Hi I am new here and to Atkins and I am fat...

[chinadoll]

Hi Fluffy,

Brook has pointed out a major truth--it is really hard to read the "tone" of any written message, so try not to take things the wrong way-most folks mean well. And everyone looks at things from the perspective of his or her own journey. We are glad you have joined us and, like Brook, I wish you great success.

[bellajgw]

I'm so glad to see a couple posts in response to your reponse. I have to say when I saw your response to my post I went from confused to hurt to irritated within a heartbeat. I had several immediate responses written up and ready to post which would not have been truly representative of what I was trying to get across or of who I really am.

This is a place of great support and not everyone gives that support simply by spewing sickeningly sweet gooey "you go girls" around when they see someone really struggling (though at time they are certainly needed and appreciated). To assume that another person is putting you down or being harsh and then calling that person out solely based on your assumption is really unfair to that person and can be the beginning of some really nasty forum talk if it gets out of hand. Just remember that you cannot accurately judge what someone is feeling when they are writing something, so don't make assumptions.

Whether you have 10 pounds or 200 pounds to lose I would be supportive and I stand behind my comments 100%.

I would love to be at 167, it would be a dream for me, and I have struggled with my own body issues for years until I met people who were much heavier and it put my own issues into perspective. So I have about 80-90 pounds to lose and if someone belittled that struggle I would be upset, but I would never assume someone here was purposefully belittling it. If there was ever a place filled with people who understand the weight loss struggle it is this forum. Perhaps you should look inward to see why it was so easy for you to jump on my attempt at being supportive as a put down.

Lastly, we see people here (and I have been among them, which is how I know) that jump on the bandwagon, get excited by others' weight loss stories and start making unrealistic expectations for themselves and within a month we never see them again. Why? Because of those expectations. No, 3 pounds in your first week isn't so unheard of, but setting up pounds per week, or even per month is not good for you. Sure, I'm as guilty as anyone for wanting and dreaming of losing 2-3 pounds each week so I can reach my goals by my set date but I know it may not happen and I've started and quit this diet enough times to realize that. I am learning to be happy and set reasonable expectations for myself so I don't get frustrated when I don't reach a magic number and then quit. I think I speak for everyone on this board when I say that setting reasonable and flexible goals and sticking with it even if you don't meet them when you hope to is PARAMOUNT!

Those are two of my best recommendations, suggestions, and pieces of support that I have and they come from 10 years of starting and stopping Atkins because of my own failings as well as 20 years of being a professional dieter. I'm sorry you could not take them in the manner in which they were intended.

[sporty]

Hi Fluffy and welcome to the boards.

I started on 8/15 @ 164 and that is big for me because I am only 4'11 tall! By 9/21 I was down to 147 pounds by following the book and doing what I was suppose to do INCLUDING exercise. Now I get all sorts of compliments at work on what am I doing etc... etc... etc... And I just say I am eating lower carb due to hubby's diabetes because i do not want to get in any debate. Been there done that and won the award!

Key thing to remember: Take it day by day, plan ahead, and read read read. Read the book, read the boards, arm yourself with knowledge. Try different recipes on linda's site http://www.genaw.com/lowcarb/menus.html (Linda’s) and get in that water!!

Remember we are here to give you support. You can do it!!!
Ps. Take pictures and measurements...when that scale does not move the tape measure does! Trust me...I have lost over 2 inches off my waist alone and am LOVING IT!


Traci