4 months 4 the doubters

[MisterE]

I am a little late in posting this due to family (the important stuff) and workload taking what little time I had.

Today I have a few minutes to post what I consider to be important. To most it may seem trivial. BUT today I count! So today I post.

I started this WOL on May 4th as big a sceptic as there is on this planet. Take a look under my Avatar...see the start weight? Let's just say that I had tried to get things under control earlier and never found anything that worked.

Well, Atkins brought me back into the world of the living over the past 4 months. In addition to losing 50 pounds in that time, I gained the following:

I regained the ability to walk.

My gut no longer touches the steering wheel of the car (lost 6 inches off my waist); the seat belt actually fits losely instead of being a trial every time I drove!

I am seldom hungry and ALWAYS in control. I eat well. Every single day. I lose weight. Every single week.

And there are so many more benefits I can never tell them all. But I will try again in the not too distant future when I hit the 33333's. And then again when I hit my 1st 100 pounds lost. And then again whenever anyone asks me for the rest of my life. Which I know will be much longer thanks to Low carbing.

It IS a big deal to be able to walk again from one who could not walk. It is a big deal to be able to enjoy life again from one who had ceased to live in any type of a social environment. It is a big deal to be able to say without any question whatsoever that I AM IN CONTROL of my eating now!

So...this is not so much for my friends who have walked with me every single step of my journey over the past 4 months, this is for those who wonder if this "diet" works; if this diet is worth the effort. Speaking for myself, as I shout from the rooftops at the top of my voice: this way of eating works for me each and every day! I know it CAN work for everyone who chooses this path to health.

Truth is this way of eating only works if you work it. But looking at where I was and where I am today, I swear on all I know to be good, that if you make the commitment and follow the program for a while this way of eating soon becomes the only way you choose to eat.

Closing the prayerbook, he simply said, "Amen!"

[Debi Warne]

Thank you for posting such encouragement and congratulations!!

I am very proud of you!

[Tiggerdy]

You rock, my dear *E*! Yours is a story of inspiration and will.

We can make this work and will succeed! You, my friend, are another wonderful reminder of that.

Hugs!
Nikki

[liz175]

Mr. E,

Your post made me cry. Congratulations on your new life.

[AZDean]

You're right on Mr. E!! Way to go! Four months now, but so much more to follow!! Even better is the fact that you've found something that really works and you can truly live with!! I completely agree with you!!

Thanks for posting!

Dean in Arizona

[carlab68]

Mister E,

You are an inspiration to us all. Keep up the great works. I'm following in your footsteps.

[Marchstart]

WOW an awesome post......Way to Go MisterE...you are a true inspiration to us all.....its the little things that are important to all of us...as insignificant as they seem ...they are a huge achievement....You keep up the great work.......
Your living proof that this WOL can "change your life"..........

:)

[Wenzday]

and the people say Amen!

I cried too. What can I say... in realy life not one person believes that this WOE is healthy for me even if I lose weight. In real life nobody takes me seriously when it comes to weight loss.

On this site....this is where I lve, where I get my strength to get up every single day and not even think about eating off plan. I am eating well also and feeling sad for my mom who is diabetic who is joining WW for the 20th time at least....

You go MAN! :)

[alighterme]

Mister E,
I just love your positive attitude and am very excited for you. It is great to be able to live again. You are an inspiration and I always look forward to reading your posts. You'll be in the 3's before you know it and then you can :Party:

[irisda]

Mr. E!

You are truly an inspiration. I am so glad you are feeling better and living better.

[diemde]

MisterE, you are mahvelous! :rheart: You have such patience and it shines through in each of your posts. :angel: I hope each and everyone of the doubters will read your story and give this way of eating a try. Thanks for sharing!

[VictoriaT]

Hi Mister E!
You dont know me but I am SO PROUD OF YOU!!!!!!!1

I, too, cried when I read your story. I could feel the pain lifting from you and see how happy you are and its only going to get better.

Good for you :Party: :Party: :Party: :Party: Cant wait until you make it to your next milestone. Keep up the great work!!!!!!!

Vicki

[CaseyZee]

That was a heck of a post, MisterE. I may come back to re-read that one when I'm feeling like crap someday. I look forward to reading more highlights as you reach your goals.

[kidee]

MisterE,

i must say, your well written, heartfelt post really affected me as well. You are an inspiration. Congratulations on your accomplishment so far!!! :dazzle:

[Mossling]

MisterE,

Your 4 month story is inspiring, incredible, and impressive (couldn't think of another in word.) Congratulations on your current success, and I'm looking forward to reading about all your future ones.

Jude

[Lose2Win]

MisterE, you are now officially one of my heroes! :) :thup:

We're all here as brethren warriors of the weight loss battles. If anyone from the outside looked into our lives, they'd see plenty of scars and anguish, and remorse for the harsh road our body size has taken us down. And while we have this very public problem to deal with, I've no doubt that among us there are plenty of other difficult issues that we must handle every day. Making this kind of lifestyle change amid all the other stressful things we have to face is often a daunting task and sometimes an overwhelming challenge. Still, we've chosen to stand firm and face this struggle to take back our lives one more time - one day at a time, one meal at a time, one lb at a time. So why you may have lost 50 pounds MisterE, what you've done that's even more awe-inspiring to me is that you stayed your ground and fought 50-fold, hard-won battles.

We all realize now that the benefits of this particular WOE are many, and the possibilities are endless and that's a wonderful realization for folks who have been cut off from so many opportunites in our lifetimes. But these benefits and possibilities can only be realized if you stay the course with the LC WOE, and follow it as a WOL. So while you're there humbly praising what this WOE has done for you MisterE, I'm sitting here blubbering like a baby about this miracle you've created for yourself. The LC WOE is a wonderful tool, but only if it gets used. You took a chance and tried it, and when it seemed doable, you stuck with it and made it work as a WOL. While my hat is off to dear departed Dr. Atkins for being a pioneer through all the years of controversy and mudslinging he had to endure, I am totally in awe of everyday miracles like you MisterE - for having the guts and determination to make it this far. I am just so inspired! :cheer:

[tina-mich]

MisterE, What a great four month story. It was such an inspiration for me. I am so happy for you. Just being able to walk again that is worth it all. Keep up the great work I keep checking how you are doing. You are such an inspiration. The very best to you Tina

[luddybell]

WOWZERS your post just ripped at my heartstrings :) you are doing sooo great!!! we are all so proud of you here :)

::big hugs::

Misty

[MisterE]

Wow! Never imagined this kind of response but am glad to see all the smiling faces!

Because I am closer to senility than puberty I had no idea the post could bring a tear much less tears. I wrote it happy as a Disney Movie on Steroids! I am deleriously happy! (No tears now...) I CAN breathe and TODAY I try my 1st walk around the block. Again, for most, if not ALL, this may not be such a big deal. Coming from a fella that could not check the mail due to inability to walk the distance to the mailbox it is a pretty big deal. The biggest.

So...no tears. Smiles from earlobes to nostrils.

I hope this may help a person who has lost faith and health find both. Funny thing about this way of eating: it works when you work it and working it is no work at all.

My best wishes to each and every one to find their greatest health.

Pssst! Keep this little secret under your hat: if I DO make it around the block all the way today that friggin' lard lizard had better stay the hell out of my way as there will be no stopping me from now on. And the lovely whoosh fairie had better put her dancin' shoes on as she will have a date tonight!

[becaboos]

Wow.. I just stumbled across this post today and I must say it is so encouraging.
I have been on Atkins twice.. the first time was after I lost from 294 to 250 starving myself 3 years ago. I gained back up to 279 after a breakup with my boyfriend and comfort eating. I restarted this WOL April of 2003.
Looking back ....
I remember how much my ankles and knees would ache from the weight on my legs.
I remember 8 years ago when I hit 300 pounds how dificult it was to walk a mile. How out of breath it was. I lived that way for 3 years.
I know I never want to go back to that again.
The other day someone made the comment.. I could never go without my sweet tea.. or break, or potatoes. My comment back was .. I can never go back to eating them. The price is far too great. I want to live my life to the fullest. To be an example to my kids so that they do not grow up to have the humiliation and depression associated with obesity.
You are an inspiration to me. I know that this WOL is healthy for me. It makes me feel good emotionally, not so much because of the weight loss.. I am sure that helps. But I FEEL good. I have energy and a desire to keep going. I will do this forever because life it too short to spend it cowering behind closed doors because I am too heavy to do anything.
Way to go!! you are Awesome!!

[tanico2]

Way to go! I am in total agreement with you about this WOL being a Lifesaver. I
am starting to do things that I never expected I could do again. Every week I feel more like a normal human being. I am also seeing myself as part of society again, instead of an outcast. This Forum has been my saving grace in my fight to regain my life. Good luck in your quest and I am sure you will meet your goals!


Doug

[MisterE]

The walk around the block will have to happen in the AM. Maybe before weigh-in? We'll see. The "catch" in my get-along decided to give me fits today. But, as Scarlett (should have) said so eloquently, "Tomorrow is another day, ya'll!" She was supposed to be southern and from the very area in which I live! Ya'll. The "Tara" town is maybe 8 miles west of me, Jonesboro. Nice place to raise possums.

[mudknife]

Hi MisterE, your positive attitude is an inspiration to us all! I do not write this post to steal your thunder, but to encourage you to keep going. I would like to humbly say to you that I know how you feel. I developed osteoarthritis in both hips at an early age, (late 30's) and just a few years ago had both hips replaced. Just before my first replacement, I could not walk because the pain was just too much. On good days I walked with 2 canes. On bad days I could not get out of bed. While my weight went up to 345, not as high as yours, the despair was all too real.


Everyday when I go for walks now, I look up to the sky and thank God. I will never forget what it was like.

You hang in there and miracles will happen to you. Thank you for your post.

[mikemcginn]

Mr. E your doing GREAT!

[MisterE]

Thanks, All!
I got my walk around the block. 1ST TIME IN YEARS! I feel great. Now if I can move in the morning it will be a great success!

[BelmontLil]

Congrats MisterE, you have earned every step of your success.

:-)

[MisterE]

Instead of starting a new thread and boring everyone to tears, I thought I would just ammend this now that I have passed 5 months!
In losing...what are the top ten things I have I gained?
10. 55 pounds down and gone for good! (For MY good!)
9. Sleep apnea fixed. (Amen!)
8. No problem walking up to a 1/3 mile where I could not walk 100 feet when I started. (I have walked a mile at my favorite gardens but that does not count as it is 2/3's downhill!) Hell, I can jog 100 yards now where I could not walk 100 feet before I started!
7. No longer does tummy touch the steering wheel and make driving hazardous. IN FACT: I have put the steering wheel down a notch! Seat belt fits loosely...and not so tight it hurt and left marks!
6. I can breathe so much better. And move better. Small exertions no longer leave me gasping for breath! I am much better at work around the house (don't tell the wife).
5. My eating is healthy and completely under MY control.
4. My mood is brighter! I am not so dark and moody!
3. I can go shopping where I could not make it around the aisles before.
2. Showers are no longer 2 or 3 step events where I would have to rest while showering due to being out of breath and the strain of merely washing.
1. And... Mr. Letterman pass that envelope, please! ...the top good thing that has happened to me is...A TIE:
1A: I actually live again! I feel 30 years younger than I am. I am "spunky". I know what being alive is FOR. I celebrate every single day! (I would stay far away if I keep getting better every day...another 100 pounds and I will terrorize all those not living with the knowledge of how precious LIFE is by my perpetual thanks-giving!!!)
1B: And last but not least: the dozens of new friends I have met in here. All dear. All cherished.

Not bad for a flippin' diet, huh?

[AZDean]

Not bad for a flippin' diet, huh?
WOW!! You got that one right Mister E!! Way to go! And I love the part about the "perpetual thanks-giving"! Sounds like a really, really great attitude!

Thanks for sharing!

[Ellen-mom]

Wow MisterE, I was feeling a little down about my weight today, but you have really given me new incentive. I have kind of slipped a little, had a party sunday and it was potluck, everyone brought something, and most of them left the leftovers....

I think I am going to clean out the fridge tonight while Skipp is at work and boil me some eggs. LOL

[mudknife]

Waaaaaaaaaa...sniff....sniff.....

[carichie]

Oh MisterE....you inspire.

Congratulations to you on your accomplishments. I bet your family celebrates each and every milestone of a healthier YOU!!

Thank you for sharing

---Cathy

[Lose2Win]

Any time I need inspiration, this is where I come. When I read stories like this one, I know I just can't give up. :heart:

[b4ugo]

MisterE,:)

Wow, talking about inspiring someone you sure did me. :yay:I have a lung problem (COPD) and all this extra pounds that I have on me is sure not helping me to breathe any better. I sure know what you mean when you say you couldn't walk 100 ft without resting. I am that way, but I have been on the Atkins diet for 3.5 weeks and have lost 9 lbs. Some people may say that 9 lbs would not make a difference with a persons breathing but it sure does mine. I was able to get on the treadmill yesterday and walk for 13 minutes before I had to quit. :yay:

I was so suicidal before I started this diet but now I am better and don't think about such things as that anymore. :cry:When I get down anymore I come to the TDC pages and read someones journal and I get inspired to continue on.

Thank you, thank you, thank you! for your Testimony of how much better you are feeling and doing. God Bless You!! I will just have to keep you for my buddy!!:)

[mikemcginn]

---------------------

Instead of starting a new thread and boring everyone to tears, I thought I would just ammend this now that I have passed 5 months!
In losing...what are the top ten things I have I gained?
10. 55 pounds down and gone for good! (For MY good!)
9. Sleep apnea fixed. (Amen!)
8. No problem walking up to a 1/3 mile where I could not walk 100 feet when I started. (I have walked a mile at my favorite gardens but that does not count as it is 2/3's downhill!) Hell, I can jog 100 yards now where I could not walk 100 feet before I started!
7. No longer does tummy touch the steering wheel and make driving hazardous. IN FACT: I have put the steering wheel down a notch! Seat belt fits loosely...and not so tight it hurt and left marks!
6. I can breathe so much better. And move better. Small exertions no longer leave me gasping for breath! I am much better at work around the house (don't tell the wife).
5. My eating is healthy and completely under MY control.
4. My mood is brighter! I am not so dark and moody!
3. I can go shopping where I could not make it around the aisles before.
2. Showers are no longer 2 or 3 step events where I would have to rest while showering due to being out of breath and the strain of merely washing.
1. And... Mr. Letterman pass that envelope, please! ...the top good thing that has happened to me is...A TIE:
1A: I actually live again! I feel 30 years younger than I am. I am "spunky". I know what being alive is FOR. I celebrate every single day! (I would stay far away if I keep getting better every day...another 100 pounds and I will terrorize all those not living with the knowledge of how precious LIFE is by my perpetual thanks-giving!!!)
1B: And last but not least: the dozens of new friends I have met in here. All dear. All cherished.

Not bad for a flippin' diet, huh?----------------------------

Mr. E.

I am so glad I did not miss your post! You are never going to bore anyone to tear with your positive life GAINS. I read your post this morning and even though I was wanting to just go back to bed, I stayed up and got busy. Thanks!

One question if you don’t mind. I have sleep apnea as well. Did you have another sleep study before discontinuing you cpap? I have dropped 82 pounds but have been continuing the use of the cpap. I guess I am asking if you did not go back to the doctor how one determine when they can stop using the machine?

If I was going to have a list like yours I would have to add:

11. Being able to cross my legs. I know that sounds dumb but I love being able to sit with my legs crossed instead of the fat guy spread. :)

Please keep posting your gains.

[MisterE]

Thank you all for the kind words. Gotta tell you it is 9/10th's the LC WOL that is responsible for any success I claim BUT I WILL claim the other 1/10th! For whichever LC friend told me in the early days: it works IF you work it! I am forever greatful! I have never forgotten those words. On days when it would be easy to fall off the program I remembered...until now where I find the cravings have dissipated and if I feel hungry I eat a LC food. Simple. The hunger goes away. (Cheese and meat are all that curb my cravings...so I use them liberally when hungry!)

Mike: I did not stop anything on my own (untruth...as I stopped my Advantaire (sp?) and other asthma shooter...) BUT I DO NOT SUGGEST ANYONE EVER GO AGAINST DOCOTRS ORDERS. PERIOD. My blood O2 level was in the 80's everytime I went in for a physical over the past 2 years until last time and it was just a little low. Now, I'm certain it is fine. I can breathe. I will go back to docs at year end for blood tests and complete physical.

Still with Mike, just making a new paragraph. I have a (65+ years old) female friend of mine here at work that had sleep apnea and is LCing and off her machine but I have no idea if she did it with or without doctors permission. She has lost maybe 30 pounds. I will check and find out for you. According to her she sleeps fine.

[tulips]

MisterE!
What can I say! Your enthusiasm and well written posts have inspired me from day one. (I joined June 5) I, too, was held captive in the prison I had built for myself. To your credit, I answered the challenge to "get off my butt" and to start walking. It wasn't easy at first...in fact, so painful I'd be in tears but I persevered and am happy to say that I'm up to a mile a day now!!!
If anyone could inspire the doubters it would be you!!!!!!
I'm so happy to see you among the "living."
tulips

[irisda]

What an awesome testiomy MisterE. I come from a good old Southern Baptist Church and I can see the congregation running :yay: in the aisles after hearing a testimony like yours.

It's true MisterE for all the doubters out there..who can't manage to give up those 2-3 glasses of wine..or the couple of pieces of bread with dinner...etc, etc. IT WORKS IF YOU WORK IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[ivorylady1]

Hey Mr E!!!
Today is day 14.I was thinking to myself as I was looking thru this forum "is it even working?"Then I came across your post, my friend.THANK YOU!!
You would not believe me if I told you that your words you typed in Atlanta made it all the way to So.Cali and picked my spirits up. BECAUSE OF YOUR POST I will hold my head higher and keep on going.It's true that the last 2 days I have felt more energetic and a spring in my step.Some dresses are still snug around the middle but the jeans which are fresh out of the hot dryer are a touch LOOSER!!Thank you Mr E!!
Cathy