy I was between 110 - 115lbs. After I had my son I was about 130-135lbs. Since then I've ballooned to a jaw-dropping 170lbs. (I say jaw-dropping because this is the look I'm given when I run across old friends that haven't seen me in a while.) No excuses for my unhealthy choices, but I can attribute most of my weight gain to the difficulties in my life these past few years. I was in a very abusive relationship (physically, verbally, emotionally) and its taken me a really long time to recover and re-gain my sense of self. I was in such a slump and threw myself countless pity-parties. I took self-loathing to new extremes. So gradually, I started "letting myself go," and by every way you could imagine. I was at a point where "I just didn't care." I became an emotional eater. Whether I was happy, sad, angry, etc, food was my bff and the only thing that made me feel better!!

During the past year, I've managed to get myself out of the slump I was in thanks to a wonderful support system. Now that other things in my life are back in order, I can finally focus on my weight loss efforts and I actually have the desire and motivation to get back in shape. I hope I can reach my target weight in the next couple of months. I've made some new "work-out" friends in my area so plan on working out at least twice a week. Thanks to everyone who has shared their stories. I am very inspired and I hope everyone reaches all of their weight loss and health goals.

Thanks for reading and Good luck everyone!!

-Vanna

[october.sparrow]

Hi Vanna

Welcome aboard...Congrats on your weight loss

You said right that this community is brilliant and if you haven't guessed all of us are here to support and motivate

There are many experienced members who have literally guided me through as well..so just ask any questions, they are brilliant.

Again welcome aboard and wishing you all the best in your journey....

[blueberrylady]

Welcome to the board, Vanna and congrats on your loss so far!

Good for you for taking charge of your life and your eating! Keep up the good work!

[Iza]

Welcome to the board!

I can so relate to what you have said. I did Atkins before and lost a rather large amount of weight (130lbs), but I fell away from it. I was in a very emotionally and mentally abusive relationship, and fell back on an old standby to get me out of it.

I think I had some sort of weird subconscious thought that if I got fatter, he would just leave me and I wouldn't have to deal with the conflict and confrontations involved with getting him out of my life.

It of course failed in that. I finally however "womaned up" and tossed him to the curb. I even went so far as to drive 17 hours to take him back "home" so he couldn't just show up on my doorstep.

I've since restarted Atkins as of recently and have been working at making this a whole way of life, verses just a diet for me as it was before. I didn't have this group to come to, and I feel blessed now that I do, because it's a lot harder of a struggle without a support system.

Welcome again and please use all the resources and support you can get from this group. It is an awesome place to come when you just need a lift in your spirits and a reminder that not only does Atkins help your body be stronger, but it helps you be emotionally stronger.